FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 12, 2020
United Way of St. Clair County Approves Grant for Homeless Shelter Necessities
United Way of St. Clair County (UWSCC) announces the granting of funds for Blue Water Area Rescue Mission (B-Warm) through their Emergency Services Fund ~ COVID-19 Relief Aid (uwstclair.org/EmergencyServicesFund-Covid-19-ReliefAid). Prior to the pandemic, B-Warm opened daily at 4 p.m. and closed in the morning. Today, B-Warm is practicing social distancing and remains open 24/7 for their residents. UWSCC recognizes the significant impact Governor Whitmer’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order has on B-Warm. COVID-19 Emergency Response Funds will provide for the cost of utilities, food, and necessary products to keep B-Warm open 24/7 for its residents to safely comply with the governor’s executive order.
UWSCC has designated funds available to help organizations address unique needs specific to COVID-19 in St. Clair County. Thanks to additional support from Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, DTE Foundation, The Stebbins Family Fund, Consumers Energy Foundation, Franklin H. and Nancy S. Moore Family Foundation, Cynthia A. Rourke, SEMCO Energy, and Meijer, Inc., UWSCC is able to address unforeseeable, unique needs in the community that are rooted in the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds are intended to help address emergency needs of organizations while assuring financial support is available to aid in future recovery efforts. UWSCC is focused on maintaining accountability by utilizing the volunteer COVID-19 Emergency Response Committee to review COVID-19 funding proposals that are submitted through an online process. “The committee is comprised of long-term volunteers who are knowledgeable of our United Way’s processes. They are dedicated and thorough with each applicant applying for funds,” Campaign Director Brent Gillette explained. He added, “being part of the community solution by partnering with other community leaders has been both educational and rewarding.”
B-Warm, a UWSCC Affiliated Organization, is a full-service overnight men’s emergency shelter that provides life skills training and emergency shelter in a safe, clean, and warm environment. They contribute to an individual’s ability to become a responsible and productive member of the community. Visit www.uwstclair.org/Shelters for a complete list of UWSCC affiliated homeless shelters.
COVID-19 funds cannot be used for individuals seeking financial support at this time. UWSCC recommends all individuals with any type of need to dial 2-1-1, or (888) 636-4211, to be connected with available information and resources. Please remember, many organizations have staff working from home and require individuals to leave a phone message. Visit uwstclair.org/HealthFirst for more household resources.
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