The COVID-19 crisis has had an unjust impact on our neighbors in core-city Muskegon, especially for neighbors who are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained , and Employed).
Increased wage loss, food insecurity, and unemployment are on the rise. Many neighbors have seen their work hours reduced. Some are on a fixed income that doesn't leave room for the unexpected nature of sudden school closings or rising grocery costs. For many, even a short stretch of unemployment will put them too far behind in rent to catch up.
Below are some ways Community enCompass will walk alongside our neighbors whose lives have been upended by this crisis. We need YOUR help to support our neighbors during this difficult time!
Today, your dollar goes ever further! Every donation will be matched 1:1 by two generous donors, up to $20,000.
HOUSING - Bethany Housing Rent Forgiveness Program
Bethany Housing provides housing to working-wage neighbors and neighbors experiencing homelessness in core-city Muskegon.
In response to the rapidly unfolding pandemic, Bethany Housing will waive April rent for 24 neighbors who reside in our homes/apartments.
The Emergency Rent Forgiveness Program will cost: $19,435
This will cover:
Rent Forgiveness for April: $17,042
Property Management Fee: $393
Waived Court Costs for those who may need to go to court in order to access other resources for rent assistance: $2,000
NEIGHBORING - SACRED SUDS LAUNDRY VOUCHER
Sacred Suds is a primary location in our community for affordable laundry. At least 35 neighbors wash at Sacred Suds weekly, not including the many walk-ins. Without it, many neighbors must wear dirty clothes, hand wash items with limited ways to dry them, or spend extra by going to other laundromats.
In partnership with Sunshine Laundromat, Sacred Suds will provide neighbors with vouchers and 1 bottle of detergent. THANK YOU Sunshine Laundromat for ensuring our neighbors have continued access to affordable laundry services!
The Emergency Laundry Voucher Program will cost $4,000
This will provide:
35 neighbors with weekly vouchers
6 loads of laundry per family
12 weeks at $1.50 per wash/dry load
1 free bottle of detergent per family
TOTAL: ((35 vouchers x 6 loads) x 12 weeks) x $1.50 + cost of detergent
FOOD - Muskegon Prescribes Food for Health
MPFH is pursuing the physical well-being of core-city neighbors with confidence and creativity! In partnership with the YMCA Veggie Van, MPFH is creating gift boxes to encourage neighbors in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The Emergency MPFH gift boxes will include:
Healthy groceries
Educational materials
Activity supplies
Gift cards for gas and local food stores
You can support MPFH Gift Box Outreach! To limit contact, we will only be accepting FINANCIAL donations, which will be matched 1:1 by two generous donors up to $20k.
YOUTH - Youth Empowerment Program
The YEP is dedicated to making sure YEPs and their families have continued access to the basics: food, shelter, internet, and social engagement.
The YEP will be delivering care packages to the doorsteps of every YEP.
The Emergency YEP care packages will include:
Snacks
Games
Puzzles
A flower to brighten their home
You can support the YEP Care Package Outreach! To limit contact, we will only be accepting FINANCIAL donations, which will be matched 1:1 by two generous donors up to $20k.
These programs will help relieve some of the impact that our neighbors are facing in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis.
We need YOUR help to support our neighbors during this difficult time!