Construct Launches 19th Annual Warm Up The Winter Campaign
GREAT BARRINGTON — As winter temperatures drop, Construct is launching its 19th annual Warm Up The Winter campaign to help South Berkshire residents stay safe and warm. The campaign raises funds for emergency fuel and utility assistance, as well as short-term motel stays for those without housing during extreme cold.
Construct, an affordable housing nonprofit based in South Berkshire County, provides affordable housing and services to 17 towns, including transitional housing, housing navigation, and assistance with rent, fuel, and/or utilities. In response to the growing need for fuel and utility support, Construct continues to host its annual Warm Up The Winter event to raise funds for local South County neighbors.
“Winter puts real pressure on household budgets, and federal fuel assistance has failed to keep up with rising costs, leaving many households without enough help to get through the season,” said Executive Director Joey Lindstrom. “South Berkshire households are forced to choose between heat, food, rent and prescription medicine. No one should face that choice.”
The Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps residents pay winter heating and utility bills. This year, funds were delayed by the lengthy federal government shutdown, slowing distribution and leaving families waiting for help as cold weather arrived.
Federal energy assistance funds are now available but cannot meet increasing needs. High fuel costs mean less help or longer waits for many households. Additionally, many fuel assistance programs in Berkshire County are less widely available due to tighter eligibility requirements. Households must earn no more than 60 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) to qualify. Construct fills a gap by assisting households earning up to 100% of AMI. As a result, the organization receives requests from a wide range of working residents, including educators, hospitality workers, retail and restaurant staff, and nonprofit employees.
“These folks are essential workers here and contribute to the community,” Lindstrom said. “When winter hits, too many are one unexpected expense away from losing heat, particularly households in homes heated with oil, propane, or wood. Unlike gas and electric utilities, which have winter shutoff protections, families who heat with other fuels can lose heat immediately if they can’t afford delivery. When the fuel runs out, the heat is gone.”
Warm Up The Winter, launching January 15, will culminate in a March 5 benefit concert at Barrington Hall in Great Barrington. This year’s event, themed “The Family that Plays Together ROCKS!” includes musical guest Wanda Houston along with: Luke and Brian Franco, Carrie Wilson & Son, Bill Chapman Trio, Jackson Whalan and Family, Jackson DuCharme, and Gina Coleman and Diego Mong. Additional special guests to be announced.
Contributions can be made at constructberkshires.org, by phone to (413) 528-1985, or by check payable to Construct, 316A State Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
Construct is a 501(c)3 nonprofit; contributions to the campaign are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.
Sponsors for Warm Up The Winter include Legacy Presenting Sponsor, The Schnesel Family Fund, Greylock Federal Credit Union, The Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Berkshires, Judy and Alan Marash, NBT Bank, Richard Glaser, Carol Smokler, Adams Bank, The Gilson Family Foundation, The First Congregational Church of Great Barrington, Considine Arnold & Schopp LLP, and Roger and Barbara Manring.