A Warmer Winter with National Grid Foundation

This past winter, Brooklyn Org partnered with the National Grid Foundation to ensure longtime Brooklyn homeowners didn’t have to choose between warmth and financial security. As part of a broader $2 million initiative from the National Grid Foundation, Brooklyn Org distributed $112,500 in funding for emergency heating assistance through five trusted community-based partners: Bridge Street Development Corporation, Brooklyn Level Up, Flatbush Development Corporation, Grow Brooklyn, and IMPACCT Brooklyn.

Together, these partners delivered direct support to hundreds of residents across Central and East Brooklyn in recent months, particularly older homeowners, multigenerational families, and neighbors navigating mounting utility debt.

“This generous support came at a crucial time when many Brooklyn families were struggling with rising utility costs,” said Dr. Jocelynne Rainey, President and CEO of Brooklyn Org. “By providing emergency heating assistance, we helped ensure our neighbors maintained safe and warm homes during the coldest months of the year.”

Each organization tailored its outreach and distribution model to reflect the unique needs of its community, as Allyson Martinez, Executive Director of Brooklyn Level Up, Makeela Brathwaite, Executive Director of Grow Brooklyn, and Robin Redmond, Executive Director of Flatbush Development Corporation, shared with us:

Brooklyn Level Up reached 80 senior homeowners in East Flatbush, providing $250 to each person based on nominations from block associations, churches, community board leaders, and long-standing local activists.

“Some of the seniors had zero dollars in their bank account when the money came,” said Allyson Martinez, Executive Director of Brooklyn Level Up.

“After overcoming the disbelief that they were actually being given something with no strings, that was not a scam targeting seniors, they were very grateful for the breathing room that the funds provided.”

Grow Brooklyn developed a secure online application, verified documents, and paid each recipient’s bill directly to National Grid using corporate funds.

“This approach helped ensure that emergency funds reached real Brooklynites, many of whom are senior homeowners or heads of household barely making ends meet,” shared Makeela Brathwaite, Executive Director of Grow Brooklyn.

“Thanks to this partnership, 30 Brooklynites received critical assistance to stay warm.”

Flatbush Development Corporation (FDC) supported households facing serious arrears, helping several residents access additional City resources while providing a financial buffer.

“It is heartbreaking to meet seniors who are thinking of selling their homes because they just can’t afford them anymore. These funds have been quite the eye-opener,” said Robin Redmond, FDC’s Executive Director.

This effort would not have been possible without the National Grid Foundation’s leadership and generosity.

As their Board Chair Eileen Cohen shared, “Giving people the tools they need to build hope is an essential ingredient in the development of individuals, families, and stronger communities.”

To learn more about how Brooklyn Org partners with neighbors, nonprofits, and institutions to support Brooklynites year-round, visit brooklyn.org/partners.