UWSCMI facilitated a grant process that provided $466,232 in federal funds to local organizations providing food, shelter and utility assistance to people in high-need areas.
The emergency funding was announced in February and provided through the Emergency Food And Shelter National Board Program (EFSP), administered by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
“Families across our region are still wrestling with the personal and economic effects of the pandemic,” said Ebone’ Young, Senior Community Impact Associate. “Coupled with rising inflation and economic worries, this support is vital to helping individuals and families get through a difficult time.”
According to Young, 36 community programs received funding, including $185,721 to five programs in Eaton and Ingham counties and Lansing; $115,136 to eight programs in Kalamazoo County; $70,387 to 10 programs in Jackson County; $62,429 to 10 programs in Calhoun County; and $32,559 to three programs in Clinton County. Programs receiving support ranged from food pantries and distribution, rental and mortgage assistance, personal hygiene items, and utility aid.
For each community, local representatives of critical basic-needs agencies determined how the funds would be distributed. Young said the effort put special emphasis on organizations serving the elderly, families with children, homeless individuals with mental or physical disabilities, and veterans.
Below is the list of local agencies that received funding. UWSCMI also received 2% of the grant total to cover the cost of reviewing and administering the grant process.
Calhoun County – Catholic Charities; Gracious Homes; Haven of Rest Neighborhoods Inc. BC; S.A.F.E. Place; Salvation Army; SHARE Center; St. Peter Lutheran; and Tri County Labor Agency.
Clinton County – Housing Services Mid-Michigan; and SafeCenter.
Lansing and Eaton/Ingham counties – Haven House; Holy Cross Services; Housing Services Mid-Michigan; and Salvation Army.
Jackson County – AWARE, Inc.; Compassionate Ministries; Dungytreei Heritage Foundation; Jackson Free Methodist Church; Jackson Friendly Home; John George Home; Salvation Army; Welcome Home Organization; and United Center for Caring.
Kalamazoo County – Catholic Charities; Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries; Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes; Ministry with Community; Salvation Army; South County Community Services; and YWCA.