It could be a coworker, a neighbor, a friend, someone you see at church, nearly 40 percent of households in Michigan struggle to pay for basic housing needs including utility bills.

It could be a coworker, a neighbor, a friend, someone you see at church, nearly 40 percent of households in Michigan struggle to pay for basic housing needs including utility bills.

Donations are being made through the Gift of Warmth Telethon.

It could be a coworker, a neighbor, a friend, someone you see at church, nearly 40 percent of households in Michigan struggle to pay for basic housing needs including utility bills.

The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) is holding a community assistance day to help Michigan residents with their utility bills.

A stage three, triple negative breast cancer survivor. That’s Saunteel Jenkins.

DETROIT – Saunteel Jenkins spoke with Rhonda Walker on Tuesday morning about what The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) does to help people across Michigan. Jenkins, the CEO of THAW, said the organization is helping frontline workers make ends meet. She said anyone having trouble paying bills should contact THAW for help. Gift of Warmth telethon: You can donate to help families in needAll day Tuesday, Local 4 viewers can help THAW keep the lights and heat on for these families by donating to the Gift of Warmth telethon. Anyone in an energy crisis can apply for help from the Heat and Warmth fund.

The Heat and Warmth Fund, or THAW, continues to provide assistance with utility bills and to help these people during a very difficult time in their lives. “Any season is bad when you can’t afford utilities,” said Brandi Turner THAW Utility Assistance Center Manager. Tuesday THAW Telethon -- 800-866-8429As of 6 p.m. Tuesday a total of $68,350 was raised with the goal of reaching $100,000 by the evening. To donate to the Gift of Warmth telethon, click here: https://thawfund.org/donate/online/All day Tuesday, Local 4 viewers can help THAW keep the lights and heat on for these families by donating to the Gift of Warmth telethon. Every dollar donated will be used to help pay utility bills.

Local 4 is partnering with The Heat and Warmth Fund and DTE Energy for the Gift of Warmth Telethon. Our phone bank will be open from 5 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Tuesday taking donations that benefit THAW, also known as The Heat and Warmth Fund. It helps people who are in crisis pay their utility bills especially to help keep the heat/lights on. The telethon will start at 5 a.m., with a live interview with Saunteel Jenkins, the CEO of the Heat and Warmth Fund. DTE, a partner of THAW for more than 20 years, will join members of the THAW team during our 6 a.m. newscast.