BC/Kzoo
Statement on Southwest Michigan First’s CEO Search
United Way firmly believes that an equitable community, diverse and inclusive of all people, is vital to a vibrant, enduring society. We strive each day to lead with our values, of which equity is the heart and soul, driving our commitment to accountability, transparency, partnership and impact. Robust economic development is a key to individuals…
Read MoreTask Force Turns to ALICE Data to Inform Report
United Way’s data for ALICE provided valuable perspective for the Michigan Poverty Task Force, which unveiled recommendations on Wednesday.
Read MoreHUD Funding Bolsters CoC Work on Homelessness
The Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care received $1,714,409 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support local programs to help people experiencing homelessness. The grant is part of $2.5 billion in renewed support to thousands of local homeless assistance programs across the nation. HUD’s Continuum of Care (CoC) grants provide critically…
Read MoreEviction Moratorium: What You Need To Do Right Now
Some welcome news came to renters facing eviction due to the economic effects of COVID-19: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) extended a moratorium on evictions as a protective public health measure. “Despite extensive mitigation efforts, COVID-19 continues to spread in America at a concerning pace,” said CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky,…
Read MoreKalamazoo County Encampments: CoC Update
Editor’s note: Since January 2020, the United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region has led the Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care (CoC); its vision is for all Kalamazoo County residents to live in safe, healthy, affordable homes in a thriving community. Kalamazoo County, like many communities across the country, has experienced homeless encampments…
Read More18 Ways to Learn About Black History
February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate and reflect on the contributions African Americans have made to our country and our communities, and the central roles they have played in our history. At United Way BCKR, we are also marking the occasion with our 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge, a learning journey that examines…
Read More8 Ways to Work for Equity on MLK Day
In his 1963 book “Strength to Love,” Martin Luther King Jr. wrote: “The ultimate measure of a man is … where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” In the past 12 months as we witnessed more instances of ongoing police violence against African Americans — as well as the overwhelming and disproportionate toll…
Read MoreUWBCKR Statement: A Call to Live United
Never in American history have we faced an assault on our national values of the scale we saw on January 6, 2021. Neither in rebellion nor in wartime nor under unprovoked attack have the fundamental principles of our nation been so threatened, its institutions so terrorized. Such violence is inexcusable, and we at United Way condemn it unequivocally.
Read MoreUWBCKR Statement of Position on Harassment Allegations
United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region is profoundly concerned by allegations reported by news media regarding sexual harassment, retaliation and other inappropriate behavior at United Way Worldwide. We have reached out directly and formally to UWW earlier this month to express our concerns and call for swift action and accountability. Our local…
Read MoreUWBCKR Statement on Kalamazoo County Encampments
The Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care (CoC) supports the development and implementation of community wide plans to deliver housing services and supports for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Kalamazoo County, like many communities across the country has experienced homeless encampments for many years, though there has been variability in the locations, sizes, and durations. Individuals…
Read More