The Heat and Warmth Fund

The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in downtown Detroit, Michigan, whose stated mission is to stabilize and empower Michigan families by keeping them healthy, safe and warm. Founded in 1985, THAW distributes energy and utility bill payment assistance to households across Michigan that are facing financial crisis — defined by the organization as the inability to pay for deliverable fuel or a thirty-day outstanding utility bill, forcing a family to choose between energy and another vital necessity. According to its own reporting, THAW has distributed $255 million in assistance to over 335,000 Michigan households since its inception. THAW delivers its assistance through nearly 40 agency partners and a series of annual mobile processing events, reaching an ever-growing number of Michigan households each year. Its client base includes the elderly, disabled, unemployed and underemployed. More than 70% of recipients have a senior or a child in the home, groups the organization describes as particularly vulnerable to the elements. THAW also administers programs beyond direct bill payment, including the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP), which offers an affordable monthly payment plan or a one-time direct payment for energy bills, and MI Neighborhood 2.0 (MIN), a home repair program funded by MSHDA and provided by the Neighborhood Development Division as part of the Statewide Housing Plan. Its Energy Efficiency Assistance (EEA) program aids renters and homeowners year-round. THAW is headquartered in downtown Detroit and operates call and text support lines for customers Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., reachable by calling or texting "THAW" to 1-800-866-THAW (8429). The organization has at times paused intake of new applications due to high demand, directing Michigan residents to 2-1-1 or mi211.org for information about other available energy assistance programs. THAW's executive leadership team includes Chief Executive Officer Katrina McCree, Chief Financial Officer Moyna Moore, Chief of Staff Sarah Todebush, Senior Vice President of Operations Christine Beatty, and Vice President of Fund Development Shannon Proctor. As a nonprofit, THAW is not a publicly listed company and is funded through a combination of program funding, partnerships and fund development.

The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) was founded in 1985 as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Michigan. Its mission from the outset was to stabilize and empower Michigan families by keeping them healthy, safe and warm, treating heat, electricity and water as essential and basic human needs. Over the decades since its inception, THAW reports having distributed $255 million in assistance to over 335,000 Michigan households. The organization delivers its assistance through nearly 40 agency partners and a series of annual mobile processing events, which allow it to reach an ever-growing number of Michigan households each year. Its recipients include Michigan's elderly, disabled, unemployed or underemployed who are facing financial crisis — defined as the inability to pay for a deliverable fuel or a thirty-day outstanding utility bill, and in which a family must choose between paying for energy needs or another vital necessity. More than 70% of recipients have a senior or child in the home. Over time THAW has expanded beyond direct bill payment into administering broader state-linked programs. It administers the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP), which provides assistance through an affordable monthly payment plan or a one-time direct payment for energy bills, and MI Neighborhood 2.0 (MIN), a home repair program funded by MSHDA and provided by the Neighborhood Development Division as part of the Statewide Housing Plan. Its Energy Efficiency Assistance (EEA) program aids renters and homeowners year-round. THAW is headquartered in downtown Detroit and operates customer support lines Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., reachable by calling or texting "THAW" to 1-800-866-THAW (8429). At times of high demand, the organization has temporarily paused acceptance of new applications and directed residents to 2-1-1 or mi211.org for other energy assistance programs.

• 1985

  THAW is founded as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Michigan.

• THAW reports cumulative distribution of $255 million in assistance to over 335,000 Michigan households since inception.

• THAW administers the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP), offering payment plans or one-time direct payments.

• THAW provides MI Neighborhood 2.0 (MIN), a home repair program funded by MSHDA.

An independent Michigan nonprofit providing energy and utility assistance to vulnerable households, positioning heat, electricity and water as essential and basic human needs.

• Energy and utility bill payment assistance

  Direct assistance to Michigan households facing financial crisis, delivered through nearly 40 agency partners and annual mobile processing events.

• Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)

  Provides an affordable monthly payment plan or a one-time direct payment for energy bills.

• MI Neighborhood 2.0 (MIN)

  A home repair program funded by MSHDA and provided by the Neighborhood Development Division, part of the Statewide Housing Plan.

• Energy Efficiency Assistance (EEA)

  A program aiding renters and homeowners year-round.

1. 1Home - ThawFundthawfund.org
2. 2About Us | THAW | The Heat & Warmth Fundthawfund.org
3. 3Careers | THAW | The Heat & Warmth Fundthawfund.org
4. 4Leadership | THAW | The Heat & Warmth Fundthawfund.org
5. 5The Heat and Warmth Fundwikidata.org