Helping more families in our regional community achieve financial stability is a priority for United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region.

During the first quarter of 2018, you’ll learn why as we shine a spotlight on our Income focus area and our community goal of transitioning 8,500 households to financial stability by 2025.

More than 56,000 households in our region – 41 percent – live below the ALICE threshold, struggling to make ends meet. Many are just one unexpected expense away from financial crisis, making impossible choices every day on how to spend their limited income. Households identified as ALICE – Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed – often include at least one employed adult but don’t have enough income to be economically stable.

That’s why United Way set two priorities for its Income focus area: stable and affordable housing; and workforce and income supports for ALICE individuals. In 2017, United Way funded 21 programs through 13 partner agencies, investing $1,229,500 annually in strategic grants.

There is hope. We’ve seen it in the joy on Anthony’s face when he talks about closing on his new home, in the pride Jackie takes in her home and neighborhood, and in the relief Anna felt when she avoided eviction.

Over the next three months, you’ll hear a lot about why Income is one of our four main focus areas, what kind of work we’re doing in this area and what has resulted. We’ll highlight stories, issues and events that shed light on what financial instability looks like in our region.

On our website, as well as our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages, you’ll find stories of impact, agency spotlights, volunteer profiles and more. You’ll also have the opportunity to join us for several Income-centered events.

Get Involved

We encourage you to learn more, and challenge you to find a way to plug in. Here are a few ways to do so:

• Pop Up Giving: Join us to make an instant difference. Our next event will be held in late March. Follow us on Facebook or visit our Pop Up Giving page for more information.
• Impact Tours: Ride along and experience impact as we visit agencies in Battle Creek on March 13 and Kalamazoo on March 15. Email getinvolved@uwbckr.org for registration details.
• Career-Life Expo: More than a job fair. Email getinvolved@uwbckr.org to find out how you can participate in the Feb. 20 event.
• Volunteer: There are many ways you can volunteer your time and talents. Follow our social media channels to stay on top of United Way-led volunteer events, or let us connect you to other opportunities. 

More Resources

• 2017 Income Partnerships and Collaborations
• Income Progress Report UWBCKR 10 2017
• Income Geospatial Map UWBCKR 10 2017