THAW helps families, children, seniors keep heat on in winter

Applicants find out if they get help within 5 to 7 days

DETROIT – Ronald Kaczorowski easily recalls the stress of not being able to pay his utility bills.

"I didn't have the money to pay for my gas bill and I had a tremendous bill. It was over, close to $3,000," said Kaczorowski. "I was worried. Sleepless nights where I was constantly worried about these bills I couldn't pay."

That was six years ago. The Detroit native, who has lived in his childhood home his entire life, was able to catch up on his bills and keep his home thanks to THAW.

THAW, or The Heat and Warmth Fund, helps people in crisis pay their utility bills.  THAW helps the elderly, unemployed, underemployed and disabled individuals who found themselves in an energy crisis. According to THAW, more than 70 percent of the homes they help have a child or senior living there. THAW says these groups are very vulnerable to the cold.

People can apply for assistance online or by phone.  The application process takes about 5 to 7 days.

To be eligible the total owing cannot exceed $2,000 for combined gas and electric or $1,000 for single accounts.  Proof of household income is also required.  For more eligibility requirements, click here.

In 2014, THAW gave more than $16 million in utility assistance to over 23,000 Michigan households. More families can be helped this winter if people help give the gift of warmth.

THAW CEO Saunteel Jenkins says sometimes it can be a matter of life and death.

"We're helping families who in this moment can't help themselves," said Jenkins. "We're providing heat, electricity, water to families who may otherwise be cold in the winter."

THAW has checked in with Kaczorowski over the years and connected him with other services.   The nonprofit works with 80 other agencies to help families with their needs.

"When people reach out to us, we try to make the household as whole and healthy as possible," said Jenkins.

Kaczorowski wants everyone to know it's worth it to call THAW for help.

"Call! That's all you can do is call and they'll try to help you," said Kaczorowski.