Bishop Tobin Announces 2nd Annual ‘Keep the Heat On’ Campaign
Despite Forecast of Mild Winter, Higher Heating and Housing Costs Create Additional Financial Challenges for Families
Over $185,000 Made Available Last Year to Help Struggling Families ‘Keep the Heat On’
(Providence, R.I.)-One year to the day the first ‘Keep the Heat On’ challenge was launched, The Most Rev. Thomas J. Tobin, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence, today announced that the diocese will again spearhead this program that provides heating assistance for struggling individuals and families who have exhausted all other public and private means. The Bishop made the announcement in Providence where he presented a check to Micheletti Oil Company, who delivered oil to a local family.
“No Rhode Island family should be forced to endure frigid temperatures in their own home,” said Bishop Tobin. “Through ‘Keep the Heat On’, the Church will strive to help those facing financial difficulties keep their homes and families warm during the winter months. I pray that the Rhode Island community will again support this worthy effort to help those in need keep the heat on this winter.”
The ‘Keep the Heat On’ Fund is supported by generous donors and is matched – dollar for dollar – up to $75,000 per year, by the diocese. Last year, over 500 generous donors contributed $110,736.38 to the fund, surpassing the $75,000 goal. Combined with the diocesan matching grant, a total of $185,736.38 was made available to assist struggling Rhode Islanders with their heating needs.
“The diocese and families who were assisted last year are really grateful for the generosity of those who supported the ‘Keep the Heat On’ Challenge,” said Bishop Tobin. “Many families still face great financial challenges with the skyrocketing cost of housing coupled with higher than usual heating costs. ‘Keep the Heat On’ is but one way we can help our neighbors in need.”
Those who would like to make a donation to this fund may send a check, noting ‘Keep the Heat On’, made payable to the Interfaith Dire Emergency Fund and mailed to 184 Broad Street, Providence, Rhode Island, or visit www.heatri.com and use the secure web server for credit card donations. The web site also provides information about the program and how to receive assistance.
The Gregorian Concert Choir and Orchestra will perform a concert at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul entitled ‘Sounds of the Season’, featuring the music of Advent and Christmas on Sunday, December 3 at 3:00PM. Tickets are available for $10 and proceeds will benefit the ‘Keep the Heat On’ Fund. For more information, please call 401/331-2434.
The Interfaith Dire Emergency Fund was established in 1978 by the Interfaith Leadership to assist those who have exhausted all other means of heating assistance including federal, state, and private. Responding to skyrocketing heating costs last year, Bishop Tobin renamed the effort ‘Keep the Heat On’, adding a diocesan matching grant. The Dire Emergency Fund is administered by the diocesan Office of Community Services and Advocacy and assists those in need throughout the state.