Maryland families receive free energy-efficient heating systems through Constellation Home’s Gift of Warmth
This holiday season, Constellation Home teamed up with United Way of Central Maryland, United Way of Frederick County, and the Baltimore Ravens to select families who were nominated by fellow members of their communities to each receive new high-efficiency heating systems. The heating systems were installed in recipients’ homes in Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Frederick, Md.
“Our employees give back in the community throughout the year, but this is by far their favorite charity. Seeing the difference, a new heating system makes for these deserving families is truly rewarding” said David Donat, president of Constellation Home and senior vice president, Constellation.
Since the program’s beginning in 2015, Constellation Home has come together with the United Way to install new heating systems for 27 local families. In that time, Constellation Home technicians also have provided service repairs free of charge to over 80 households through the United Way’s 2-1-1 help line.
“A warm house in the winter is a basic need—but one that many of us take for granted,” said Franklyn Baker, president, and CEO of United Way of Central Maryland. “The Gift of Warmth program is a powerful example of United Way’s strategic partnerships that help us provide what’s needed, where it’s needed for our neighbors who struggle to pay for life’s basic needs. We are grateful to Constellation Home and our 211 Maryland United Way Helpline—which provides 24/7/365 assistance with a wide variety of needs including utility and heating assistance—for ensuring that people in need will have a safe and warm home this winter.”
One special family from Pikesville received an extra special visit from Geno Stone, of the Baltimore Ravens, as well as mascot Poe. It was a very wonderful day giving back to a family right before the holidays. Geno stated, “I was fortunate that they [Constellation Home] partnered with the Ravens and I was able to be a part of this and be able to give back to this family.” We had a great team of technicians out there installing the Gift of Warmth for that family. Tevin Taylor says, “I have been apart of the Gift of Warmth program three different times throughout my five-year career. Every time it feels great giving back to them.”
“Today’s a significant day for me because this is the anniversary of my husband’s passing, I am so grateful that I was given the gift to begin with but for it to happen on this day of all days, it is more than I could have ever imagined for myself and my family.” said recipient Nadine Outlaw-Moore of Pikesville, MD.
Constellation Home also assists with select heating-related calls to the 2-1-1 Maryland United Way Helpline. United Way’s 2-1-1 Helpline began with seed funding from Constellation and provides unique community information referral services to people in need of food, shelter, job resources, health care, childcare and other vital services. The 2-1-1 Maryland United Way Helpline is one of four 2-1-1 call centers in Maryland and is available 24/7 in 150 languages. Anyone can dial 2-1-1 for free, confidential help.