November 25, 2015 THAW partners with Wayne County for ‘Healthy, Safe and Warm Home Giveaway’
DETROIT – As temperatures drop and Michigan’s heating season quickly approaches, The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW), in partnership with Wayne County, will be giving away two energy-efficient homes, newly renovated by the Wayne Metro Community Action Agency, to deserving families this winter through its “Healthy, Safe and Warm Home Giveaway.”
“Cold winter months can be burdensome for many of Michigan’s vulnerable families. It is particularly difficult on families living in homes with drafty windows, leaky roofs and/or outdated heating systems,” said Saunteel Jenkins, CEO of THAW. “This year, in celebration of our 30-year anniversary, THAW will go beyond its traditional heating and utility assistance programs and give away two single-family homes to deserving families.
“Everyone deserves to be healthy, safe and warm, especially during the holidays. This is a holiday gift that will change a family’s life forever. It is a new beginning that provides an opportunity for long-term self-sufficiency and stability.”
To be eligible for the giveaway, applicants must be at or below 50 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) and submit a 500-word essay about how a new home would change their lives. Additionally, those hoping to receive one of the homes located in Inkster, Michigan must meet further eligibility guidelines, including the completion of homebuyer education and financial capabilities classes prior to receiving a home. A full list of eligibility requirements is available on our website located HERE.
“This partnership with THAW and the Wayne Metro Community Action Agency is important because it helps to bring stability to the lives of two families while supporting the growth of a Wayne County neighborhood in Inkster,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. “This is a win for everyone and it sends a positive message about building community. We look forward to seeing deserving families in these homes.”
Essay submissions will begin Wednesday, Nov. 25 and continue through Friday, Dec. 4 at 5:30pm. Winners will be notified on Wednesday, Dec. 23.
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).