The mission of the Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund is to provide assistance to Rhode Islanders in temporary financial crisis who are not income eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Financial crisis includes the inability to pay for a deliverable fuel and/or electric or gas bill.

The maximum Fund grant is $500, the total of which can be distributed to more than one utility. The Fund grant is given only one time per family per heating season and a recipient cannot receive assistance from both the Fund and LIHEAP. Each Fund recipient's situation will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis because eligibility for a second year is not automatic.

Eligibility guidelines for the Good Neighbor Energy Fund are as follows:

1. You cannot be income eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). You must exceed LIHEAP income guidelines. If you can document that your income exceeds income guidelines by no more than 15 percent you do not need to apply to the local community LIHEAP program. However, if there is some discrepancy or disruption in income, a denial letter may have to be obtained. You can not receive assistance from both funds.

2. You cannot live in subsidized housing. For example, if you pay $35 for rent which includes heat, but not electric, you are not eligible for the Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund.

3. You will need to document your financial crisis and how your income is distributed.

4. You must be a citizen of the United States.

If you are in need of energy assistance and feel you meet these eligibility requirements, please contact The Salvation Army, the administrator of the Good Neighbor Energy Fund, at 386 Broad Street, Providence, RI 02907. Tel: (401) 831-1119 and ask for Sandra Guzman.

If you think you are eligible for LIHEAP Funds, please contact the State of Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources at One Capitol Hill, Providence RI 02908. Tel: (401) 574-9003.