When Winter Storm Fern swept across Ohio, it didn’t just blanket communities in snow; it tested them. More than a foot of snowfall, bitter winds and subzero temperatures shut down schools, emptied grocery shelves and made even short trips dangerous. For neighbors experiencing homelessness or food insecurity, the cold wasn’t just uncomfortable — it was life-threatening.
In the face of those conditions, emergency funding quickly turned into warm beds, safe shelter and paid staff who could stay through the night.
Opening the Doors
As the storm got worse, the Community Shelter Board (CSB) immediately expanded its Winter Warming Strategy by partnering with Third Shift Warming & Cooling Center at First English Lutheran Church. A $10,000 emergency grant from the AEP Ohio Foundation directly funded 75 new overnight beds — capacity that simply would not have existed otherwise.
When First English Lutheran Church reached capacity, CSB activated a hotel-based warming center at the Columbus Grand Hotel, relocating about 80 people indoors and out of dangerous temperatures.
“Seeing the emergency fund help provide extra beds during the unprecedented snow emergency filled me with gratitude and hope. It reminded me that compassion isn’t just an ideal — it’s something we actively choose to show,” Renee Shumate, vice chair of the Community Shelter Board and external affairs manager at AEP Ohio said.
Four other Central Ohio nonprofits providing shelter, food and critical services also translated emergency grants from the AEP Ohio Foundation into immediate action. At the Huckleberry House, a safe place for runaway teens, the grant covered overnight staffing, unexpected overtime and unplanned storm-related expenses —ensuring young people had supervision and safety when travel was treacherous.
“For us, this emergency grant came just in time,” Carol Argiro, director of advancement at the Huckleberry House, said. “It helped cover critical costs during an incredibly stressful time, and it reminded us that we are not doing this work alone.”
Star House is another location that helps young adults and teens with housing needs. Emergency grants from the AEP Ohio Foundation immediately following Winter Storm Fern covered the overnight staffing, unexpected overtime and other unplanned storm-related expenses. Watch the video below to learn more.
Whether it meant extra cots on the floor, hotel rooms opened on short notice or staff members able to stay past their shifts, the emergency grants became a lifeline for neighbors facing the bitter cold.
The Impact
Across Central Ohio, the AEP Ohio Foundation moved quickly to meet urgent needs:
- Huckleberry House — $5,000
- Star House — $5,000
- Community Shelter Board — $10,000
- Community Development for All People — $5,000
- Jordan’s Crossing — $5,000
An additional $45,000 was distributed to nonprofit organizations across northern and southern Ohio ensuring help reached communities statewide when it was needed most.
AEP Ohio serves Ohioans in 61 counties across the state, and those communities are home.
“We don’t just work in these communities; we live here too.” Julia Ivinskas, AEP Ohio customer experience director for the Columbus area, said. “We care deeply about the people we serve, and when extreme weather puts them at risk, stepping up isn’t a question; it’s who we are. I’m incredibly proud of our team for responding with compassion, urgency and heart.”
Help is Here
For customers feeling the impact of higher winter energy bills, AEP Ohio offers a range of assistance programs and payment options. Customers are encouraged to explore available resources and find support at AEPOhio.com/BillHelp; there are programs available for everyone.
