Editor’s note: This article was initially published at Freep.com.
By Caroline Blackmon
Southeastern Michigan’s chapter of the United Way is offering $7 million in grants to help provide basic needs for residents in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
The 12-month grants are part of the Detroit-based nonprofit’s annual “reinvestment into the community,” Director of Public Relations Vickie Winn said. The grants range between $50,000 and $250,000, based on services provided by each agency, since some of the organizations provide multiple services.
The United Way annually evaluates its donations and its partnering agencies to ensure financial responsibility.
“The goals are to make sure that individual basic needs are met,” Winn said. “United Way partners with agencies by giving them funding to make sure those services are met across Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties.”
Basic needs can encompass anything from food to housing to economic-related needs.
“United Way annually reevaluates its partnerships to make sure we are being great stewards of the funding that is given to us,” Winn said.
The grants will go into effect July 1. Officials will evaluate how they are being used after six months.
Among the 66 agencies partnering with the United Way are Oakland Family Services, Community Social Services of Wayne County and Macomb Homeless Coalition.
Oakland Family Services was established in 1921. The organization recognizes that many families struggle with a variety of issues. According to its website, the organization “remains committed to provide a wealth of programs for individuals and families,” including helping to educate children and helping children and their families overcome mental health challenges.
Community Social Services of Wayne County was established in 1946 as the Catholic Family Center and has evolved over the decades in response to what families in its community needs. According to its website, the organization “provides a broad range of human services for everyone from infants to senior citizens” to help with “rebuilding broken lives and restoring dignity.”
Since 1984, the Macomb Homeless Coalition was one of the only shelters in Macomb where homeless men and women could find save haven. According to its website, it now attracts donors and supporters nationwide to “collaborate closely on the needs, solutions and efficient delivery of services to our county’s citizens who are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless.”