Unitil Corporation, (unitil.com), a provider of natural gas and electricity to customers in New England, has announced the next phase of their community giving, totaling over $75,000, as part of ongoing efforts to provide customers and community members with COVID-19 assistance.
This second phase includes donations of approximately $25,000 to United Way COVID-19 related relief funds, $25,000 to agencies battling food insecurity, homelessness, mental health and substance abuse, and $25,000 in additional support directly from employees and Board members of Unitil’s own customer assistance “U- CARE” Fund, which is being administrated by local cap agencies.
The 15 local agencies identified in addition to the United Way include the following:
- NH Seacoast Region: NAMI – Seacoast, Gather NH, SOS Recovery Organization, and the Homeless Center for Strafford County
- NH Capital Region: NAMI – NH, The Friendly Kitchen, Hope for NH Recovery, and the Concord Coalition to End Homelessness
- Maine: NAMI – Portland, Cooking for Community, Maine Behavioral Health Foundation, and Preble Street
- Massachusetts: NAMI – North Central MA, Community Harvest, LUK Inc., and the Montachusett Opportunity Council.
In addition to these agencies, Unitil has also created a new community grant “#SpreadingKindness” program and seeks nominations from customers for additional non-profit agencies. Five more $1,000 grants will be given out to non-profit agencies across Unitil service territories with the goal to “spread kindness” to those working hard to support local communities during this COVID-19 pandemic. Nomination forms and additional information can be found here and will be accepted via email at community@unitil.com through August 14. Recipients will be announced later this fall.
Everyone at Unitil recognizes the tremendous impact the pandemic has had on many aspects of our daily lives. We know this crisis is far from over, and we will continue to seek ways to give back and support the many customers and communities we serve.
Media Relations Manager, Alec O’Meara
Earlier this spring, Unitil created the Unitil Customer Assistance & Recovery Effort (U-CARE) Fund and donated $150,000 directly to Community Action Programs (CAPs) working locally in Unitil’s service territories to provide utility assistance to residential customers impacted by COVID-19 related job loss or reduced wages.
Thanks to the Phase Two donations from employees and members of the Unitil Board of Directors, the total dollar amount available in the U-CARE Fund has been increased to a total $174,850. Customers are highly encouraged to visit Unitil’s website here to learn more about the financial assistance policies we have implemented and how to apply for the U-CARE Fund bill assistance.
Altogether, Unitil has now donated more than $250,000 in support of COVID-19 relief efforts and will continue to explore additional opportunities to make meaningful donations.
Unitil’s is committed to working with our customers to help release financial stress where we can; representatives are standing by at 1-888-301-7700. We also encourage customers with financial challenges to also reach out to their local CAP Agency, local United Way, or any of the above organizations for additional assistance information.
