Donate your £400 energy support to families in need, urges United Synagogue
US launches fund to support members struggling to meet surging bills
Jenni Frazer is a freelance journalist
The United Synagogue is launching an unprecedented “energy fund” to help those of its members who are struggling with the cost of living crisis.
The scheme — in the form of cash grants — is to be funded by asking US members who do not need the government’s £400 discount, being applied to all energy bills, to donate that £400 to a family in need.
The US is acutely aware that rising energy costs mean that many Jewish families cannot make ends meet. The energy fund initiative has been devised by the charity’s Chesed department, which believes that there are hundreds of families in need of such direct help.
For more than two-and-a-half years, he charity has already been providing food parcels and household items to families in need, and has long provided bursaries for its Tribe-led camps and Israel tour.
Michelle Minsky, who heads the Chesed department of the US, said: “We’ve never given money out directly before, but these are extraordinary times, with more families in need than ever. If you feel you do not need the £400 that the government is giving to all households this winter, please consider it donating it to a family who is in real difficulty. It’s very simple to donate your discount, just go to www.theus.org.uk/energyfund or call 020 8343 6260”.
The same website and phone number are available to people seeking help, with all information held in strictest confidence. All applications must be received by December 1 2022.
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