Utility chips in on heat and light

Catholic Charities and National Grid came together last week to announce a new partnership for the benefit of the low-income families in the 14 counties surrounding the Capital Region. 

Thanks to a $25,000 donation from National Grid, Catholic Charities announced the Emergency Energy Fund.

Sister Maureen Joyce, RSM, Betsy O'Haire, and Shannon Kelly of Catholic Charities along with Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, Mayor Jerry Jennings, and Bob Keller of National Grid, held a press conference to announce the donation and the fund.

"In today's environment, it is important for the Catholic Church, government officials, and businesses to come together," said Sister Maureen.

Cold homes
The Energy Fund will help low-income families with home energy assistance throughout all fourteen counties in the area.

"Self-sufficiency is the goal for all those involved," said Sister Maureen.

Bishop Hubbard advocated attention to the human side of the recession. "The current economic crisis is not just one of economics," he said, "but one of family."

With everything from food pantries to living assistance in demand, this is just one step Catholic Charities hopes to take in helping those in need.

Shannon Kelly, Director of Emergency Assistance, told two stories of people struggling to make ends meet. 

One involved a single woman, and the other a married couple with a baby. In both instances, they were struggling to make ends meet financially and contacted Catholic Charities for help. 

Lingering need
Ms. Kelly said they are in better shape now, but still are not totally out of the woods. "I imagine these stories exist throughout all these counties and all our agencies," she said.

Bob Keller, executive director of the National Grid Foundation, spoke also about the need to act as one. "I hope that this serves to bring us closer together." 

Mayor Jennings ended the press conference by assuring Mr. Keller and National Grid that the money was in good hands.

"Catholic Charities has been a true partner with me through my tenure as mayor of this city for many years," he said. "You couldn't give this money to anyone better."

(1/8/09)