The Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund has a unique relationship with the State of Wisconsin that together they join forces to raise funds and awareness for some of the most vulnerable Wisconsinites who have no place else to turn to. Together they are making an incredible impact.
“It’s almost unprecedented. The historically close relationship with state officials going back to the inception of the fund. Their support which has been critical to the success of Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund beginning with former Wisconsin governor Tommy Thompson and continuing with every succeeding governor with their leadership the KWW/CF along with the Heat and Housing for Heroes campaign also enjoys the amazing bi-partisan support in Wisconsin’s legislature,” says Energy Services, Inc. Executive Director Tim Bruer. “We’ve not only enjoyed their support but most governors have been actively involved as the honorary chairperson of the Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund campaign.”
The very unique matching fund that the organizations have set up between them is one of the reasons for the success.
Focus on Energy has a state contract to do energy conversation. Its efforts help WI residents and businesses manage rising energy costs, promote in-state economic development, protect our environment and control WI’s growing demand for electricity and natural gas. In partnership with 108 WI utilities, Focus on Energy helps single-family homeowners, renters, and property owners make energy related improvements to their homes.
“We are the statewide energy efficiency program so we partner with almost all of the utilities in the state to offer incentives to homeowners and businesses to make energy efficient choices and to make upgrades to their homes and businesses,” says Scott Bloedorn, Project Manager at Focus on Energy.
United States’ military Veterans are among the least likely to come forward to ask for help in times of trouble, even when they find themselves facing life threatening situations. Pride is often the principle barrier for Veterans in receiving this much needed assistance. Recognizing this, Services, Inc. and the Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund launched its statewide Heat and Housing for Heroes Campaign a few years ago.
The need for a grassroots effort to help those in need became clear during a bitterly-cold winter in the 1980s.
The awareness of the growing number of people enduring life-threatening situations was amplified by the tragic death of hypothermia of an elderly woman during that winter. Months later, do to her utilities being disconnected at no fault of her own, an elderly and disabled victim also died of heat stroke during the stifling hot summer with no place to turn.
Something needed to be done, and the community acted to assure those most vulnerable during Wisconsin’s harsh seasons wouldn’t face a crisis, like being unable to afford power or heat, alone.
Energy Services Inc. was founded as a survival safety net for those in need of assistance for power or heating, and the initiative has grown to help low-income households across the state during times of need. But programs such as that wouldn’
The Heat for Heroes van, generously donated and maintained by Schmidt Auto Inc., travels around the state of WI to raise awareness and funds for Veterans facing energy-related emergencies.
The impact KWWCF/Heat and Housing for Heroes has on veterans and their families wouldn’t be possible without its relationship with those who serve veterans throughout the state. It’s those boots on the ground who hear firsthand from the veterans and families who are struggling that allows KWWCF/Heat and Housing for Heroes to lend a hand.
