By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org
For a single mom whose main income is dependent on her waitressing job, the closure of all the restaurants and bars in Michigan can be devastating. But yesterday, the Kent County Health Department released a video where residents who need food or financial assistance can get help.
The answer: call 211 according to Essential Needs Task Force Director Wende Randall as she talked to Kent County Health Department Director Dr. Adam London.
Started in 2016, the United Way’s 2-1-1 has connected thousands of services in 14 counties such as Kent County. Services include food, shelter, utility assistance, disaster recovery, childcare, transportation, and more.
“They should call if they are in need assistance,” Randall said, adding that another excellent resource is the Heart of West Michigan United Way’s website, hwmuw.org.
Food
“We have several resources that have started to shift operations in terms of how they provide food access to the community,” Randall said.
As reported by School News Network, 20 school districts in the Kent Intermediate School District are making free meals available to students and families during the mandatory statewide school closures. Families are invited to pick up meals of any child ages 18 and under, and students with disabilities ages 18 – 26 with an activity IEP (individualized education program.) For a complete list of the schools and schedule of pick ups, click here.
Randall said that for older adults, Meals on Wheels has continued and many area senior centers are also providing packaged meals to seniors. Area pantries are not allowing the usually shops for food but if contacted will provide a box with food items, Randall said.
Such is the case at United Church Outreach Ministry (UCOM) which according to its website has closed its facility to the public, but food services will continue. Those in need of food services should call and talk to staff for further details, 616-241-4006. Those coming to the UCOM facility are asked to remain in their car in the parking lot and call for service.
The Pantry, now called the Green Apple Pantry, has announced it will be open for food distribution on March 18 on its website. However, neighbors and volunteers will not be allowed to enter the pantry. Instead, boxes will be prepared and set outside for pick up.
Randall noted that the YMCA and Kids Food Basket also are providing meal kits. On the Kids’ Food Basket website, it states that “because a virus will not and cannot stop hunger, we are committed to continuing to pack and distribute nourishing food in a safe, healthy and responsible way.”
Kids’ Food Basket stated that when a partner school is open, such as Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, Kids’ Food Basket staff and volunteers will be there to distribute Sack Suppers to the students that rely on the program.
Utility payments and other needs
“What we anticipating is the need for utility assistance is going to be delayed by a couple of weeks,” Randall said. “People may have the paycheck they’ve been working toward coming up this week or next week but then they will see their hours reduction hit their paycheck.
“So we are anticipating the biggest need for financial support in those areas to come within the next two weeks and beyond because of course we don’t know how long these work shortages are going to continue.”
Randall said that 2-1-1 can help with referrals for rent and utility assistance, adding that there could be some qualifications for those calling.
“Winter and spring are the biggest months for utility needs,” Randall said, adding that this could put financial strains on the organizations who help the community.
“The greatest need right now is going to be financial support for those agencies that are providing direct service to community members,” Randall said, adding that many of these organizations run on fairly thin margins with the coronavirus situation putting a financial strain on them.
The Heart of West Michigan United Way has set up a a Kent County Coronavirus Relief Fund.
Some banks and credit unions also have reached out to members stating if they are having any financial issues, to contact the specific institution that you bank at.
Volunteering
Randall said some agencies may need volunteers to help. For tips on volunteering, visit the Heart of West Michigan United Way website, hwmuw.org or volunteergr.org. Volunteer opportunities will be mostly solo efforts of providing food to people at home. It is recommended if you are bringing food to someone, make sure to practice social distancing by either texting or ringing the door bell after placing the bag on the porch and then move away.
