United Way Helps KFL&A Residents Keep Warm This Winter

For Immediate Release
February 4, 2011 –

United Way Helps KFL&A Residents Keep Warm This Winter
Winter Warmth Program Brings Emergency Heating Relief to Low-Income Families for Sixth Straight Year

For the sixth straight year, United Way is teaming up with utilities providers to ensure that low-income residents in Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington will keep warm this winter.

Since 2005, hundreds of families and individuals in KFL&A have received one-time financial assistance to keep the heat on when they need it most, through the annual Winter Warmth program, a partnership between Union Gas and United Ways across the province.

Last year alone, more than 130 households in our region received assistance through the United Way Winter Warmth Program, providing help to over 370 individuals throughout KFL&A.

Emergency relief grants of up to $500 – a $50 increase over last year – are available for eligible clients. Union Gas has contributed $20,000 to assist low-income households in KFL&A struggling to pay their natural gas bills.  As in past years, United Way has matched this amount with an addition $20,000 to assist those who, due to reduced income or personal difficulties, are in arrears or at risk of going into arrears on their utility bill after exhausting all other sources of financial support.  For the first time, the Winter Warmth Program will be available year round.

The Winter Warmth Program is part of the local United Way’s commitment to respond to seasonal needs within the community.  “The winter months can be especially difficult for low income families,” says United Way Board Chair Marina Lee.  “We are very pleased to administer this program for the sixth year, and partner with community-based agencies that have the expertise to deliver this crucial service to those in need and may not otherwise be able to keep the heat on.”

Families and individuals needing financial assistance with their heating bills can learn more by contacting a community agency working with United Way to distribute the Winter Warmth funds:

• Kingston Residents: Kingston Community Health Centres, 613-542-2949
• Frontenac CountyResidents: Southern Frontenac Community Services,  613-376-6477
• Lennox & Addington Residents: Salvation Army, Napanee, 613-354-7633

Established in 1941, United Way serving KFL&A has worked to strengthen lives by bringing together the financial resources of the community – business, labour, individuals and government – in support of a network of 51 social service and health agencies. Through these agencies and there programs, people found help and in many cases, opportunity for a better life. Over 74,000 people in KFL&A received help from a United Way funded service last year.

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Media Contact:
Bhavana Varma
President & CEO
United Way serving KFL&A
613-542-2674 ext. 2
bvarma@unitedwaykfla.ca