It could be a coworker, a neighbor, a friend or someone you see at church -- nearly 40 percent of households in Michigan struggle to pay for basic housing needs including utility bills.
That’s according to THAW, the Heat and Warmth Fund, who helps people in an energy crisis pay their utility bills, and with the pandemic continuing, the need is great this year.
UPDATE from THAW on Tuesday evening:
“Thank you for being part of today’s THAW telethon. Due to today’s tragic events, we are ending Gift of Warmth Telethon coverage early. Our wonderful colleagues at WDIV are now covering the devastating shooting that took place this afternoon at Oxford High School. Our thoughts and prayers are with the children and families impacted with injuries and loss of life.”
Telethon raises nearly $150K
Nearly $150,000 was raised during the Gift of Warmth telethon. Thank you to DTE for their $50,000 matching grant and and Robert and Caren Vondell Foundation and Aaron and Carolynn Frankel Foundation for $5,000 matches (each). Thank you to Tubbys for their $5,000 gift during Live in the D. Gifts can still be made online by clicking here.
That’s why Local 4 is teaming up with THAW for the Gift of Warmth telethon Tuesday, November 30 from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. All money raised will help people in our community who are struggling to keep the lights or heat on this winter. THAW says about 90 cents of every dollar we raise will go to a Michigan resident or family in need.
Latrell Johnson is a case manager at THAW who helps people in crisis. She uses the word painful to describe how people struggling to pay their bills feel. She encourages everyone to donate. “Donate, if you can just donate $1, $5, or $10, whatever you can sacrifice, you will make a huge impact in someone’s life,” Johnson said.
How to donate to THAW
The number to call between 5 a.m. – 7 p.m. Tuesday is 1-888-579-4950. THAW staff and volunteers will work in a virtual phone bank, taking calls remotely to keep everyone safe.
You can also donate online: Donate Online - ThawFund.
THAW began in 1985, and since then has distributed over $250 million in assistance to more than 280,000 Michigan households. Anyone can seek help including the elderly, youth, unemployed, underemployed and disabled individuals. THAW says more than 70% of the households it assists have a child or senior in the home.
Local for special reports on THAW’s impact on the community all day on Local 4 and ClickOnDetroit.com.