As many Staten Islanders grapple with soaring heating bills during the colder months, a new partnership between Catholic Charities of Staten Island and the National Grid Foundation is providing a much-needed lifeline.
As Claire Atalla, CEO of Catholic Charities of Staten Island explained, “The partnership with the National Grid Foundation emerged from a shared commitment to support Staten Island residents facing the burden of high heating costs. Recognizing the growing need for assistance, both organizations collaborated to create a grant program that would directly alleviate the financial strain on individuals and families.”
For many Staten Island households, the rising cost of living, paired with higher-than-ever heating bills, has forced residents into a difficult choice: do they sacrifice essentials like groceries, medicine, or transportation just to stay warm? Many homes are older and lack modern energy-efficient upgrades, resulting in higher energy costs. “Like the rest of the region, Staten Islanders are enduring tough challenges. The rising cost of living, paired with significant heating bills during an especially cold winter, compels residents to choose between affording groceries or maintaining warmth in their homes,” Claire shared.
The situation is especially dire for families with lower incomes. Staten Islanders, already contending with some of the highest electricity rates in the country, are often left to decide which bills they can afford to ignore. Claire added, “Many buildings in Staten Island are older and typically less energy-efficient, resulting in increased heating expenses due to drafts, poor insulation, and outdated heating systems. Furthermore, Staten Island has some of the highest electricity rates in the nation, which makes electric heating even more expensive.”
Catholic Charities of Staten Island, with the support of Catholic Charities of New York, is stepping up to meet this challenge. Claire explained, “Catholic Charities of New York consistently supports us. They provide many of their resources and personnel, and their network is extensive. We collaborate closely to facilitate mutual introductions, share research and statistical data, and guide us through the grant process.” With their help, the new grant program has been designed to specifically assist households whose incomes are below 350% of the Federal Poverty Level and who are struggling to pay their heating bills. The initiative will provide targeted relief, making it easier for families to maintain safe and comfortable living conditions without having to make painful trade-offs.
Claire believes the grant will make a real difference:
We expect this initiative to have a significant impact by reducing the financial burden on Staten Islanders, enabling them to maintain safe and comfortable living conditions throughout the winter.
The launch of this grant program is a significant step forward in helping Staten Islanders stay warm this winter. By combining the resources of both Catholic Charities and the National Grid Foundation, the initiative has the potential to reach a larger number of families in need, reducing stress and improving overall well-being. But this is just one of many efforts aimed at strengthening the safety net for residents. As Claire points out, “Catholic Charities of Staten Island runs many programs to help Staten Islanders in need, including food pantries, case management, and programs for children and the elderly.”
While the grant is a vital resource, it is not the only way the community can help. Catholic Charities encourages local businesses, elected officials, and community members to spread the word about this heating assistance program. “We’re primed to launch this grant and ensure that the funds reach those who genuinely need them and will significantly benefit from our support,” Claire urges. “We encourage everyone to take a moment to visit the website and apply for assistance if you need it—we’re here for you.”
For those in need, applying for assistance is simple. Residents can visit the Catholic Charities of Staten Island website at https://cc-si.org/national-grid-grant/ and submit an application. The Catholic Charities team is ready to help guide them through the process, ensuring that no one is left out in the cold. This partnership is proof that, as Claire states, “no one should be left in the cold,” and the community can come together to offer a warm hand to those who need it most.
