Province Partners with The Salvation Army to Help Low-Income Nova Scotians

Low-income Nova Scotians facing a cold winter will be able to seek help from the Good Neighbour Energy Fund administered by The Salvation Army.

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister Mark Furey announced today, Nov. 27, that the province will make a contribution of $400,000 to support the fund for 2014.

"The Good Neighbour Energy Fund provides direct emergency assistance to more than two thousand low-income individuals and families that may otherwise not be able to pay for home heating fuels or electric heat," said Mr. Furey. "Every Nova Scotian deserves to have a home that is safe and warm this winter. We are pleased to partner with The Salvation Army to bring heating help to those who need it most."

The Good Neighbour Energy Fund works with energy suppliers to provide firewood, home heating oil, coal, propane and electric heat to Nova Scotians in need. The benefit is paid as a credit that is provided directly to the energy supplier on behalf of the person receiving it.

Last winter, 2,604 households received assistance through the fund. The government of Nova Scotia has provided significant assistance to the program every year since 2008.

"For the seventh consecutive year the province will help keep Nova Scotians warm with their announcement of $400,000 to support the Good Neighbour Energy Fund," said Maj. Alison Cowling, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army's Maritime Division. "This donation will assist families facing emergency heating situations this winter season. We are grateful for our partnership with the government and thank them for giving hope to families in need."

The Good Neighbour Energy Fund has been keeping Nova Scotians warm since 1997. Begun as an initiative of Nova Scotia Power employees, it is available to low-income families facing an emergency heating situation. Application forms will be available in mid-January at Salvation Army churches, thrift stores and website, www.salvationarmy.ca/maritime/gnef/, and offices of members of the legislature.

People can contribute to the Good Neighbour Energy Fund by visiting www.nspower.ca/en/home/community/investment/neighbourprogram.