The Livingston County United Way’s 2024 community investments process — involving over 50 community volunteers and leaders who reviewed program funding requests — has recommended an average 15% increase in funding to 46 local human service programs. The recommendations were approved by the Board of Directors of the Livingston County United Way, and the funding increases will take place in the new fiscal year, which begins on July 1.
“We are so grateful for the many community volunteers who participated on our panels and gave our CIC their input on the grant awards,” said Kelli Matthew, chairperson of the community investments council. “We appreciated their time and thoughtful comments. They truly impacted our Committee’s final grant recommendations to the Board.”
The funding breakdown is as follows:
Coalitions
Great Start Livingston — $107,000
- LACASA – Healthy Families
- LACASA – CAP Infant Safety
- Pregnancy Help Clinic – Earn While You Learn
- MSU Extension – Parenting and Early Childhood Education
- Childcare Network – Family Support Program
- Childcare Network – Early Childhood Provider Support (CDA Scholarships)
- LESA Great Start – Parent Support/Barrier Reduction
Livingston County Hunger Council — $92,000
- Gleaner’s – Pantry Network
- Gleaner’s Senior Produce Mobile
- Gleaners – Community Gardens
- Gleaners – Mission Nutrition Livingston School Food Security
- TSA – Summer Lunch Bunch
- Senior Nutrition – Weekend Meals for Seniors
- Gleaners – Nutrition Education
- MSU Extension – Nutrition Education
- Hunger Council Marketing / Branding
Homeless Continuum of Care — $257,000
- TSA – Pathway of Hope
- TSA – Emergency Shelter
- TSA – Homeless Housing Assistance and Case Management
- OLHSA – Homeless Housing Assistance and Case Management
- LSSCM – Legal / Eviction Diversion
- LESA – Education Project
- LFC – The Connection Basic Center Emergency Shelter
- Outreach / Homeless Awareness Month
- Outreach / Community Connect
- Recovery Advocates in Livingston (RAIL)
- Community Catalysts – Attainable Housing
- LACASA – Domestic Violence Shelter
- Habitat for Humanity
Stand Alone Program Funding
Programs — $248,000
- Arc of Livingston – Navigation and Advocacy
- Hartland Senior Center – Wellness
- Hartland Senior Center – Transportation
- Howell Area Parks & Rec – Teen Center
- Howell Area Parks & Rec – Senior Center
- LACASA – Child Abuse Response Effort (CARE)
- LACASA – Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)
- LCCC – Adult Day Care
- LCCC – Community Liaison (Senior Resource Advocacy)
- LCCC – Volunteer Caregiver
- LCCC – Mental Health Counseling
- LCCC – Substance Abuse Counseling
- LCCC – Substance Abuse Prevention (Drug Free Communities)
- LCCC – Special Ministries
- VINA – Basic Dental Care
- VINA – Prevention Incentive
- Work Skills – Employment
ALICE numbers on the rise in Livingston County
The number of families in Livingston County who are Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained and Employed (ALICE) — generally speaking, many who work in the local service industry — have risen 5% since last year’s report. According to recently released stats, 5% of Livingston County’s population lives in poverty, with another 23% struggling to meet their most basic needs. This is a 5% increase in ALICE families since last year’s report. With increased costs of food, utilities, gasoline and transportation, family budgets are being stretched even further.
“We just completed our annual Community Investments Process, and then received the new ALICE report,” shared Patricia Sliter, Livingston County United Way’s executive director. “The report shows that the work we do is more important than ever. It will take even greater community support to effect change for these additional struggling families.”
Livingston County families fare better than in many other communities. According to the new report, Michigan’s state average for poverty is 13%, plus an additional 28% ALICE population, equaling 41% of our state’s families living at or near poverty levels. In Livingston County, 28% of families live at or near poverty levels.
For more information about Livingston County United Way, funded coalitions and programs, visit www.lcunitedway.org, or call (810) 494-3000.
