BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF MASSACHUSETTS PROVIDES $300,000 IN HEATING ASSISTANCE FUNDS

Company provides emergency funding to combat impact of high fuel costs

BOSTON, Jan. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts ("Blue Cross") is providing $300,000 to support heating assistance across Massachusetts – especially critical as temperatures are expected to drop below zero late this week. The funds will be distributed to more than 20 not-for-profit organizations that provide fuel assistance to low-income families across the state.

The Blue Cross grants will bolster local safety nets for communities during a winter when home heating costs are projected to be significantly higher for all heating fuel sources. The organizations being supported by these grants provide direct cash to families and individuals, including those who may not be eligible for federal and state energy funds.

"Access to safe home heating is essential for good health," said Jeff Bellows, vice president of corporate citizenship and public affairs at Blue Cross. "We're proud to support not-for-profits across the state and their work to ensure the health and safety of families and individuals this winter."

"This winter, higher gas and heating costs are adding an additional burden and stress for families and individuals," says Rick Doane, executive director of Interfaith Social Services. "Blue Cross is stepping up to help us support those in need, ensuring they can safely heat their homes without sacrificing essentials like food or medicine."

Blue Cross winter grant recipients:

ORGANIZATION	COMMUNITY SERVED
Action for Boston Community Development	Boston
Berkshire Community Action Opportunity Council	Berkshires/Western MA
BGC Holyoke	Holyoke/Western MA
Citizens for Citizens	Fall River
Community Action Pioneer Valley	Pioneer Valley
Community Teamwork	North Shore
East Boston Social Centers	Boston
Heading Home	Boston/Cambridge/Somerville
I nterfaith Social Services │Homesafe	South Shore/Quincy
Old Colony YMCA	South Shore/Brockton
People Acting in Community Endeavors	New Bedford
Pine Street Inn	Boston
Salvation Army │ Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund	State-wide
Self-Help, Inc.	Brockton
South Shore Community Action Council	South Shore
Springfield Partners for Community Action	Springfield
St. Francis House	Boston
The Boston Foundation │ Food, Fuel & Shelter Fund	Boston
West End House	Brighton
Worcester Community Action Council	Worcester

About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts:
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (bluecrossma.org) is a community-focused, tax-paying, not-for-profit health plan headquartered in Boston. We are committed to the relentless pursuit of quality, affordable and equitable health care with an unparalleled consumer experience. Consistent with our promise to always put our members first, we are rated among the nation's best health plans for member satisfaction and quality. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

For further information: Kelsey Pearse, kelsey.pearse@bcbsma.com