For decades, the standard response to harsh New England winters was simple and direct: “If you need help staying warm over the winter, give me a call.” That standing promise, made famous by former Congressman Joe Kennedy II, provided a critical lifeline to thousands of families forced to choose between heating their homes and putting food on the table.
Today, as heating oil prices surge and basic living expenses continue to mount, that legacy of community support enters a vital new chapter.
We are proud to team up with Joe Kennedy III and Citizens Energy Corporation
to launch the Emergency Winter Warmth Fund—a public-private partnership dedicated to ensuring low- and middle-income families across Massachusetts stay safe and warm through the coldest months of the year.
Expanding the Safety Net
Rising energy costs affect everyone, reaching well beyond low-income households into middle-class families who may have never needed energy assistance before. The Emergency Winter Warmth Fund is designed to close that gap, expanding traditional relief so that middle-income households heating with oil also receive essential assistance.
In partnership with local administering agencies and statewide networks, contributions to the fund go directly toward relieving burdensome fuel costs ($2,500 to $4,000 per household on average) for those facing extraordinary financial pressures this winter.
No One Left Out in the Cold
Energy assistance is more than just paying a utility bill—it is a fundamental issue of health, security, and human dignity. By pairing public investment with private, tax-deductible contributions, the fund maximizes immediate impact using an established community network so help reaches homes without delay.
Because no one should be left out in the cold.
How You Can Help or Get Support
- Need Heating Help? Local administering agencies across Massachusetts are ready to help you apply and verify eligibility.
- Want to Contribute? Corporate and private donations build directly on existing relief efforts to reach more families.
To learn more about receiving assistance or contributing to the fund, visit Citizens Energy’s Emergency Winter Warmth Fund
.
