Citizens Bank Foundation donates $50,000 grant to N.H. Community Action Agencies to assist with weatherization measures for low-income households

Funding to support Gov. Lynch’s Stay Warm NH initiative

Manchester, N.H.        (November 24, 2008) - Citizens Bank Foundation today announced that it is donating $50,000 in grant funds to the six New Hampshire Community Action Program agencies to support weatherization measures in homes of low-income residents. This contribution will help supplement Gov. John Lynch’s Stay Warm NH initiative to assist families stay warm and safe throughout the winter.

“Citizens Bank is committed to making a real and lasting difference in the communities we serve,” said Cathleen A. Schmidt, president of Citizens Bank, New Hampshire. “We recognize that many New Hampshire families are struggling to meet the rising costs of basic living expenses. Working with the Community Action agencies and the Governor’s Office of Energy and Planning, we can help families stay warm this winter and assist them in making changes that will provide long-term energy savings for their homes.”

The partnership between Citizens Bank and the state’s Community Action Program agencies comes in response to Governor Lynch’s appeal for support of the Stay Warm NH campaign, anticipating a difficult winter for many in New Hampshire.

 Stay Warm NH is an initiative of Governor Lynch in collaboration with public and private agencies focused on expanding weatherization and heating assistance programs.  Stay Warm NH is being coordinated by the Office of Energy and Planning, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation with the help of dozens of nonprofit organizations and private businesses.

“Many families need help staying warm this winter, and it’s important that we come together to assist them,” said Lynch.  “I want to thank Citizens Bank for this generous donation that will help New Hampshire families and seniors stay warm this winter.”

The Community Action Agencies will utilize these funds to supplement the existing resources for the weatherization program that will result in additional homes being completed as well as a more comprehensive approach to meeting the energy efficiency needs of each client’s home.

“Heating assistance continues to be the No. 1 concern for social service agencies in the state,” said Brian Hoffman, deputy director of the Community Action program in Belknap and Merrimack counties. “This donation from the Citizens Bank Foundation will go a long way in helping us reach those families who are at the greatest risk this season.”

This grant is expected to ensure 25- 50 homes receive proper weatherization measures, with the end result being safer and more energy-efficient affordable housing. The amount of assistance each household receives varies, depending upon the need for repairs, with priority given to activities that address safety issues.

“We are pleased to not only provide needed funds to make this happen, but also to participate in the volunteer effort lead by the Stay Warm NH initiative. Several of our colleagues volunteered on weekends in November to help conduct simple winterizing tasks such as installing door sweeps, adding insulation, moving air conditioners out of windows, and installing storm windows and doors,” said Schmidt.

Citizens Bank also offers reduced rates and below-market discounts to consumers through its Energy Efficiency Loan for homeowners to weatherize their homes in an effort to conserve energy and save money. 

“We recognize that all New Hampshire residents are eager to find ways to lower their energy costs this winter, and we are very pleased to be able to assist those homeowners who are most vulnerable,” said Schmidt.

In addition, the Citizens Bank Foundation also announced last month a $90,000 pledge to help 37 homeless shelters in the state pay their heating bills this winter.

The state offers a special Stay Warm NH Web site (www.staywarmnh.org) providing resources, information and energy-saving tips. There are also several programs that are available to help residents upgrade their homes to make them more energy efficient in cold and hot weather.
 
About the Citizens Bank Foundation

Citizens Bank Foundation is a subsidiary of the Citizens Charitable Foundation, which is a charitable contributions vehicle of Citizens Financial Group, Inc., RBS Citizens, N.A. and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania. The foundation’s support is focused on housing, community development and basic human needs.