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
Lima Rescue Mission was at capacity nearly every day during Winter Storm Fern. That meant unexpected mouths to feed and supplies running low. A $5,000 emergency grant from the AEP Ohio Foundation replenished the mission’s supplies.
“$5,000 is a big gift. You don’t see gifts like that come in every day,” Chuck Ferguson, Lima Rescue Mission director, said. “It’ll be used for food and supplies, and I am very thankful we were considered for this emergency grant.”
Budgets at nonprofits like Friends of the Homeless of Tuscarawas County or New Hope Ministry Park, were already tight, and having unexpected costs to pay staff to stay overnight due to Winter Storm Fern put a big strain on supplies and funds. Emergency grants from the AEP Ohio Foundation immediately following the storm covered the overnight staffing, unexpected overtime and other unplanned storm-related expenses.
“This is home for us,” Michael Travis, AEP Ohio external affairs manager, said. “The people in these communities are our neighbors, friends and family and when severe weather puts them at risk, helping isn’t a decision—it’s a responsibility we feel deeply. I couldn’t be prouder of our team for showing up with urgency and genuine care.”
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 Northern Ohio, the AEP Ohio Foundation moved quickly to meet urgent needs:
- Lima Rescue Mission — $5,000
- Lima’s Samaritan House — $5,000
- Friends of the Homeless of Tuscarawas County — $5,000
- New Hope Ministry Park — $5,000
An additional $55,000 was distributed to nonprofit organizations across southern and central Ohio, ensuring help reached communities statewide when it was needed most.
AEP Ohio serves Ohioans in 61 counties across the state and the effort resonated deeply with employees, many of whom live and work in these same neighborhoods.
“Based on the severity of the weather, the AEP Ohio Customer Experience team identified the local organizations facing the greatest need related to shelter and food insecurity,” Angie Rybalt, customer experience director for the Ohio region, said. “These emergency grants — ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 — were intended to help nonprofits respond quickly during a critical moment.”
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.
