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 – Atlanta Gas Light Company

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

Marked HEAT’s first major private‑sector investment of the new century, demonstrating corporate recognition of the growing need for statewide energy assistance and laying the groundwork for expanded community impact. This early commitment strengthened HEAT’s foundation and opened the door for broader industry engagement.

Janet Joseph becomes HEAT’s first executive director. Prior to working at Heat, Janet worked in the Community Affairs Department at the Atlanta Gas Light Company (AGL) where Heat was established as an outreach program. AGL established Heat as an outreach program designed to assist low- and moderate-income individuals and families struggling with their energy bill during a period of personal crisis.

2001 – SCANA Energy and Georgia Natural Gas Funding

Two leading natural gas providers joined HEAT’s mission, signaling a powerful industry‑wide commitment to protecting vulnerable households and strengthening the safety net for families facing energy insecurity. Their support expanded HEAT’s reach and reinforced the belief that no family should have to choose between warmth and other basic needs.

2010 – Gas South and Gas Authority Funding

Gas South’s and the Gas Authority’s support arrived at a critical moment, enabling HEAT to scale its assistance during a period of rising economic hardship and in doing so ensured that thousands of Georgians could keep their homes warm. Their partnerships ensured thousands of families could keep their homes safe and warm, even in the face of hardship.

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.

2015 – Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) Funding

The PSC’s milestone funding affirmed HEAT’s role as a trusted statewide partner, expanding the organization’s capacity to deliver life‑stabilizing energy assistance and strengthening long‑term program sustainability. This support strengthened HEAT’s long‑term sustainability and affirmed the organization’s essential place in Georgia’s energy assistance landscape. With PSC backing, HEAT expanded its capacity to deliver life‑stabilizing support to households across the state.

Together, these financial milestones tell a story of shared commitment—private companies and public institutions recognizing the importance of energy security and choosing to stand with HEAT. Each partnership deepened HEAT’s ability to serve Georgia families, ensuring that warmth, safety, and dignity remain within reach for those who need it most.

2017

After 16 years of exemplary service, Janet Joseph, Heat’s first executive director, retires. During her tenure with Heat, Janet transitioned Heat from an AGL community outreach program to a statewide fuel fund holding with a 501 (c) (3) status. As Heat’s executive director, Janet built the organization’s public and private strategic partnerships, raised its visibility, and diversified the funding base. These efforts were designed to ensure that the organization would continue to have the capacity to provide energy assistance to vulnerable individuals and families across the state of Georgia for the foreseeable future.

After over a decade of diligent service as a HEAT volunteer, Jeffrey Joseph became HEAT’s second executive director when Janet Joseph retired. As Heat’s second executive director, Jeffrey continued to build Heat’s capacity to serve vulnerable individuals and families across the state of Georgia. These efforts were designed to ensure that the organization would continue to have the capacity to provide energy assistance to vulnerable individuals and families across the state of Georgia for the foreseeable future.

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

Attorney Nichelle Mitchem Adamson became the third HEAT executive director in the first quarter of 2025. With more than 25 years of senior nonprofit leadership experience, Nichelle has dedicated her career to improving the lives of vulnerable individuals, families, and communities through legal advocacy, innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and mission-driven leadership. Prior to serving as Heat’s executive director, Nichelle has served as executive director of several nonprofit organizations across the country including Rebuilding Together Atlanta- Atlanta, GA, Lutheran Towers-Atlanta, GA, United Community—Alexandria, VA, My Sister’s Place- Washington, DC, Women Against Abuse-Philadelphia, PA, and others overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets, leading large teams, securing significant funding, and building strategic partnerships that expand services and strengthen communities.

HEAT delivered a record-breaking year of impact post-COVID, providing energy assistance to 1,114 Georgia households and distributing more than $400,000 in critical support — one of the highest amounts disseminated in a single calendar year post-COVID. This unprecedented surge in aid provision met the urgent need of a record number of highly vulnerable Georgians, underscoring HEAT’s role as a lifeline for communities facing energy insecurity across the state.

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.