In response to increasing requests for rent and utility assistance, Plymouth Community United Way recently awarded grants to nonprofit organizations that help low-income residents of Plymouth and Canton. The challenging economic times have created a crisis for local families desperate for food and basic human needs.
The Salvation Army-Plymouth Corps received $20,000 to help families in Plymouth, Canton, Northville and Belleville. On average, The Salvation Army receives 8 to 10 calls a day to prevent shutoffs and evictions.
“The grant will help us to assist 27 individuals with rent or utilities that we wouldn’t have been able,” said Maj. Daniel Hull. “At this time in the economy there is great need. There has been less utility assistance funding this year. We’re getting a number of calls from people in shutoff who turn to the Salvation Army and the grant enables us to respond.”
Cuts to the federally and state funded Low-Income and Energy Efficiency Assistance Funds (LIEEF) have hampered the ability of organizations like The Salvation Army, Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency, St. Vincent de Paul and THAW (The Heat and Warmth Fund) to assist residents. Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency asked for and received a grant for $5,000 for emergency utility assistance and energy education classes to help low-income residents in Plymouth and Canton lower utility bills.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. John Neumann Conference is using its $7,000 to provide rent, food, clothing and utility assistance to those in need in the Canton community.
Earlier this year, a number of nonprofits received grants from Plymouth Community United Way including St. Vincent De Paul at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Plymouth ($7,000), Southeast Michigan Homeless Veterans ($1,500), New Hope Center for Grief Support ($3,000), Personalized Nursing Lighthouse ($5,000), and St. Christine’s Food Pantry ($5,000).