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.
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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 $8.6 million in utility assistance to over11,000 Michigan households, and we could not have done that without your help.
Since its inception in 1985, THAW has distributed $238 million in assistance to over 331,000 Michigan households.
Across Michigan, 40% of households (1.54m) struggle to afford the basic needs of housing, including energy.
Approximately 70% of the families served by THAW have either children, seniors or veterans in their homes.
Over 80% of every dollar goes to those in need.
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News & Events
DTE Energy presents: Hallelujah for Heat
What: DTE Energy once again presents the 14th Hallelujah for Heat gospel concert — a free community celebration featuring Pastor John P. Kee and the New Life Community Choir as the headliner, with a special opening performance by Jeremiah Towner and the Highest Praise Choir. The event also serves as the official kick-off The Heat […]
The Warmth Connection – Spring 2025 Newsletter
Happy Spring! As we enter the warmer months in Michigan, The Heat and Warmth Fund is celebrating two occasions: we are welcoming our new CEO Kimberly Burton AND 2025 is THAW’s 40th Anniversary! In this Season of Blooming, THAW has so much on the horizon that we can’t wait to share with you. From spectacular events to new initiatives that will better serve our community, 2025 is already shaping up to be one for the history books at THAW. In the Spring edition of the Warmth Connection Newsletter, you will learn more about THAW’s recent awards, our Utility Assistance Center, and how to celebrate our 40th Anniversary with us!
Digital Detroit Media Wins Eight Telly Awards for THAW's "These Hands" PSA
THAW partner Digital Detroit Media was honored with eight prizes for directing, lighting, editing, art direction, cinematography and more at the 2025 Telly Awards for their work on our PSA “These Hands”! With only one week to conceptualize, film and edit, the team at DDM delivered a phenomenal product that now has the accolades it […]