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community heating fund

Our community heating fund alleviates hardship caused by heating emergencies.  The Red Cross/RG&E Heating Fund, administered by the American Red Cross Greater Rochester Chapter, is an emergency energy assistance program which specifically targets those who are not eligible for government assistance programs, such as HEAP. The Red Cross/RG&E Heating Fund is supported by contributions from RG&E customers, shareholders, employees and the community, and provides grants to eligible applicants during the heating season or until funds are exhausted.

 

Heating Fund Facts

  • Applications are accepted for one-time emergency grants beginning in January of each year. Grants are available to eligible applicants through May 31 or until the funds are exhausted.
  • Applicants to the Red Cross/RG&E Heating Fund must not be eligible for any government assistance, such as the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) or Department of Social Services (DSS) aid.
  • Applicants must have a heating shutoff notice in order to qualify. The program is designed to provide one-time emergency assistance to families or individuals who are having difficulty paying a heating bill.
  • Applicants must live in the nine-county RG&E service territory.
  • Applicants do not have to be RG&E customers.
  • There must be a heating emergency, such as the lack of fuel oil, wood, or propane, a potential discontinuation of gas or electric service or other hardship (e.g. medical). A shut off or termination of service notice is required.
  • For more information on eligibility guidelines, contact your local chapter of the American Red Cross during the cold weather season. In Rochester, call 585.241.4474.


Three Ways You Can Give:

  1. Through Automatic Giving, have RG&E add a whole dollar amount to your future RG&E bills.
  2. Add exactly $1, $2 or $5 to your next RG&E bill payment. We will forward the money to the American Red Cross.
  3. Send a check payable to Red Cross/RG&E Heating Fund to:

Red Cross/RG&E Heating Fund
American Red Cross
Greater Rochester Chapter
50 Prince Street
Rochester, NY 14607