Local News
(2008-03-09)
Requests for help paying home heating bills in Michigan have increased.
John Miller is the CEO of THAW, the Heat and Warmth Fund of Michigan.
He says layoffs are forcing more and more Michiganders who consider themselves middle class to ask for help.
"They're the ones who are having to go to DHS, or to THAW, of the Salvation Army, or to any organization that helping people to pay their energy bills. And we are finding that, increasingly the face of people we've seen in years past doesn't necessarily resemble the folks we're seeing now," says Miller.
In January, THAW received close to 3,000 more requests than usual.
The Michigan Department of Human Services helps people on Welfare pay their utility bills. DHS says they're seeing more applications for heating assistance as well. © Copyright 2012, Michigan Radio
