Posts Tagged ‘equity’
Analysis of Governor Whitmer Budget Priorities FY 2027
Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s FY ’26-’27 Executive Budget Recommendation was presented to a joint meeting of the Michigan Senate and House Appropriations Committees. The $88.1 billion budget ($13.6 billion General Fund) includes limited tax relief, some tax and fee increase requests, a pull from reserves and limited new spending, mostly targeted at education programs. The new revenue would come…
Read MoreJackson Organizations Receive Disaster Relief Funding
In the fall of 2025, SNAP benefit delays prompted the activation of United Way of South Central Michigan’s Disaster Relief Fund in Jackson County for the first time. United Way’s Disaster Relief Fund proactively supports response and recovery during times of crisis – natural or human-made – that affect individuals and families below the ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed)…
Read More211: More Than A Number
Today, February 11 (2-11), we celebrate National 211 Day – an annual observance celebrating the three-digit number that helps millions of people in the U.S. and Canada – including those in South Central Michigan. 211 is a free, vital resource for residents who need assistance with disaster, food, health care, mental health, insurance, stable housing,…
Read MoreProposals Sought for Day/Night Shelter Services To Aid Unhoused During Upcoming Cold Weather Season
Local government and nonprofit partners are inviting proposals from qualified, experienced service providers willing to operate daytime and nighttime shelters for people experiencing homelessness during the coming cold months. The Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care, United Way of South Central Michigan, Kalamazoo County Government, and the City of Kalamazoo together issued the Request For Proposal…
Read MoreAnnual Survey: Kalamazoo County Homelessness Rising
PIT Count Sees Highest Total Since 2011; Collective Effort Needed to Find Solutions, Says CoC An annual one-night survey of homelessness in Kalamazoo County found 127 more people without a place to call home compared to last year’s count, reaching the highest number overall since 2011. The Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care’s annual Point-In-Time (PIT)…
Read MoreHousing Kalamazoo: Collaboration for Housing Equity
Save the date: Join us September 11 from 12pm-5pm at the Fetzer Center (2251 Business Ct, Kalamazoo, MI 49008) for the Kalamazoo Continuum of Care housing forum, “Housing Kalamazoo: Collaboration for Housing Equity.” To sign up for a tabling opportunity, please visit https://forms.office.com/r/EnmbFAff0h. We are also seeking submissions from people working across the region in all roles in…
Read MoreThe State of ALICE in UWSCMI: 2025 Report
The Michigan Association of United Ways (MAUW) today released the latest data on the state’s ALICE population—Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained and Employed individuals who struggle to meet their financial needs. The report, which covers 2023 data, found 14% of Michigan households fall below the Federal Poverty Level, while another 27% of households live above poverty but don’t…
Read MoreDay 21: Take Action in Your Community
Congratulations on completing the United Way of South Central Michigan Racial Equity Challenge. We are thankful that you have come along with us on this journey and made time to learn and reflect on topics of racial equity. We know these conversations and the feelings they evoke are not always easy, but making space for brave…
Read MoreDay 20: Final Reflections
“None of us alone can save the nation or the world. But each of us can make a positive difference if we commit ourselves to do so.” – Cornel West Today’s challenge is to take time to reflect on your experience over the past 20 days. Research shows that a critical component to learning is…
Read MoreDay 19: Tools for the Racial Equity Change
“The beauty of anti-racism is that you don’t have to pretend to be free of racism to be anti-racist. Anti-racism is the commitment to fight racism wherever you find it, including in yourself. And that is the only way forward.” –Ijeoma Oluo There are various reasons to participate in this challenge.One reason may be to…
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