Sunshine House, Shelby County EMA to receive grants for Winter Storm Fern

As Winter Storm Fern brings severe winter weather across parts of Duke Energy’s Indiana service territory, the Duke Energy Foundation is awarding $55,000 in rapid response grants to 21 organizations to help communities withstand storm impacts and sustained cold temperatures this weekend and into next week.

“While our crews work out in the field, we want to make sure our fellow first responders and community support systems are also cared for,” said Stan Pinegar, president, Duke Energy Indiana. “We’re glad to be able to support organizations across the state that are doing great work for Indiana’s communities every day, and particularly during this storm.”

The shareholder-funded grants will be distributed to the following nonprofits and assistance organizations to help strengthen local efforts to address cold-weather needs, including warming shelters, emergency supplies, blankets and other needs.

Bartholomew County: Bartholomew Emergency Management Agency, $2,500

Decatur County: Decatur County Emergency Management Agency, $2,500

Shelby County: Sunshine House, $2,500

Shelby County Shelby Emergency Management Agency, $2,500

Open shelters and disaster relief services can be found through the American Red Cross Emergency app. The app, sponsored by the Duke Energy Foundation, offers emergency checklists, maps of open shelters and tools to monitor multiple locations for weather alerts.