Penny Stevens

When the country shut down due to COVID-19, Penny found herself unemployed with mounting financial troubles. HEAT helped her with utility assistance during a very difficult time.

Janet Henry

Janet found herself struggling with utility bills during a difficult time in her family life. HEAT helped her get her life back on track.

Sherry Hill

Sherry endured many medical obstacles in her life. HEAT funds helped her make it through a tough time.

Keji Cochran

Keji’s life was fine until she lost her job as a home care nurse. HEAT helped her keep the heat on for her family when she needed it most.

About HEAT

HEAT, Inc. is Georgia’s oldest statewide fuel fund, providing critical energy assistance to households in need—regardless of the energy source they rely on. Founded by Atlanta Gas Light Company in 1983 and established as an independent 501(c)(3) in 2000, HEAT has been a trusted lifeline for vulnerable Georgians for more than four decades.

Our Impact

For more than 43 years, HEAT has helped stabilize families facing energy crises by joining forces with caring individuals, businesses, utilities, and state agencies.
Our statewide impact includes:

• More than $30 million in energy assistance distributed to Georgians in need
• More than 150,000 Georgia households supported
• More than 6,000 Georgians were warmed during the 2024–2025 winter alone

Every donation directly helps an extremely vulnerable Georgia family stay warm, safe, and connected in their hour of need.

How Assistance Reaches Families In Need

HEAT uses a dual‑distribution model to ensure timely, equitable access to help:

• Direct Assistance: HEAT’s administrative office provides direct assistance to income eligible gas customers on the Atlanta Gas Light pipeline, for further information please call 678.406.0212.
• Statewide Distribution: The Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) distributes funds through local community action agencies statewide

Eligible households apply through the agency serving their county and must meet established income guidelines. This coordinated approach ensures that families in crisis receive support quickly and consistently.

Why Your Support Matters

Georgia faces persistent economic challenges that make HEAT’s mission more urgent than ever.

• More than 1.3 million Georgia residents live in poverty
• Many more struggle to afford basic household expenses
• Low‑income families in Georgia experience some of the highest energy burdens in the nation
• Rising utility costs and shrinking federal supports leave families choosing between heat, food, medicine, and transportation

Your donation helps prevent utility disconnections, protects vulnerable seniors and children, and keeps families safe in their homes.

How You Can Help

Your generosity fuels HEAT’s ability to serve families across Georgia.

• You can support HEAT by:
• Making a secure online donation on our website.
• Enrolling in monthly giving through participating utility partners (SCANA Energy, Walton Gas, and select Georgia city utility systems)
• Rounding up your utility bill if you are a City of Winder customer
• Sign up to give monthly donations through utility bills if you are a customer of the following Georgia city utility systems: Adairsville, Claxton, Hartwell, Madison, Perry, Royston, Sylvester, Thomson, Tifton, Toccoa, or Waynesboro.

Mailing contributions to:
HEAT, Inc.
P.O. Box 849
Smyrna, GA 30081
For more information, contact or 678‑406‑0212

Download The HEAT Fact Sheet