ROCKPORT, Ind., May 5, 2022 – The American Electric Power Foundation (AEP) upon the recommendation of Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is giving a $70,000 grant to Spencer County Habitat for Humanity for the construction of a new home to be built in 2022.

“Every human deserves to be able to rest their head on their pillow at night and not worry about where they will be sleeping the next night,” said Jennifer Thomas, executive director of Spencer County Habitat for Humanity. “We are so thankful for the continued support of the AEP Foundation and Indiana Michigan Power. With this project we are giving someone a hand up, not a handout.”

The grant funds will be used to build a safe, affordable home for a Spencer County family. Most of the funding will go toward the material needed to build the house, costs of which have been increasing. Habitat also uses funding to hire professionals for work such as the foundation, plumbing and electrical that may be too difficult for volunteers.

Both the AEP Foundation and I&M are happy to support Habitat’s goal of bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. Ultimately, this will provide a safe, affordable and accessible home to help part of the community thrive.

“We want to help make sure that the people of Spencer County have what they need to build successful lives,” said Bob Jessee, I&M’s Rockport Plant Manager. “That means projects like this new house and our continued support of organizations who are focused on that goal are crucial.”

Spencer County Habitat for Humanity has been building or rehabbing homes since the 1990's, with this project being the 26th home constructed. Habitat partners with local businesses, churches, and individuals in the county to get these homes built.

Other partners with the project include the Spencer County Community Foundation.

“We are helping families get a home that would not be possible for them any other way, giving them the opportunity for success in the future,” said Tim Kerns, Vice President Generating Assets with Indiana Michigan Power. “This gives them the security to become part of a community with their neighbors, local schools, businesses and churches.”

Beyond the donation, I&M employees have helped multiple chapters of Habitat for Humanity across Indiana and Michigan with volunteer builds. I&M and Habitat for Humanity have worked together as a dynamic team for years and look forward to continuing this relationship and the profound impact that it has across our communities.

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ABOUT SPENCER COUNTY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY: Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in approximately 70 countries. Spencer County Habitat for Humanity has been building or rehabbing homes since the 1990's, currently working on their 26th home build.  They partner with local businesses, churches, and individuals in the county to get these homes built.

ABOUT INDIANA MICHIGAN POWER: Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is headquartered in Fort Wayne, and its approximately 2,100 employees serve more than 600,000 customers. More than 80% of its energy delivered in 2021 was emission-free. I&M has at its availability various sources of generation including 2,278 MW of nuclear generation in Michigan, 450 MW of purchased wind generation from Indiana, more than 22 MW of hydro generation in both states, nearly 35 MW of large-scale solar generation in both states, and 2,620 MW of coal-fueled generation in Indiana.

ABOUT THE AEP FOUNDATION: The American Electric Power Foundation is funded by American Electric Power and its operating subsidiaries. The Foundation provides a permanent, ongoing resource for charitable initiatives in the communities served by AEP and initiatives outside of AEP’s 11-state service area. The Foundation focuses on improving lives through education from early childhood through higher education in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math and by meeting basic needs for emergency shelter, affordable housing and the elimination of hunger. Our Social and Racial Justice grant program, Delivering On the Dream, is for organizations whose mission and/or programming is committed to positive social and racial justice outcomes. Other Foundation support may be offered to protect the environment, promote healthcare and safety, and enrich life through art, music and cultural heritage

News releases and other information about I&M are available at IndianaMichiganPower.com