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
“It’s been a balancing act for us,” Julie Bolen, the executive director for the Ross County Community Action Commission, said. “We are open 24 hours a day, but we were at capacity every single night due to the storm.”
A $10,000 emergency grant from the AEP Ohio Foundation helped the agency get more cots to get people out of the extreme cold.
“We had at least 15 more people stay with us during the storm. And not everyone was experiencing homelessness. In fact, we had families stay with us because their furnace broke down and they had no heat in their homes and needed a place to stay. So, we’re very thankful AEP Ohio could help us,” added Bolen.
The Adams County Shelter provided food to more than 150 families when Winter Storm Fern hit, wiping out the entire food supply. An emergency grant from the AEP Ohio Foundation helped them replenish their shelves.
“We had families show up and ask for anything they had as their kids had been out of school all week and they had no food. I couldn’t let them go hungry,” Stephanie Mashburn, Adams County shelter for the homeless director, said. “We are deeply grateful for the generous $5,000 grant from the AEP Ohio Foundation and for your belief in the work we’re doing here at the Adams County Shelter.”
Business Services Account Manager Holly Johnson, who lives in Adams County and sits on the Adams County Shelter Board, witnessed the impact firsthand.
“AEP Ohio’s generosity reaches real people right here at home, providing warmth, stability and hope when it is needed most,” she said. “I’m proud to work at AEP Ohio and we’re so thankful for this help. It truly shows how we are standing with our neighbors during their most vulnerable moments. This support makes a lasting difference, and I am deeply grateful.”
The Impact
Across Southern Ohio, the AEP Ohio Foundation moved quickly to meet urgent needs:
- Ross County Community Action Commission — $10,000
- Trulight Ministries — $10,000
- Adams County Shelter for the Homeless — $5,000
An additional $50,000 was distributed to nonprofit organizations across northern 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.
“Vulnerable populations experience an increased risk of exposure and medical crisis, and these funds will support safe shelter operations,” Melissa Clark, AEP Ohio external affairs manager, said. “I’m proud that we were able to help when communities need it most; it’s who we are.”
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.
