In response to the devastating tornadoes that struck Cass, St. Joseph, and Branch counties on Friday, March 6, United Way of Southwest Michigan has activated the Southwest Michigan Cares Fund to support recovery efforts across the impacted region to support United Ways serving the affected communities.
United Way of Southwest Michigan specifically serves Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties, but often works with neighboring United Way agencies in disaster relief efforts where necessary. Dollars raised from Cares Fund donations will go back to the United Way organizations serving the hardest hit areas including Three Rivers, served by St. Joseph County (Michigan) United Way; Union City, served by Branch County United Way; and Edwardsburg, served by United Way of Southwest Michigan.
The storms killed four people, injured at least a dozen others, and left a trail of destruction through communities including Edwardsburg, Three Rivers, and Union City. Homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed, thousands of residents lost power, and Cass County declared a local state of emergency. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer activated the state’s Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the response.
The Southwest Michigan Cares Fund was established specifically for moments like this. Donations made to the fund will be distributed to local organizations and community partners working on the front lines of recovery — ensuring that resources reach the people and places that need them most. United Way of Southwest Michigan will work in close coordination with the American Red Cross and United Way sister agencies throughout the region to guide those efforts.
“The Southwest Michigan region was hit hard yesterday, and the road to recovery will not be short for our neighbors,” said Anna Murphy, President & CEO of United Way of Southwest Michigan. “United Way of Southwest Michigan is committed to working alongside our United Way partners to make sure every dollar donated to the Southwest Michigan Cares Fund reaches the people and communities that need it most. If you are able to give, please give. If you are able to volunteer, please sign up. And if you need help, please reach out to 211.”
Southwest Michigan residents who want to help are encouraged to donate online at SouthwestMichiganCares.com. Volunteers can sign up to assist with recovery efforts at Volunteer.UWSM.org as upcoming volunteer projects throughout the region are assessed and posted. Volunteers should create a free profile on the Volunteer United site now to be alerted about opportunities as they become available in the coming days.
