United Way for Southeastern Michigan has launched a series of informational town halls to provide expert guidance to the public on concerns related to COVID-19. Through the sessions, the community will have access to actionable information regarding the pandemic and available resources to help including food, unemployment assistance, education, and childcare.
The first in the series features special guest Steve Gray, director of Michigan’s Unemployment Agency (UIA). The half hour live session takes place virtually on Microsoft Teams on Friday, May 8, 2020 and begins at 1:00 p.m. EST. Steve Gray, will moderate the town hall events. To join the event or register, visit UnitedWaySEM.org/VirtualTownHalls.
Considering the impact the pandemic is having on the Michigan workforce, Gray will provide an update on unemployment numbers, unemployment assistance, business assistance, MIBridges (health insurance), and jobs available to fill current critical vacancies. There will also be a limited question and answer period following the formal presentation.
“The community and our organizational partners are telling us many people have questions and don’t know where to turn for answers. These town halls are meant to be a forum for useful information to help right now,” says Dr. Darienne Hudson, president and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “As the effects of the pandemic continue, we know people are looking for useful information to help themselves and their families. We created these town halls to provide direct answers from experts at a time when we are all dealing with this crisis.”
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All virtual town hall events will be recorded and accessible on the United Way for Southeastern Michigan website at UnitedWaySEM.org/VirtualTownHalls. To join the conversation on social media, follow @UnitedWaySEM on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
A full schedule of the United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s Virtual Town Hall events can be found at UnitedWaySEM.org/VirtualTownHalls.
On May 15 at 1 p.m., the second virtual town hall will feature guest speakers Rachelle Bonelli, vice president of Programs at Gleaners, and Lauren Fuller, outreach coordinator for YMCA of Metro Detroit. The topic for that session will be food support programs that are available and how to access them.
To learn more about how you can help or if you need assistance, visit www.UnitedWaySEM.org/COVID or text “PROTECT” to 50503. Thanks to the passage of the coronavirus stimulus package, any donation made to charity can be deducted from 2020 taxes, up to $300.
About United Way for Southeastern Michigan
United Way for Southeastern Michigan, a member of the United Way Worldwide network and an independently governed 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, works to help households become stable and ensure children have the support they need to thrive. For more than 100 years, United Way has been a leader in creating positive, measurable and sustainable change in communities throughout southeast Michigan. United Way works in partnership with donors, agencies, corporate and municipal partners to help families meet their basic needs of housing, food, health care and family finances, and ensure children start school ready to learn and graduate ready for life. To give, advocate, volunteer or learn more, visit UnitedWaySEM.org.
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