CEO Letter: What A Year

The Heat and Warmth Fund Detroit
2 min readJan 20, 2021

By Saunteel Jenkins

Saunteel Jenkins, THAW CEO

Thank you for continuing to be the bridge between crisis and stability for so many families. We asked you for even more in 2020 and you came through for us. In April, THAW initiated a new program — Front Line for Energy. You helped us pay utility bills for 1300 front line workers as they put their lives at risk for us. Nearly 75% of these homes had young children. THAW is honored to have made a difference in the lives of these wonderful people.

Since March, we’ve had our talented THAW team working mostly from home as we stepped up to the help the most vulnerable in our community last year. Like the THAW team, Michigan families are using more energy than ever as they spend more time cooking, working, learning and doing everything from home. At the same time, unemployment hit record levels as businesses shut their doors due to the COVID-19 restrictions. THAW is a critical lifeline to keep utilities on for area families.

We’ve got some really hard months ahead. Winter has arrived and the COVID numbers are still spiking. We anticipate the need for THAW’s utility relief services is going to be unprecedented.

After celebrating 35 years of service, our mission has never been more important. We are here to make sure as many Michigan family is able to meet their essential heat, electricity and water needs. As you make 2021 giving plans, I encourage you to continue to remember THAW and the people we serve.

On a personal note, thank you for the kind calls, texts and notes as I fight breast cancer. I made the decision to share my story in an effort to encourage others to get their mammograms. It is so important to have these regular tests and take good care of yourselves! I am getting stronger every day and have returned to work. I am grateful to my family — at home and at work — for helping me get through the past few months.

Warm regards,

Saunteel Jenkins
Chief Executive Officer
The Heat and Warmth Fund

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The Heat and Warmth Fund Detroit

Stabilizing and empowering Michigan families, keeping them healthy, safe and warm.