The HEAT Fund offers comfort and warmth for Nova Scotians in need

For over 20 years, the Home Energy Assistance Top-up (HEAT) Fund, formerly the Good Neighbour Energy Fund (GNEF), has been helping Nova Scotians with emergency home heating.

Thanks to an on-going partnership with Nova Scotia Power and the Government of Nova Scotia, The Salvation Army has been able to provide heating support to those experiencing heat insecurity. What began in 1997 as a humble but mighty fund of $16,000 has grown into a strong community partnership that helped keep nearly 2,500 households in Nova Scotia warm in 2019. In 2018, Nova Scotia Power contributed $150,000 to the Fund and the province through Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services, contributed $800,000.

“The HEAT Fund allows The Salvation Army to continue its work of providing basic needs to struggling individuals and families across Nova Scotia,” says Major Wade Budgell, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army Maritime Division. “We see first-hand how thousands of people are impacted by the rising costs of living, particularly through the winter months. This program is essential in assisting Nova Scotian households who are facing an emergency home heating situation, and offers a sense of hope and dignity in a time of crisis.”

The HEAT Fund provides emergency assistance for all forms of heating, including propane, oil, fuel, firewood, coal, and electricity. Applicants are invited to apply for the program every 24 months, which runs annually from January 15 to April 30. Click here for more information.

Major Wade says, “The Salvation Army is grateful for the generous support and partnership of Nova Scotia Power and the Government of Nova Scotia who allow us to continue to serve those most in need in our communities.”