Making a difference for Michigan families
Teaming with The Heat and Warmth Fund to help with winter energy bills, demand
Feb. 16, 2022
Ice-covered roads. Deep snow drifts. Sagging power lines.
Along with severe weather conditions, winter blasts are challenging many people.
Being on a fixed or low income can make it even worse as families struggle to pay their energy bills and stay warm.
In Michigan, whether it’s in metro Detroit or in the Upper Peninsula, consumers are receiving additional help, thanks to The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW).
THAW is one of the most important non-profits in the state of Michigan that helps families, day in, day out. Since its inception in 1985, THAW has distributed nearly $250 million in energy bill assistance to more than 280,000 Michigan households.
“THAW helps stabilize and empower Michigan families, particularly during the winter months,” said Saunteel Jenkins, THAW’s chief executive officer. “The generous support from Enbridge allows THAW to assist even more families with their urgent financial needs so they can have access to utilities that keep them healthy, safe and warm.”
One of THAW’s biggest fundraisers is the annual Winter Survival Radiothon. For 14 hours on Feb. 4, WWJ Newsradio 950 featured an online auction, hourly incentives and most of all, generous WWJ listeners calling to make pledges.
“Thank you to all who helped us raise $986,256,” said Jenkins. “The Winter Survival Radiothon will make a big difference for many, many Michigan families.” Jenkins also extended appreciation to Presenting Sponsor DTE Energy, Hero for Heat Sponsor Enbridge, Winter Survival Sponsors Ascension Southeast Michigan, Barton Malow Foundation, Ferndale Electric, Hourly Sponsors, and other additional contributors, sharing the event “would not be possible without their leadership and support of THAW.”
“Michigan families, neighbors and communities have been hard hit by the pandemic, inflation and rising utility costs,” said Candice Braddock, Enbridge senior community engagement advisor. “We are inspired by the work of THAW and its efforts to help ensure residents are cared for and their most basic needs met. Enbridge is incredibly grateful to partner with THAW, and we are proud to support its work in Michigan.”
In addition to sponsoring the Winter Survival Radiothon, Enbridge has awarded more than $25,000 in grants to THAW to help those struggling.
Being prepared for winter and beyond
As demand increases for energy, Enbridge also is playing its part via its Line 5 pipeline that is a dependable energy source for the region. With more than half of Michigan—and 65% of the Upper Peninsula—relying on Enbridge’s Line 5 for propane for home heat, Enbridge remains well prepared for extreme weather events.
“We are able to meet the energy needs of the region, because our teams prepare year-round to maintain Line 5 in the Straits as a safe, reliable source to combat humid summers and frigid winters,” said Mike Moeller, Enbridge’s director of the Great Lakes region.
“Michiganders rely on us, and we fully understand the vital role Line 5 has in the region’s energy supply. This winter underscores why the pipeline is needed.”
Recent weather alerts affected more than 90 million people across 2,000 miles. Icy and snow-covered roads blanketed the south, north and northeast alike, triggering weather warnings, power outages, flight cancellations, and a run on supermarkets.
The need continues
Winter has several weeks remaining. For the northern part of the U.S., the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center forecasts frigid temperatures for the rest of the month. “Like many companies and residents, we’re just trying to do our part to help people,” said Braddock. “The best thing we can do is try to help our neighbors and those vulnerable families who cannot afford heat.”
If you would like to donate to THAW, call the THAW Donation Hotline at 313-963-2656 or visit the website.
