THAW’s Utility Assistance Specialists are available to assist between the hours of 8:00am – 4:45pm Monday through Friday by calling or texting “THAW” to 1-800-866-THAW (8429)

Attention: As freezing temperatures continue across Michigan, it is crucial to take precautions to protect yourself and family. THAW is committed to keeping families healthy, safe, and warm. We strongly suggest you explore our Get Help page for information on warming centers, shelters, and energy assistance that may be available.

THAW’s Utility Assistance Specialists are available 8:00am – 4:45pm Monday through Friday by calling or texting “THAW” to 1-800-866-THAW 8429)

Important Updates –

Thank you for visiting The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW). Due to high demand for energy bill payment assistance, we are temporarily not accepting new applications.

We understand how important this support is for Michigan families and are working diligently to reopen applications soon. We encourage you to check back regularly for updates as we anticipate opening applications soon.

For information about other available energy assistance programs in your area, please contact 2-1-1 or visit www.mi211.org.

Please note: THAW is also not currently accepting applications for water bill payment assistance and is not able to accept walk-ins on Fridays.

Note: THAW is not able to accept walk-in or in-person appointments on Fridays.

Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)

This heating season we are proud to announce that more Michigan residents can now access MEAP funding. The Michigan Energy Assistance Program is currently available and provides assistance with an affordable monthly payment plan or a one-time direct payment for your energy bill. For more information on how to qualify and apply for energy bill payment assistance through the MEAP program please click the Get Help button.

Warming Centers and Shelter Resources

As freezing temperatures continue across Michigan, please take steps to keep yourself and your family safe and warm. Below is a list of agencies that can help locate warming centers or shelters if you are experiencing homelessness. If you have lost energy in your home, click the Get Help button at the top of the page for available energy assistance resources.

Warming Centers and Shelter Resources

www.211mi.org

https://www.waynecountymi.gov/Government/Departments/Homeland-Security-Emergency-Management/Homeland-Security/Warming-Cooling-Centers

https://www.oakgov.com/community/emergency-management/need-to-know/safety/warming-and-cooling-centers

https://www.macombgov.org/departments/macomb-community-action/warmingcooling-centers

https://detroitmi.gov/news/city-detroit-extends-stand-shelters-and-respite-locations-extreme-cold-continues-0

https://empoweringmichigan.com/michigan-warming-centers/

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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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Faces of Thaw - 1 minute 9 seconds

Watch this video to learn about who we serve.

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

Consumers Energy Invests $5 Million to Help Michigan Families Manage Energy Costs

New Investment Marks Broader Commitment to Keeping Energy Within Reach JACKSON, Mich. Jan. 12, 2026 – Michigan families are feeling pressure from rising costs everywhere they turn. To support our customers, Consumers Energy is kicking off 2026 by investing $5 million to help customers and communities across Michigan through direct assistance, community partnerships and […]

Night of Warm Hearts

Night of Warm Hearts will be the crown jewel of our celebration—bringing together Michigan’s most influential business leaders, philanthropic partners, and community champions for an unforgettable evening of inspiration, recognition, and impact. Together, we will honor 40 years of service and look ahead to a future of serving Michigan communities, including philanthropy, volunteerism and economic […]

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 […]