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About Us

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is THAW?
The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) is an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed in December 1985 by a coalition of representatives from businesses, social service agencies and concerned private citizens, in partnership with area utility companies. THAW provides energy assistance to low-income families and individuals during times of temporary financial crisis through local community agencies.

How does THAW work?
People whose service is off or who have a utility company shut off notice or nearly depleted heating fuel may apply for THAW at one of over 100 community agency sites located in 70 counties throughout upper and lower Michigan. Trained counselors interview the applicant, verify eligibility, and complete an online THAW application. THAW pays the utility or fuel provider directly.

How do I know my donation will get to the truly needy?
THAW's eligibility guidelines include providing proof of income and need. All applicants are screened by caseworkers at agencies in their community who verify eligibility. Applicants must have already applied for any other available assistance prior to coming to THAW.

How does one get help?
To find the nearest THAW agency (site) location, call 1-800-866-THAW (8429), 2-1-1 in southeastern Michigan, or visit our website at www.thawfund.org

Where are applications taken?
THAW screening sites are local community agencies, familiar with available community resources. Sites include Salvation Army Corps and Community Action Agencies in each county we serve. THAW is committed to working through local agencies because low-income applicants often have other needs such as food or counseling, which can be addressed at a multi-service agency. THAW helps eliminate duplication between private and government programs and serves as an information resource on energy assistance.

What is the average amount of assistance an individual/family receives from THAW?
Our average payment is $375 per utility (plus the match from THAW's utility partners), to prevent a shut-off or to restore services. Often a family will be able to make payment arrangements to pay on a bill over time if THAW helps pay a part. Applicants must have made some payment on their account in recent months.

How can one donate?
There are a number of ways to donate to THAW.
To charge a donation using Visa, MasterCard or American Express call 1-800-866-THAW or contribute via THAW�s secure Website at www.thawfund.org

Donations can be made payable to THAW and mailed to:
The Heat and Warmth Fund
607 Shelby Street, Suite 400
Detroit, MI 48226

Additionally, DTE Energy, MGU (Michigan Gas Utilities) Inc., and SEMCO Energy enclose appeals for donations in their utility bills during the winter months. MGU customers can add a donation to their monthly bill with their payment. Donations go directly to THAW. DTE Energy is also encouraging customers to enroll in a new bill round up program called Cents for Energy.

Can I make a gift or memorial contribution?
Yes. Many people prefer to give charitable contributions to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and memorials. You will receive acknowledgment of the donation and a card will be sent announcing your gift (without referencing the amount) to the person of your choice. Call 313-963-2657 for more information.

How much of my donation will actually go to pay someone's bill?
Because THAW receives support for administration and operations from utility companies, foundations and others, all donations received from the public go to help needy families pay their energy bills.

What do the utility companies contribute?
THAW Fund has the commitment and partnership of all the utility companies in the areas we service. Each contributes in a different way. In addition to providing funds towards administrative costs, utility companies provide in-kind or donated services, such as meeting facilities or printing. DTE Energy, Consumers Energy, SEMCO Energy and MGU match all customer contributions. Many deliverable fuel/heating oil companies also contribute to THAW.

Aren't people protected from shut-off in the winter?
Utility companies may voluntarily protect some low-income people. Seniors are protected by law from November to March; however, this protection does not ensure bill payment. Without payment, accounts are subject to shut-off when the protection period is over. Deliverable fuel customers do not qualify for shut off protection.

What is THAW's relationship with other funds, such as Peoplecare?
THAW is an independent non-profit organization ~ not a program of a specific utility. While the generosity of our utility partners helps us educate the public and increases the power of our contributions, many other organizations contribute to THAW as well.

THAW participates in several collaborative activities with agencies providing energy assistance such as the Coalition to Keep Michigan Warm, the Southeast Michigan Community Energy Initiative, and the National Fuel Fund Network to look for long-term solutions to energy assistance issues.

Whenever possible, agencies work together to coordinate services for applicants and to avoid duplication. THAW works with agencies throughout the state that were formerly part of MichCon's Heat Bank program. Peoplecare funds collected by Consumer's Energy are disbursed through Salvation Army offices, many of whom are also THAW screening sites.