The HEAT Fund is Now Available for 2020

by Maritime
Categories: 2020, Events, News Archive
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    For more than twenty years, the Good Neighbour Energy Fund has provided emergency home heating support to keep thousands of vulnerable Nova Scotians warm during the winter months. Now, with a new name and increased funding, the Home Energy Assistance Top-up (HEAT) Fund will provide support for even more households in need across Nova Scotia.

    The Province of Nova Scotia, through Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services, and Nova Scotia Power continue to make the Fund possible for those experiencing heat insecurity. In 2020, Nova Scotia Power is making a commitment to increase its support by $50,000 to continue to meet needs across the province.

    “We know that many Nova Scotians have difficulty making ends meet. In some cases, it’s just in the short term, in others, it’s an ongoing challenge,” says Wayne O’Connor, President and CEO of Nova Scotia Power. “Whatever the situation, everyone deserves a warm, comfortable place to call home.”

    The Salvation Army administers the HEAT Fund, which runs annually from mid January to April 30 with a maximum assistance amount of $400 per applicant. Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services contributes up to $800,000 and Nova Scotia Power now contributes $200,000 to the Fund, resulting in a more than $1 million Fund to provide life-changing support for those in need.

    “The Province is pleased to work with The Salvation Army and Nova Scotia Power to help individuals and families manage their home heating costs in a crisis situation,” says the Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services, Patricia Arab. “The HEAT Fund is a tremendous initiative that has already helped many Nova Scotians during a difficult time.”

    In 2019, a total of 2,450 households received emergency home heating support from the Fund. 

    “What began in 1997 as a humble but mighty fund totaled at $16,000, has grown into a strong partnership enabling The Salvation Army to serve even more Nova Scotian households in a time of crisis,” says Major Wade Budgell, divisional commander. “The HEAT Fund is essential for us to help Nova Scotians across our communities faced with emergency home heating situations.”

    Those who may be struggling with heat insecurity in Nova Scotia are welcome to apply for support from the Fund every 24 months. More Information about the HEAT Fund and the application form can be found at Salvationarmy.ca/Maritime/Heat.