There are a lot of people struggling right now to make ends meet, often having to decide which bills they can afford to pay.
It can be terrifying knowing you don’t have enough money to pay your utility bills, especially in the cold winter months.
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That’s where THAW, The Heat and Warmth Fund, wants to step in to help people in crisis pay a utility bill.
In fact, there could be someone in your life -- a friend, a coworker, a neighbor, someone you see at the grocery store or church -- who is struggling to keep their lights and heat on this winter.
That’s why Local 4 is teaming up with THAW for the “Go 4 It: Gift of Warmth Telethon” on Tuesday, Dec. 2 from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
All of the money raised will help people in our community who are struggling to keep the lights or heat on this winter.
THAW says more than 80 cents of every dollar donated goes to direct services and programs. The Heat and Warmth Fund helps pay to keep the lights, heat, and water on, and historically, 75% of one-time payment customers assisted in one year have not returned for assistance the following year.
About 70% of families helped by THAW have children, seniors, or veterans living in their homes.
How to donate
The number to call between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday is 1-888-579-4950.
THAW staff and volunteers are ready to take your calls. You can also donate online now at the following link:
Click here to donate online.
You can also text “WARMTH” to 1-325-603-3395.
The Heat and Warmth program offers wrap-around services in addition to utility assistance to help people get back on track. Programs include its Maternal Health Program, which offers utility help to pregnant women through the first year of their child’s life.
THAW’s MI Water Program operates in two phases: water bill assistance and minor plumbing, repair and remediation assistance. For more information, click here.
During the last fiscal year, THAW paid over $8.6 million in utility assistance for 11,000 homes. The Heat and Warmth Fund services the entire state of Michigan, including Metro Detroit.