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FirstEnergy Foundation Enhances Support for Shelter, Safety, and Stability

In a significant commitment to social welfare, the FirstEnergy Foundation is channeling $140,000 into seven organizations across Ohio that tackle the urgent issues of emergency shelter, housing assistance, and other supportive services for individuals and families grappling with distressing circumstances like homelessness and domestic violence. This funding forms a part of the Foundation's broadened Shelter, Safety, and Stability initiative, which has expanded its budget from $100,000 to a remarkable $500,000 for the fiscal year of 2026, enabling it to cater to 38 organizations across five states.

The state of Ohio is facing a housing crisis, with a shocking report indicating that nearly 11,800 people were in temporary housing, shelters, or living on the streets as of January 2024—the highest level of homelessness recorded in a decade. Alongside this, the state has an alarming shortfall of over 2,600 adult shelter beds, while an estimated 32,000 students are without consistent, safe sleeping arrangements during the 2023-2024 school year. This scenario amplifies the pivotal role that local organizations play in providing essential services and support to those in dire need.

Amanda Mertens Campbell, Vice President of External Affairs and Corporate Responsibility and also the President of the FirstEnergy Foundation, emphasizes that the organizations benefiting from this grant do far more than provide mere shelter. She states, "They offer safety, support, and hope during some of life's most challenging moments. This funding will help individuals and families access not solely emergency housing but also the compassion and supportive services crucial to avert future housing instability, paving the way for long-term success."

Grants Designed to Foster Stability

This year, the FirstEnergy Foundation allocated funds to various organizations that concentrate on both immediate shelter needs and transitioning families toward stability. Highlights of the awarded organizations include:

• - Family Promise of Greater Cleveland: Receiving support for temporary housing and comprehensive services for homeless families, ensuring they achieve stability through case management, employment aid, and pathways to permanent housing.
• - Harmony House (Summit County): Focused on young adults aged 18 to 24, the organization provides emergency shelter and services aimed at aiding youth in achieving self-sufficiency through educational and employment resources.
• - Providence House (Cuyahoga County): This organization targets children and families in crisis, delivering emergency shelter and support services designed to keep families together while simultaneously enhancing family stability and preventing unnecessary foster care placements.
• - Summit County Continuum of Care: Offers emergency housing, helping individuals and families experiencing homelessness to connect with community resources that can foster transitions to stable living conditions.
• - ACCESS, Inc. (Summit County): Assists women and children escaping homelessness by providing emergency shelter and services aimed at securing permanent housing.
• - Hope Healing Survivor Resource Center (Summit and Medina Counties): Supplies vital services to victims of domestic and sexual violence, as well as human trafficking.
• - Leading Families Home (Toledo): Aids families and single women facing homelessness, providing support on their journey to independence through housing and employment initiatives.

A Commitment to Long-Term Support and Volunteering

Since its inception in 2020, the FirstEnergy Foundation has contributed over $1.6 million directed towards organizations that provide shelter and housing support. Notably, nearly $700,000 of this funding has specifically benefitted organizations aiding survivors of domestic violence and their families.

In 2026, the Foundation has already allocated more than $850,000 for housing-related initiatives, further establishing its commitment to community welfare. Additionally, through its $5 million Hunger Action Month initiative, the Foundation awarded $135,000 to agencies offering shelter and housing services.

FirstEnergy encourages its employees to actively participate in community aid by providing volunteer time-off (VTO) hours. Many employees engage in activities such as donation drives, local awareness walks for shelters, and hands-on volunteering at Habitat for Humanity sites. In 2025, employees completed approximately 28,500 volunteer hours, contributing millions in economic value to the community.

About FirstEnergy Foundation

The FirstEnergy Foundation plays a crucial role in supporting 501(c)(3) organizations throughout FirstEnergy's operational areas, aiding them in building capacity and fostering community impact. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives related to housing stability, hunger relief, workforce development, and STEM programs. Overall, over $6.5 million has been distributed in community support during 2026, reflecting a strong dedication to improving the quality of life for individuals in need. FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE FE) remains focused on integrity, safety, and operational excellence, serving over 6 million customers across various states, and continuing to build a resilient future for the communities it serves.