DETROIT -With weeks of dangerous temperatures ahead, The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) is asking for help to raise funds for Michigan's federal employees to help keep their gas, electricity and water on during the "payless paydays" of the partial government shutdown.

"Federal employees have dedicated their lives to jobs that improve our lives, and our country in ways we often take for granted," said Saunteel Jenkins, CEO of The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW). "Many of these everyday heroes are still showing up for work every day despite facing payless paydays. We want to help ensure that their utilities are not shut off as they make difficult budgeting decisions about where any savings they may have will be deployed." THAW has launched a CrowdRise campaign because most federal workers will not quality for traditional assistance programs with strict income guidelines. To qualify for assistance from the "Funds for Feds on Furlough" program, federal employees will need identification, proof that they are a federal employee on furlough and a past due utility bill. For more information, call 1-800-866-THAW (4249) or go to thawfund.org.

"We don't know how long this shutdown will last, but we know federal workers are our friends, family and neighbors," added Jenkins. THAW has been serving the community for more than 30 years. This is just a natural extension for our neighbors helping neighbors in need."

To donate to Funds for Feds on Furlough, visit http://www.crowdrise.com/fundsforfeds.

About The Heat and Warmth Fund

The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) is stabilizing and empowering Michigan families, keeping them healthy, safe and warm. THAW, an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, distributes utility assistance to low-income residents throughout Michigan. In the past year THAW distributed more than $14 million in utility assistance to over 17,000 Michigan households. Since its inception in 1985, THAW has distributed over $200 million in assistance to more than 250,000 Michigan households. For more, visit thawfund.org.