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 $216 million in assistance to almost 300,000 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
THAW Joins the Crain’s Giving Guide
The annual Crain’s Detroit Business Giving Guide, produced by Crain’s Content Studio, tells the stories of more than 40 philanthropic organizations that are making a positive impact on the community.
Swing With Bling Golf Outing
Join us for the 4th Annual Swing with Bling Golf Outing fundraiser benefitting THAW’s utility assistance fund, supporting low-income and vulnerable Michigan populations with their utility bills. Whether you love to golf, want to learn to love to golf, or just want to see the hottest golf fashions of the season, this is the outing for […]
Home Heating Credit Available
Learn more about expanded access to Home Heating Credit available through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Eligibility is based on income, number of examptions, and household heating costs.