(Chelsea Update would like to thank Peter Lindeman for the information in this story.)
The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting our community beyond its public health impact. Many workers have been laid off, furloughed, or lost their jobs due to the pandemic’s impact on businesses, making it hard for them to make ends meet.
During this challenging time, it is critical for residents to receive support navigating financial decisions and connecting to addition service and resources. In response, the Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED) is partnering with the United Way of Washtenaw County to launch the Financial Navigator program, funded by the national nonprofit organization, the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund).
Individuals can now connect with a financial navigator by calling 734-677-7202 or visiting uwwashtenaw.org/financialnavigation.
- Financial navigation sessions will take 30 minutes over the phone, and will focus on helping clients:
- Maximize revenue, through accessing benefits, emergency assistance funds, and alternative income options
- Prioritize payments for daily living expenses, like housing, food, and insurance
- Managing debt, avoiding predatory scams, and budgeting for potential income disruptions
- Access other social services
Individuals will receive a follow up message that highlights key takeaways and next steps from their conversation.
Washtenaw County is one of 50 local governments receiving support from the CFE fund to offer financial navigation services in response to COVID-19. These new and enhanced financial navigation and counseling services come in the face of increasing individual and family need. Communities that already administer some sort of CFE-funded financial coaching have reported as much as a 40% increase in demand for these services.
The Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED) is a government agency committed to stepping out of traditional government roles to drive long-term system changes that increase equity and opportunity for all residents. You can learn more by visiting www.washtenaw.org/oced or by following @washtenawOCED on Facebook and Twitter.
The United Way of Washtenaw County connects people, resources, and organizations together to create a thriving community for everyone. You can learn more about their work to fund social services and provide direct assistance to members of our community by visiting www.uwwashtenaw.org/ or by following @uwwashtenaw on Facebook and Twitter.
