(Pictured from left to right, Timothy Williams,
Barbara Gomes. Clarice Sabree-Sylla and John Korp)
Ewing, NJ, October 19, 2005. Timothy Williams, Community Outreach Manager for Elizabethtown Gas presented NJ SHARES with a $20,000 check for the organization to provide energy assistance grants in New Jersey. According to the Energy Information Administration, natural gas bills are expected to be 48 percent higher than last year due in part to the interruption of production in the Gulf Coast. This coupled with the already projected increase in natural gas and electric prices spells crisis for New Jersey’s middle and fixed income residents.
Elizabethtown Gas hosted two Energy Assistance meetings this month to educate the community leaders on the crisis facing New Jersey residents and on the organizations that may be able to provide solutions for individuals and families in crisis. New Jersey SHARES was recognized as the only energy assistance program available for the middle and fixed income population surviving on income slightly above the federal poverty level in New Jersey.
Jim Jacob, Executive Director of New Jersey SHARES, said, “Elizabethtown Gas’ commitment to the community at this very scary time is a godsend and NJ SHARES will use the generous grant to keep New Jersey residents warm this winter. Although we are grateful, NJ SHARES is will need more funding to meet the need this winter”.
NJ SHARES helps households who do not qualify for programs based on the federal poverty level get through a temporary financial hardship that may have resulted from a job
loss, an illness or other misfortune. Each client fills out an application with the assistance of a local community-based organization. Eligibility is determined by the NJ SHARES staff based on individual need. New Jersey SHARES grants are distributed year-round. To donate or apply for the NJ SHARES program, please call our toll free number (1-866-657-4273) or visit the NJ SHARES website at www.njshares.org.
New Jersey SHARES is a statewide, non-profit 501(c) (3) organization which provides grants to pay the utility bills of households in need through a statewide network of 75 community-based social service agencies. The New Jersey SHARES Board consists of New Jersey’s seven natural gas and electric utilities (Atlantic City Electric, Elizabethtown Gas, Jersey Central Power and Light, New Jersey Natural Gas, Rockland Electric, South Jersey Gas and Public Service Electric & Gas), six non-profit agencies (AARP, the Salvation Army, Association for Children of New Jersey, New Jersey Community Action Agencies, Catholic Charities and the Community Health Law Project), and three at-large members Verizon, PNC Bank, and Mr. Michael Swayze.
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