HELPING FAMILIES THAT ARE ONE CRISIS AWAY FROM A DISASTER

Keeping The Lights On and Food On The Table For Families In Need.

uw_income_0009

We believe providing a family with a hand up when they are facing hardships gives them the opportunity to improve their situation.  Many Jackson County families are one crisis away from losing everything.  With your support we are able to fund the Basic Needs Program at the Salvation Army which means the lights stay on, food is on the table or the water continues to flow.  This program allows families to work through adversity.  This family of five is just one out of thousands who received assistance.  Names have been changed to protect their privacy.

Carl and Emily needed help.  Carl’s company was struggling which meant his job was eliminated.  A couple weeks later the same thing happened to Emily.  Just like that a stable family was struggling.  They’ve never been in a situation like this.  They were stressed.  They didn’t know how they were going to keep a roof over their head, food on the table or even keep the lights on.  The bills continued to pile up and their options were running out.  Emily heard about the Basic Needs program and asked for help.   First the family was giving a week’s worth of food.  With one less thing to worry about they could work on other issues.  Next, The Basic Needs Program, working with Consumers Energy was able to pay off half their bill and arrangements were made for a manageable monthly payment.  Carl and Emily were able to get good used school clothes for their children and low cost repairs for their home.  As a result of all their troubles, Emily was showing signs of anxiety and depression, the Basic Needs Program provided her access to counseling.  Carl and Emily received assistance and resources that helped stabilize their family as they continue to look for new jobs.  Carl and Emily will succeed.

Last year the Basic Needs Program provided five days-worth of food to over 8000 Jackson County Families and nearly 3000 families were able to avoid shut off or had their utilities turned back on.  Your support helps families, it buys them time as they work to improve their situation.

How can you help families like Carl and Emily’s?

Read more Stories of Impact.

Would you like weekly updates from IMPACTS! The United Way of Jackson County Blog?

State Budget Signed with Significant Investments for ALICE

October 10, 2025

Kalamazoo Continuum of Care Comprehensive Strategic Plan to End Homelessness in Kalamazoo County Sessions

September 26, 2025

MCSC Announces September and October Trainings

September 17, 2025

Proposals Sought for Day/Night Shelter Services To Aid Unhoused During Upcoming Cold Weather Season

September 16, 2025

United Ways Joining Forces In Alliance to Benefit Local Families

September 15, 2025

Volunteer Fair Connects Helping Hands with Community

September 10, 2025

Investing in What Matters Most

August 4, 2025

Annual Survey: Kalamazoo County Homelessness Rising

July 18, 2025

Meet Logan and Lindsey: Senior Associates of Donor Relations

July 17, 2025

Housing Kalamazoo: Collaboration for Housing Equity

July 16, 2025