Utility Assistance
ATTENTION THAW CUSTOMERS:
We are now accepting applications for MEAP (Michigan Energy Assistance Program) for the 2023-2024 heating season.
We are still accepting applications for Water Assistance through our MiWATER Program.*
*If applying for MiWATER, please be sure to answer the Covid question on the FIRST PAGE of the application.
If you are interested in applying for MEAP, MiWATER, or other THAW Programs, please call/text THAW at 1-800-866-8429. Or click this link to begin your application.
APPLICATIONNote: THAW is not able to accept walk-in or in person appointments on Fridays.
Faces of THAW
Recipients of THAW assistance include elderly, children, unemployed, underemployed and disabled individuals who find themselves in an energy crisis. More than 70% of the households we assist have a child or senior in the home. These populations can become particularly vulnerable during the cold seasons.
Learn MoreFaces of Thaw - 1 minute 9 seconds
Our Mission
The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) is stabilizing and empowering Michigan families, keeping them healthy, safe and warm.
THAW, an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, distributes assistance to vulnerable Michigan residents through 39 agency partners and a series of annual mobile processing events. The number of households that need utility assistance continues to grow each year. Last year THAW distributed more than $7.6 million in utility assistance to nearly 10,000 Michigan households, and we could not have done that without your help.
Since its inception in 1985, THAW has distributed $230 million in assistance to over 320,000 Michigan households.
Across Michigan, 40% of households (1.54m) struggle to afford the basic needs of housing, including energy.
More than 55% of families THAW serves have a child, senior, or veteran in the household.
About 90% of every dollar goes to those in need.
News & Events
Beware of Scammers: What To Look Out For
Electronic scams have been on the rise in recent years, with scammers impersonating utility companies to access your private information. Protect yourself and your loved ones from scammers by reading and sharing the following reminders, adapted from DTE Energy:
The Warmth Connection – Winter 2023 Newsletter
Season’s greetings! Every season, The Heat and Warmth Fund team dedicates ourselves to our mission of stabilizing and empowering Michigan families, keeping them healthy, safe, and warm. We do this with the hope that you will help us fulfil our mission.
2024 Winter Survival Radiothon
THAW and WWJ Newsradio 950 are teaming up once again to put on the annual Winter Survival Radiothon on February 1st, 2024! Tune in to WWJ 950 on your AM radio or tap in online on the WWJ website from 5am - 7pm to hear from THAW representatives and customers, learn more about the work we do, and, most importantly, donate to help keep Michigan families healthy, safe, and warm!