$300,000 grant to help with energy bills
RENSSELAER — National Grid Foundation presented a $300,000 grant Thursday to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany toward supporting people struggling to pay their home energy bills.
The presentation took place at CONSERNS-U, Catholic Charities’ outreach center in Rensselaer. The grant helps families to pay their energy bills through Catholic Charities’ Emergency Energy Assistance Fund, which supports residents in 14 upstate counties, many affected by the inflated costs of groceries, gas and home energy.
They anticipate that the fund will serve 1,000 people in 450 homes in 2023.
In 2021, Catholic Charities provided 337 households in the diocese with utility assistance. In 2022, that number increased nearly 60 percent, with 531 homes receiving help. The organization said it anticipates the need will remain high as cost of living continues to burden residents.
Jenn Hyde, executive director of
Catholic Charities Tri-county Services, gave an example of how the fund assisted a woman named Laura, who said she spoke with Catholic Charities about a National Grid disconnection notice she received.
Laura, who is unable to work due to health issues, said she was so grateful and thankful for the organization’s support and willingness to help her.
Community members who would like to make a donation to the Emergency Energy Assistance Fund can go to www.ccrcda.org, noting “Energy Assistance” in the comments, or by texting “Helpheatnow” to 41444.
All community donations will provide financial assistance for heating and utility emergencies for area residents.