Our Milestones

Our Milestones

A Legacy of Helping Georgians in Need Thrive

For more than forty years, Heating Energy Assistance Team (HEAT) has been a lifeline for Georgia individuals and families facing the unenviable choice between paying their gas bill or meeting their other basic needs.

Every milestone in HEAT’s history is, at its core, a testament to the longstanding support it has received from individuals, utility companies, nonprofit partners, government entities, and communities who believe that no neighbor should be left in the cold. These milestones trace the organization’s growth from a small, visionary initiative into the state’s oldest and most trusted energy-assistance nonprofit.

Founding & Early Impact

In the 1970s, energy prices rise dramatically, impacting our entire society, especially the poor. In 1982, Frances F. Pauley, an advocate for the poor and founder of the Georgia Poverty Rights Organization, approaches Atlanta Gas Light Company (AGL) concerning the notable burden rising energy costs are having on low-income citizens.

1983

Founded in 1983, HEAT is Georgia’s first statewide nonprofit organization dedicated solely to the provision of energy assistance, created to ensure that vulnerable individuals and households could maintain safe, reliable heating during winter months.

HEAT began as a program of the Atlanta Gas Light (AGL) Company and Frances F. Pauley, an advocate for the poor and founder of the Georgia Poverty Rights Organization designed to provide financial support for energy insecure Georgia Individuals and families. Other key participants were the key in HEAT’s formation were First Georgia Bank (now Wells Fargo), the Georgia Department of Human Services, and a citizens advisory committee.

At the time of the program’s formation, HEAT’s unique features included statewide availability of energy assistance, open to all citizens regardless of energy source used. Early on through the present day, HEAT partners with the Georgia Department of Human Services to distribute energy assistance funds to thousands of individuals and families in need through local community action agencies. Individuals in crisis could and can apply for energy assistance at their local community action agency that serves their county.

• First Utility Partnerships — Initial collaborations with Georgia’s natural gas and electric companies established the foundation for a public-private model that still anchors HEAT’s work today.
• Launch of Community Giving — Early donor campaigns mobilized churches, civic groups, and local businesses, creating a statewide network of support.

1990s

Growth & Statewide Expansion

County-by-County Reach — By the mid-1990s, HEAT assistance was available in every Georgia county through partnerships with local Community Action Agencies.

Program Modernization — Introduction of standardized eligibility processes and coordinated intake systems improved access and reduced administrative barriers for families.

Corporate Philanthropy Milestones — Major energy providers began making financial commitments, strengthening HEAT’s ability to serve households during extreme weather seasons.

2000

With the deregulation of Georgia’s natural gas industry, HEAT became a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in May 2000. The organization helps address the energy needs of low-income Georgians by joining forces with concerned citizens, businesses and state and local governments.

Janet Joseph becomes HEAT’s first executive director.

2013

In 2013, HEAT celebrates its 30th anniversary of helping vulnerable Georgians by providing financial assistance for winter heating bills. HEAT has provided energy assistance to more than 92,000 Georgia families over the last 30 years.

2017

After over a decade as a HEAT volunteer, Jeffrey Joseph became HEAT’s second executive director when Janet Joseph retired.

2023

In 2023, HEAT celebrates its 40th anniversary of helping less fortunate Georgians by providing financial assistance for winter heating bills. HEAT has provided energy assistance to more than 300,000 Individuals over the last 40 years.

2025

Nichelle Mitchem Adamson became the fourth HEAT executive director.

HEAT delivered a record-breaking year of impact, providing energy assistance to 1,114 Georgia households and distributing more than $400,000 in critical support — the highest amount ever disseminated in a single calendar year. This unprecedented surge in aid met a record number of applications from individuals and families in urgent need, underscoring HEAT’s role as a lifeline for communities facing energy insecurity.

2026

In the fourth quarter of 2026, HEAT will launch its online Energy Assistance Program application portal, providing individuals households with the ability to apply for assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, improving accessibility and streamlining the application process.

Looking Forward

HEAT continues to evolve to meet Georgia’s changing energy landscape. With an increasing number of strategic partnerships with private and public organizations, modernized systems, and a deep commitment to equity, the organization is preparing for its next generation of impact — ensuring every Georgia household has access to safe, reliable energy.

HEAT’s future is brighter than ever because of our longstanding public and private partners and donors that continue to believe in the mission. With stronger systems, deeper partnerships, and a renewed commitment to energy equity, HEAT is poised to help even more extremely vulnerable Georgians — one warm home at a time.