THAW talks the state's move to put energy assistance online

(WJBK) - Starting on October 1, the state of Michigan's Department of Health and Human Services is moving energy assistance online.

Joining FOX 2 with more on what that means for those in need who may not have computer access is CEO of The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) Saunteel Jekins.

National expert Dr. Virginia Eubanks will hold an event No Computer, No Assistance: Is Michigan Turning the Lights Off on the Poor? from 5-7 p.m. at Bethel Transformation Cultural Center, 8801 Woodward in Detroit.

According to a spokesperson for the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services:

"People applying for energy assistance from the state will still be able to do so using either a paper application or on online application. Paper applications are available at MDHHS offices, and MDHHS is making paper applications available to private energy assistance agencies such as THAW. Additionally, there are computer kiosks in MDHHS offices where people applying online who don’t have their own computer can be assisted by MDHHS staff, and there are kiosks at some of the private agencies as well. So in no way are people being required to apply online. People have been able to apply either online or via paper application for several years."