DTE Energy and The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) have partnered to present the Week of Warmth celebration in an effort to support the raising and distribution of $1 million in energy assistance to Michigan families in need.
The fifth annual Week of Warmth is a series of events that combine fundraising, energy education, uplifting community gatherings and convenient access to assistance resources.
“Throughout the year, DTE Energy and The Heat and Warmth Fund collaborate to assist low-income families,” said Gerry Anderson, DTE Energy chairman and CEO. “The Week of Warmth is our opportunity to bring corporate, individual and community partners together to provide solutions for families who have fallen on hard times. Last winter’s record-breaking temperatures only reinforce the need for this type of partnership.”
Anderson will chair the Week of Warmth. He will be joined by honorary chairs Gov. Rick Snyder, incoming THAW CEO Saunteel Jenkins, State Rep. Thomas Stallworth III, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Masco Corporation Chairman Emeritus Richard A. Manoogian and PVS Chemicals President and CEO James B. Nicholson.
“For nearly 30 years, THAW and DTE have partnered to keep residents across the state safe and warm,” said Jenkins. “The support THAW receives from individuals and private funders allows the organization to extend its reach and keep more families out of crisis.”
Last year, THAW distributed energy assistance to more than 26,000 households in Michigan.
The Neighborhood Energy Efficiency Day (N.E.E.D.) kicks off the Week of Warmth activities on Nov. 8. The N.E.E.D. will begin with a media event at New St. Paul Tabernacle Church of God in Christ. More than 100 volunteers will gather at the church at 7:30 a.m., before dispersing to approximately 200 homes in the surrounding neighborhood. The media will have the chance to interview DTE and THAW executives, as well as volunteers.
The N.E.E.D. is an opportunity to educate DTE customers about ways to save money and become more energy-efficient. On this day, residents will receive free home energy consultations, including the installation of energy- and water-saving products. Some customers will qualify to receive an ENERGY STAR® refrigerator and possibly a furnace test and tune-up.
Additional services will be provided by DTE’s partner agencies, ranging from replacement of home insulation to financial literacy seminars. The Public Lighting Authority of Detroit will install new LED street lights within the N.E.E.D. boundaries. The media is invited to cover these activities also.
In addition to the fundraisers that follow the N.E.E.D. event, donations can be made by visiting www.thawfund.org or www.weekofwarmth.org.
“DTE and THAW are committed to improving the communities where we live and serve,” said Faye Alexander Nelson, DTE Energy vice president, Public Affairs and president, DTE Energy Foundation.
“By the end of the Week of Warmth, we will have distributed $1 million to economically-challenged families in Michigan. However, the help doesn’t end there. We have numerous payment assistance programs available year-round.”
This is the fifth year DTE Energy has served as presenting sponsor of the Week of Warmth. NextEra Energy Resources is co-sponsor once again. Strategic Staffing Solutions is the corporate donor. ITC Holdings Corp. and Utility Lines Construction Services are the corporate contributors. More than 70 other area businesses and churches have come together to support the Week of Warmth.
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