Resources Available to Provide Heat in Extreme Cold

February 20, 2015

By J. Carlisle Larsen

"Lots of people who work hard every single day, but they just cannot afford to pay their bills during a winter like this, have reached out to us for help."

--Saunteel Jenkins, CEO THAW Fund

An arctic cold front has settled in much of the eastern half of the country and record lows are being recorded throughout Michigan. State residents will likely be cranking up their thermostats to keep their homes warm. But some people may not be able to afford the heating costs, or may be delinquent with their bills and facing utility shut-offs. There are some resources available to people who need to keep their heat on. Saunteel Jenkins is a former Detroit City Councilmember who became the CEO of the non-profit Heat and Warmth Fund—or THAW—back in November. She tells WDET’s J. Carlisle Larsen that residents should not go without heat in the dangerously low temperatures.

People can call THAW at 1-800-866-THAW (8429) or visit their website.