December 23, 2015 THAW and Wayne County give two deserving families warm homes in ‘Healthy, Safe and Warm Home Giveaway’
DETROIT – Today, The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) in partnership with Wayne County (along with Santa) presented two Detroit families with the gift of a warm, energy-efficient home just in time for Michigan’s winter months. During a live reveal at THAW’s headquarters in downtown Detroit, local residents Arielle King and Jahleel Faison, along with their families, were surprised with the newly renovated homes.
Arielle, a social worker, and Jahleel, an education assistant, will move into their new homes in January 2016.
“Arielle and Jahleel have such compelling stories and give back to our community through their current employment. We are honored to give them the hand-up they’ve given so many others.” said Saunteel Jenkins, CEO of THAW. “These homes will allow Arielle and Jahleel to keep their families healthy, safe and warm for years to come.”
THAW will provide Arielle and Jahleel with the tools needed to ensure a smooth transition into their new homes. The three-bedroom, ranch-style homes located in Inkster, Mich. are equipped with new Energy Star appliances, roofing, tankless hot water heaters and smart thermostats. Renovations to the homes were made by the Wayne Metro Community Action Agency.
“This partnership between THAW and Wayne County brings stability to the lives of two deserving families and supports the growth of both the City of Inkster and Wayne County as a whole,” said Mouhanad Hamammi, Director Wayne County Department of Health, Veterans and Community Wellness. “This project is a great example of local government working together with the nonprofit community to create a better quality of life for both recipient families.”
To be selected for one of the Inkster homes, Jahleel and Arielle, among a pool of 200 applicants, submitted a 500-word essay detailing how receiving a home would change their lives. All applicants were required to be at or below 50 percent of the Area Median Income.
About The Heat and Warmth Fund
The Heat And Warmth Fund (THAW), is an independent non-profit (501(c)(3) agency that provides emergency utility assistance to Michigan residents in need and advocates for long-term solutions for affordable utility costs. THAW was established in 1985 in order to improve the quality of life in Michigan and prevent human suffering by providing assistance to low-income individuals facing an energy crisis. Charity Navigator, America’s premier independent charity evaluator, awarded THAW four out a possible four stars which indicates that THAW adheres to good governance and other best practices that minimize the chance of unethical activities and consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way. To learn more about THAW, make a donation or inquire about assistance, visit www.thawfund.org or call 1-800-866-8429 (THAW).