It’s Day 4 of Impact Week at United Way of South Central Michigan, and today we are taking a closer look at what’s happening in Jackson County.
We know, based on ALICE* data, that 24,781 households in Jackson County – 41 percent – are struggling financially, living either in poverty or below the ALICE threshold. But if we dive deeper, we can look at demographics and individual budget items for a typical family or individual that allow us to better see specific areas of need in Jackson County. This helps us determine where donor dollars will have the greatest impact.
Here are two examples of where ALICE data has informed our work in Jackson County:
Giving Kids Access to Growth Opportunities
The Data: In Jackson County, 69 percent of all Black children are living below the ALICE threshold, with adults who are working hard but still struggling to make ends meet every month.
Our Investment: With that in mind, UWSCMI is proud to both fund and serve as the fiduciary for Isaiah’s Hub Youth Center, a grassroots organization that provides leadership and academic supports to youth. Their 2022 summer camp, which serves predominantly BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) families, gave Jackson youth access to top-tier educational sites like the Air Zoo in Kalamazoo, Detroit Zoo, Detroit Science Center and even the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. Check out this video from their trip to the Detroit Zoo, and visit their Facebook page to see what else they’ve been up to.
Increasing Food Access
The Data: In Jackson County, approximately 4,000 children—the majority of whom are BIPOC—are living below the ALICE threshold. Food is one of the most expensive monthly budget items for ALICE households with children, and can be difficult to access for a variety of reasons.
Our Investment: With the cost of food rising rapidly, UWSCMI’s investments in both the food pantry system through South Michigan Food Bank and grassroots providers of fresh produce like Grow Jackson are critical to increasing access to fresh and healthy food for ALICE families.
Isaiah’s Hub, South Michigan Food Bank and Grow Jackson are just a few of the United Way-supported programs providing assistance and working toward solutions in Jackson County. In addition to this work, United Way SCMI invests in and partners with many other community organizations, all working to improve financial stability outcomes for individuals and families who are ALICE or living in poverty.
*ALICE = Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed
Your donation helps support these programs and investments. Please consider a gift to United Way this season.