These two issues for BASIC NEEDS are community conditions that United Way of Southwest Michigan has chosen to address, based on expert and public knowledge. Click to view more about our 2025-2028 Agenda for Change and the other six issues.

Investing in basic needs, such as food security, safe housing, and emergency financial assistance, is paramount for safeguarding individuals against unforeseen challenges and catastrophes, especially for those below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold.

ISSUE: FOOD SECURITY

INDIVIDUALS IMPACTED: 32,122

THE NEED:

  • 14.8% of people are food insecure

CHANGE LIVES OUTPUTS:

  • 981,002 meals provided

ORGANIZATIONS:

This type of investment includes programs that will lead to change in individuals.

FEEDING AMERICA WEST MICHIGAN – MOBILE FOOD PANTRY PROGRAM

SENIOR NUTRITION SERVICES, REGION IV – MEALS ON WHEELS

SENIOR NUTRITION SERVICES, REGION IV – PRODUCE TO YOUR DOOR

UNITED WAY OF SOUTHWEST mICHIGAN - OPERATION THANKSGIVING

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

  • Feeding America West Michigan

  • Senior Nutrition Services, Region IV

  • United Way of Southwest Michigan

ADVOCACY OPPORTUNITIES:

  • Voter Engagement

  • Become a UWSM Advocate

ISSUE: SAFE ENVIRONMENT

INDIVIDUALS IMPACTED: 37,470

THE NEED:

  • 27.97% of people have rent/mortgage payments are over 35% of their household income

CHANGE LIVES OUTPUTS:

  • 2,971 bills paid for emergency financial assistance, valued at $803,663.07

  • 8,947 People were provided emergency financial assistance

  • 817 People were provided shelter

  • 9,695 People were provided case management

ORGANIZATIONS:

This type of investment includes programs that will lead to change in individuals.

AMERICAN RED CROSS OF SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN – DISASTER SERVICE

Caring Connection – Empowerment center

DOMESTIC AND SEXUAL ABUSE SERVICES – HILLMANN HOUSE SHELTER

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COALITION, INC. – VICTIM ADVOCACY PROGRAM

EMERGENCY SHELTER SERVICES, INC. – EMERGENCY SHELTER PROGRAM

LEGAL AID OF WESTERN MICHIGAN – LEGAL AID FOR A SAFE ENVIRONMENT

NEIGHBOR BY NEIGHBOR – STOP THE SLIDE

SENIOR SERVICES OF VAN BUREN COUNTY – CARE COORDINATION FOR SENIORS

SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY – EMERGENCY UTILITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

THE SALVATION ARMY, BENTON HARBOR CORPS – EMERGENCY SOCIAL SERVICES

THE SALVATION ARMY, BENTON HARBOR CORPS – MEN’S HOMELESS SHELTER

THE SALVATION ARMY, NILES – EMERGENCY SOCIAL SERVICES

UNITED CHRISTIAN SERVICES OF EASTERN VAN BUREN COUNTY – DIRECT CLIENT EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

WE CARE COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER – ADVOCACY/CASE WORK FOR SAFE ENVIRONMENTS

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

  • American Red Cross of Southwest Michigan

  • Emergency Shelter Services

  • Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency

  • The Salvation Army, Benton Harbor

  • The Salvation Army, Niles

  • We Care Community Resource Center

ADVOCACY OPPORTUNITIES:

  • Michigan Homelessness Advocacy Day (March)

  • Voter Engagement

  • Become a UWSM Advocate

 
 

2-1-1 is a free and confidential service that helps people find the local resources they need.  To get help, simply dial 2-1-1 to speak with a community resource advisor that can provide you with information and referrals for everyday needs in times of crisis.

Every hour of every day, someone needs help. Whether it’s needing help with providing food for your family to job training, 2-1-1 is here.

You’ll find information about:

  • supplemental food and nutrition programs

  • shelter and housing options and utilities assistance

  • emergency information and disaster relief

  • employment and education opportunities

  • services for veterans

  • health care, vaccination and health epidemic information

  • addiction prevention and rehabilitation programs

  • reentry help for ex-offenders

  • support groups for individuals with mental illnesses or special needs

  • a safe, confidential path out of physical and/or emotional domestic abuse

Call 2-1-1 and speak with a live, highly trained service professional in your area from any cell phone or landline. All calls are private and confidential.