GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass.— Construct is launching its Warm Up the Winter Fuel Crisis 2024–No One Should Be Cold fundraiser, which provides critical funding to South Berkshire County residents needing emergency assistance for fuel, utility, rental payments, and emergency accommodation. 

 

According to a press release, this year, over 10,000 Berkshire households have applied to a state-funded fuel assistance program (LIHEAP), but funds have run out. To help fill this void, to meet demand, Construct has increased this year's campaign goal to $150,000.

 

"Warm Up the Winter has always provided a winter safety net for those who need it most," said Jane Ralph, Construct executive director. "With state funds for fuel assistance running out so early in the year, it's important that someone step up to keep folks safe this winter. Thanks to Warm Up the Winter support, that can be Construct."

 

Construct's most recent quarterly report shows 385 families and individuals on its housing waitlist, with applicants including teachers, bus drivers, healthcare providers, first responders, veterans, and youth. Unable to secure housing, some residents have taken to living in their cars or sleeping rough. With demand far outweighing Construct's existing resources, housing staff have begun providing tents and blankets as a last resort.

 

Setting a goal of raising $150,000 by March 18, Warm Up the Winter's fundraising centerpiece is a benefit concert held on Thursday, March 7, at 7:00 p.m. at The Egremont Barn, 17 Main Street in South Egremont. This two-hour musical celebration features a range of top local musicians and will be hosted by Construct supporter Lauren Ambrose and Construct board member Josh Irwin. 

 

Limited tickets are available for $50 and can be purchased on The Egremont Barn's website: https://www.theegremontbarn.com/.

 

Performers for the March 7 concert include The Wanda Houston Band, The Interns, Billy Keene, Jackson Whalan, Matt Cusson, Andy Wrba, Matt Steckler, Natalia Bernal & Jason Ennis, and Jackson Ducharme. 

 

Warm Up the Winter began as a benefit concert by Rabbi Deborah Zecher in 2008. Supported by Construct's volunteer board of directors, this year's annual campaign is sponsored by The Gilson Family Foundation and Greylock Federal Credit Union. Underwriters include Jane Glaser, Richard Glaser, Fairview Hospital, Jewish Women's Foundation of the Berkshires, Eric and Laura Jordahl, Barbara and Roger Manring, Judi and Alan Marash, Tristan Osgood, Susan and Robert Plotz, and The Schnesel Family Fund. John B. Hull, Inc. is this year's fuel sponsor. 

 

Donations can be made online at any time at https://constructberkshires.org/wutw/, by calling Construct's development office at (413) 429-4433, or by mailing a check made out to Construct with "Warm Up the Winter" in the memo to 316A State Road, Great Barrington, MA, 01230. Information is available at https://www.facebook.com/ConstructInc and on Construct's website at https://constructberkshires.org/wutw/