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Date: 3/29/2023
SPRINGFIELD — To assist veterans and their families afford heating and electric bills during the winter months, the United Way of Pioneer Valley has launched a program called Warming Hearts.
Warming Hearts was developed out of necessity, shared United Way of Pioneer Valley Community Outreach Manager Emmanuel Reyes.
As the program is still in its early stages, fundraising is crucial for it to be successful. Without it, Reyes said the local chapter of the United Way does not have sufficient funds to help many individuals. Currently, the organization is seeking support from local agencies, state representatives and other higher ups that can aid in making this a reality, although Reyes is positive it will happen.
To advance this program, the United Way of Pioneer Valley is in a partnership with the Bilingual Veterans Outreach Center. The center’s Executive Director Gumersindo Gomez is “helping to make [this a] success,” said Reyes. “[Gomez] has connections with veterans.”
Reyes explained that the United Way of Pioneer Valley has been in an existing partnership with the Bilingual Veterans Outreach Center, providing food for veterans in need.
He went on to say that electric and heating costs are a challenge that veterans face throughout the winter. “There is so much [the] veterans have sacrificed for our country … the least we can do is [help them],” he shared.
According to Reyes, Gomez said many veterans approach him asking for food, along with expressing the need for assistance with paying for these necessary bills. When returning from the service, Reyes said it can be challenging for veterans who are struggling with mental health and more, but Warming Hearts can lessen that burden.
“[With this] new program, [we] are hoping to fund as much money as possible to help veterans in Springfield and all over the Pioneer Valley,” Reyes said.
Although it would be optimal to start the program now, Reyes said it will begin in December or early 2024. He shared that they are aiming to raise anywhere between $100,000 to $200,000, however, “whatever people can contribute will go a long way,” he added.
To donate to the Warming Hearts program, visit 1441 Main St. in Springfield or contact Reyes at ereyes@uwpv.org or 413-278-1626.
The United Way is a global nonprofit organization with countless locations. The Pioneer Valley chapter services Chicopee, Holyoke, Springfield and some parts of Hadley, providing these communities with necessary services. For instance, if someone is looking for help with a legal issue, the UWPV has a legal kiosk that can be used to browse resources and more.
On Tuesdays from 2:30-5:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the food pantry at the UWPV Springfield location is open. The shelves are stocked with canned goods such as peas, corn, beans, tuna and more. Reyes said they also offer frozen goods including meats and fish, and refrigerated goods such as milk, cheese and yogurt, to name a few. Anyone can access the food pantry when it is open. An identification is required, but no one is ever turned away, said Reyes. On average, the Springfield location services around 200 to 250 families each week.
The United Way of Pioneer Balley offers other programs such as Call2Talk, a free mental health call line; Thrive, a free financial literature class; Stuff the Bus, a backpack distributor to children across the Pioneer Valley, among others.
To learn more, visit uwpv.org.