Good Neighbour home-heating fund for low-income families gets government boost

With winter in full swing, people are cranking up their thermostats to keep their toes warm at home.

Those who may need a little help heating their homes this winter are going to get a boost from the Nova Scotia government.

In a news release sent out Thursday, the government says they are contributing to the Good Neighbour Energy Fund again this year.

The Good Neighbour fund is administered by the Salvation Army, and gives financial assistance to low-income families to heat their homes in emergency situations.

The program has been in operation since 2008. Last winter, 1,757 homes were given help from the home.

The government contribution amounts to $800,000, which it says will be paid out in two separate installments depending on the need.

“The Salvation Army’s excellent work administering the fund speaks to their reputation for caring for those in need. The government of Nova Scotia is pleased to support this essential and important work,” said Service Minister Mark Furey.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "The Salvation Army's excellent work administering the fund speaks to their reputation for caring for those in need. The government of Nova Scotia is pleased to support this essential and important work," said Service Minister Mark Furey.

To get the financial assistance, applicants can’t have received funding from Good Neighbour within the past two years, which is down from three years to help the Salvation Army provide for more families.

Nova Scotians can also apply for the Heating Assistance Rebate Program which will give $200 toward the cost of heating their homes. For information on that, visit homeheatinghelp.ca.