(Chelsea Update would like to thank Pam Smith for the information in this story.)
United Way of Washtenaw County (UWWC) has supported the community’s safety net of human services for almost 100 years. Recently, the volunteer-led Chelsea United Way decided to cease operations but UWWC will continue to serve Chelsea residents and support local nonprofit organizations.
UWWC runs the 2-1-1 helpline for social service referrals and data reveals that needs in Chelsea continue to rise – highest requests in 48118 are for covid testing, eviction prevention, and food distribution sites.
“Faith in Action has been working on an appointment-only basis since March 13, we have still been able to help people to a great extent and with few limitations thanks to funding from United Way. Grant funds enabled the purchase of needed PPE plus other safety resources so that we could bring volunteers back ASAP to support our work. Importantly, funding from UWWC allowed us to double our cap on rental and food assistance, keeping families impacted by COVID in their homes,” said Sheri Montoye, executive director of Faith in Action, in a press release.
Over the past five years, United Way of Washtenaw County, independently and through its participation in the Washtenaw Coordinated Funders has invested more than $200,000 in grant funding to the Chelsea Senior Center, Faith in Action, and the St. Louis Center. At the onset of the pandemic this past spring, UWWC made grants to Faith in Action and also St. Louis Center, which received $20,000 and $15,000 in unrestricted operating support.
UWWC continues to invest in agencies that serve all of Washtenaw County, including those serving older adults, addressing food insecurity, ensuring access to early childhood education, and addressing housing and homelessness.
“We focus on health, education and financial stability, the building blocks for a good quality of life,” said Pam Smith, CEO of United Way. “We also deliver direct services beyond 2-1-1; free financial coaching, financial resource navigation and income tax preparation. We continue to be committed to western Washtenaw County and building partnerships that help us serve those in need,” she said.
IF you need Help: Call 2-1-1. Our 24/7 hotline that can connect you to services in our community.
IF you want to Give: Visit uwgive.org to donate to the Community Impact Fund at United Way or to any 501c3 agency you choose to designate your gift to.
IF you need Food: For a full list of food distribution options, please Click Here
IF you want to Volunteer: Visit VOLUNTEERWASHTENAW.org Help is needed in the community and there is a special Washtenaw County Coronavirus Volunteer response team – Medical and Non-medical people needed.
IF you want to Advocate: Share the official messages regarding public health and safety to your friends and family.
ABOUT UNITED WAY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY
As part of our 99-year history, United Way of Washtenaw County brings people, organizations and resources together to create a thriving community for everyone. Our focus areas of Health, Education
and Financial Stability, the building blocks for a good quality of life, strengthen community and create opportunities for individuals and families. Our Volunteer Center provides an easy, online way for people to connect with nonprofits in the community and our 2-1-1 helpline refers more than 8,000 people annually to critically needed services.
To learn more, donate, or volunteer, visit uwgive.org.
