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DOVER, Del. - Chesapeake Utilities' SHARING Fund has distributed over $100,000 in grants to customers facing financial hardship in 2009.
This record amount has doubled the grants given in 2008, and over 400 customers benefited from the SHARING Fund on the Delmarva Peninsula.
"With the ongoing economic situation, high levels of unemployment and the demands of those on fixed incomes increasing, it's important to let those on the Delmarva Peninsula know that help is available to them," said Shane Breakie, President of the Chesapeake Emergency Energy Recipient Program (CHEERP) which manages the SHARING Fund.
SHARING Fund donations are provided by employees, customers, the community and Chesapeake Utilities Corporation to help the elderly, ill and financially strapped during the cold winter months as bills are more costly.
"The employees of Chesapeake Utilities have responded to the needs of the local communities," said Beth Cooper, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Chesapeake Utilities Corporation.
Customers over the age of 60 who live on a fixed income and need assistance are eligible for a $600 grant. SHARING Fund grants totaling $1,000 are available to those recently unemployed who are struggling with mortgage-related problems and to those who are seeking assistance with heating equipment or water heaters.
All customers of Chesapeake Utilities and Sharp Energy living on Delmarva qualify for a SHARING grant.
Applications for the grants are available through Catholic Charities in Delaware at 302-674-4016, Shore-Up in Maryland at 410-749-1142 and on the SHARING website at www.chesapeakesharing.com.