BANGOR — Versant Power has made a $20,000 donation to Penquis’ heating assistance program that helps heat Maine families’ homes this winter.
Penquis’ Home Energy Assistance Program helps income-eligible homeowners and renters in Knox, Penobscot and Piscataquis counties pay a portion of their annual heating expenses. The program provides a one-time-per-season direct payment to heat vendors for homes heated with oil, kerosene, wood, propane, natural gas, electricity, or other fuels. To help families who do not qualify for HEAP or who have an urgent need that cannot be addressed through HEAP, Penquis has the Good Neighbor Fund. This fund is entirely funded by donations.
“We are very thankful for this generous donation. Many individuals and families struggle with heating costs throughout the winter season. This donation will help with those heating expenses, keeping older adults, children and families in our communities warm during the long winter months, said Penquis CEO Kara Hay.
Last year 10,286 households were served through Penquis HEAP and 971 households through the Good Neighbor Fund.
“HEAP has a tremendous impact in our community and helps families when they need it most,” said Versant President John Flynn. “Versant Power is happy to contribute to Penquis’ heating assistance fund to keep more homes warm this winter.”
If you would like to donate to the Good Neighbor Fund and help warm more homes and hearts this heating season, please go to Penquis’ website at www.penquis.org, click the donate box and select Heat a Home. If you would like to send a check, please put GNF or Good Neighbor Fund in the memo.
Penquis is a nonprofit organization incorporated in 1967 to assist individuals and families in preventing, reducing, or eliminating poverty in their lives and, through partnerships, to engage the community in addressing economic and social needs. Through its programs and subsidiaries, Penquis affects all of Maine’s 16 counties, but primarily individuals in Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Knox counties.
