Keep the Heat On
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At the home of a North Providence family on October 31, 2005, The Most Rev. Thomas J. Tobin, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence, kicked-off the “Keep the Heat On” challenge as home heating costs reached record highs. In announcing this heating assistance campaign, The Bishop presented the family with a $2,700 check made payable to New England Gas to restore their utility service. The service was disconnected in May when the couple had fallen behind in their payments, both for the past heating season and in making payments for a prior balance.

Bishop Tobin’s challenge to both the diocesan family and others of good will came as a pledge to match dollar for dollar all donations to this fund up to $75,000 thanks to a grant from the Catholic Charity Fund. The Bishop notes that this challenge is not in competition with other energy assistance plans, such as the Good Neighbor Fund but rather the final piece of an established network.


In its first year, ‘Keep the Heat On’ raised $110,736.38 thanks to the generosity of over 520 donors. Combined with a $75,000 Catholic Charities Fund matching grant, over $185,000 was made available to assist over 380 Rhode Island households with no place left to turn with their oil and gas heating needs. The program continues to provide assistance for those with no place left to turn.

Donations are made through the Interfaith Dire Emergency Fund, a program established in 1978 by the Interfaith Leadership to assist those who have exhausted all other means of public and private heating assistance. The Dire Emergency Fund, staffed by the Diocesan Office of Community Services and Advocacy assists those in need throughout the State of Rhode Island.

For more information about Keep the Heat On, please visit the official webpage at www.heatri.com

  • View the 'Keep the Heat On' kick-off photos by clicking on the photo gallery link at the bottom of this page.
  • If you, or someone you know, is in need of heating assistance please visit www.heatri.com or call 401/421-7833 x.107 for additional information.
  • To make a tax-deductible donation to the "Keep the Heat On" Challenge, please send a check, payable to the "Interfaith Community Dire Emergency Fund," 184 Broad St., Providence, R.I. 02903 and note "Keep the Heat On" on the check. You may also log on to www.heatri.com and use the secure Web site for credit card donations or to obtain additional information.