United Way News Release March 27, 2020
The United Way of Monroe/Lenawee Counties delivered an initial $33,000 in COVID-19 emergency relief aid to agency partners in Lenawee County for emergency food, supplies, rent/mortgage and utilities.
Corporation donations from Meijer and Consumers Energy were distributed to local agencies providing emergency relief and assistance to Lenawee County residents with food insecurities related to COVID-19. Rent/mortgage and utilities assistance will be targeted for individuals and families economically effected by the pandemic emergency. Recipient organizations include the South Michigan Food Bank, The Daily Bread, Share the Warmth, Neighbors of Hope, Catherine Cobb Safe House, Community Action Agency and Housing Help of Lenawee.
“We are thankful for great corporate partners whose gifts allows us to deliver immediate relief to the most vulnerable of our community members. We also have great agency partners who are on the front lines delivering heroic services during this COVID-19 crisis—we want to ensure they have resources to meet these urgent needs,” reported Connie Carroll, executive director of the local United Way.
United Way of Monroe/Lenawee Counties is also accepting financial donations towards a local COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund to assist those in need due to the COVID-19 crisis. Any donated funds will be used to assist with rent/mortgage payments and other COVID-19 related needs in Lenawee County. Funds collected and designated for the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund will be funneled to one of UW’s local partner agencies to distribute based on their established guidelines. United Way of Monroe/Lenawee Counties will not be distributing funds directly to individuals.
The United Way also funds the local Central Michigan 2-1-1 Center based in Jackson. Needed especially now, the 2-1-1 system and their 24-hour service is available for referral sourcing for individuals and families with needs during this national emergency. Lenawee County residents can call 2-1-1 (or 866-561-2500) for updated COVID-19 referral information from certified information specialists. The 2-1-1 system is also fully integrated into the statewide Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) MI-Bridges online portal system.
Annually the United Way funds 12 local Lenawee County agency programs and serves as a donor designation vehicle for 30+ additional agencies. They also sponsor countywide 2-1-1 services, and coordinate Project Ramp, 2 annual Health Check events, the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP), and Day of Action programs and services. All funds raised in Lenawee County stay in Lenawee County. Call 517-264-6821, email lpipis@unitedwaymlc.org, visit us at 136 E. Maumee St., Suite 15, Adrian, MI 49221 or visit our website at www.unitedwayMLC.org.