United Way of South Central Michigan (UWSCMI) facilitated a grant process that provided $460,437 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, 34 community programs received funding, including $187,860 to five programs in Eaton and Ingham counties; $106,737 to eight programs in Kalamazoo County; $70,114 to eight programs in Jackson County; $64,777 to 10 programs in Calhoun County; and $30,949 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.
