CEO Letter — Spring 2021
Dear Friends:
As spring nears, many of our fellow Michigan families are still overwhelmed from the high utility bills of this cold winter. With COVID-19, we’ve been home a lot more and used a lot more energy. At THAW, our top priority is to get utility assistance to vulnerable residents and families throughout Michigan.
THAW has funds available to help people who have fallen behind on their utility bills. We have traditionally been able to help people in person at community assistance days (CADs) or in the THAW offices. Now with COVID restrictions, we must be more creative and proactive. A quick phone call to THAW can get the process started.
Those in need can call THAW at 1–800–866-THAW (8429), Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. — 5 p.m. and a Utility Assistance Center specialist can answer questions and guide clients in navigating this process. Visit the THAW website for more information at www.thawfund.org or email customercare@thawfund.org.
Please help us share this information with your friends and family. Now more than ever, we have to make sure that the most vulnerable amongst us have what they need to survive.
To qualify, for Michigan Energy Assistance Programs, families must first complete a State Emergency Relief form through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). To apply for State Emergency Relief clients should go to, newmibridges.michigan.gov . Once the family receives the SER decision notice, then they complete step 2, the THAW application.
As we work to meet the needs of struggling families, we know that there’s a big digital divide. Not everyone has access to a computer to complete the State Emergency Relief (SER) form. We’re here to assist with the completion of that critical form over the phone to make getting utility bill help easier.
With all the craziness in our world right now, overdue utility bills are a problem we can help people solve. Please help us help those in need. Thank you for being part of keeping Michigan families healthy, safe, and warm.
Regards,
Saunteel Jenkins
Chief Executive Officer
The Heat and Warmth Fund
