United Way of Southwest Michigan’s reputation for stepping into the breach when crisis is at hand is growing by the day. The team at the local United Way is going to work to help local families and individuals impacted by the federal shutdown.
As the longest government shutdown in history stretches on, United Way has formulated a plan to help those local residents who are being impacted.
United Way of Southwest Michigan has launched the Emergency Relief Fund to assist federal employees in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties who may be impacted by the ongoing government shutdown. The fund is addressing vital needs, such as food, utility assistance, rent, mortgage payments and other basic needs. Additionally, the Fund is making it possible for generous individuals and others who want to help.
If you’d like to join the effort by contributing to the Fund you can do so by simply visiting the link below or by texting UWSMrelief to 51555. Check payments are accepted as well and can be made out to “United Way of Southwest Michigan,” referencing “Emergency Relief Fund” in the memo. Checks can be dropped off or mailed to United Way at 2015 Lakeview Avenue, St. Joseph, MI 49085.
Here’s the direct link online:
http://www.uwsm.org/emergency-relief-fund
United Way has pledged that 100-percent of all funds received will directly benefit those impacted.
Anna Murphy is President of the United Way of SWM. She says: “UWSM values the contributions of all federal workers in our communities who have supported their neighbors through their work and their philanthropy over the years. UWSM is committed to standing by federal workers impacted by the government shutdown in their time of need.”
In addition to the Fund, First Church of God in St. Joseph, Cass District Library in Cassopolis, and the Van Buren County United Way in Paw Paw, are collecting gift cards for federal workers. Meijer, Walmart and/or gasoline gift cards are preferred.
You can utilize any of these Drop-off locations:
- First Church of God is located at: 2627 Niles Ave., St. Joseph, MI 49085 (Mon. – Thurs. 8:30am – 4:30pm)
- Cass District Library is located at: 319 M-62, Cassopolis, MI 49031 (Mon. – Thurs. 9:00am – 8:00pm; Fri. 9:00am – 6:00pm; Sat. 9:00am – 3:00pm)
- Van Buren County United Way is located at: 181 W. Michigan Ave., #4, Paw Paw, MI 49079 (Mon. – Fri. 8:45am – 4:00pm)
If you, yourself, are a federal worker impacted by the shutdown, you are encouraged to visit www.uwsm.org/emergency-relief-fund for information on how you can receive services.
2-1-1 United Way is encouraging federal employees in need of social services to contact 2-1-1 for help. 2-1-1 (or 844-875-9211) is a free and confidential service that helps people find the local resources they need. For a list of resources in southwest Michigan, you can visit at the link below or text your zip code to 898-211 to hear from a specialist. Here’s the 2-1-1 link: http://www.mi211.org
All federal workers impacted by the shutdown and looking for services can also visit the www.uwsm.org/emergency-relief-fund at the link earlier in the story.
United Way of Southwest Michigan fights for the Health, Education and Financial Stability of every person throughout the community. They have the influence and relationships to make sustainable change a reality. By harnessing resources from corporate, nonprofit and public partners, They provide immediate assistance to the most vulnerable populations among us while addressing the root causes of the community’s longstanding challenges and changing lives for the better. To join the fight—through giving, advocacy and volunteering—visit www.uwsm.org.
