Coins for a Cause Continues to Create Change for Local Shelters

Together with Gratiot County Hope House and Isabella County Restoration House, United Way works year-round to solve the issue of homelessness in our communities by raising awareness and financial support for critical rehousing efforts. 

Each year, in the month of November (Homelessness Awareness Month), United Way partners with our local shelters and schools to execute a unique matching grant, Coins for a Cause. Coins for a Cause invites our school districts to participate in a school-wide coin war challenge to raise funds for their county shelter. Then, United Way matches funds raised up to $10,000 in each county. For their efforts, the winning classroom at each school is provided a pizza party to celebrate. 

More schools than ever joined the initiative in 2024, with 20 schools totalling 333 classrooms across both counties participating. Now, the final coins have been counted and we are pleased to share that in coordination with schools across Gratiot & Isabella counties, our Coins for a Cause initiative raised $11,803.75! With United Way’s match, that means $23,607.50 will go directly to Gratiot County Hope House and Isabella County Restoration House, to support homelessness and housing efforts in our communities. Thank you to our school partners, students, and families who supported Coins for a Cause 2024!

From Gratiot County, raising a total of $7,376.36 (pre-match):

  • Alma High School

  • Breckenridge Elementary

  • Breckenridge Middle/High School

  • Carrie Knause Elementary

  • Donald L. Pavlik Middle School 

  • Fulton Elementary

  • Fulton Middle/High School

  • Hillcrest Elementary

  • Ithaca North Elementary

  • Luce Road Early Childhood Learning Center

  • Pine Avenue Elementary

  • St. Louis High School

  • St. Mary Catholic School 

From Isabella County, raising a total of $4,427.39 (pre-match):

  • Fancher Elementary

  • Ganiard Elementary

  • McGuire Elementary

  • Mt. Pleasant Middle School

  • Pullen Elementary

  • Renaissance Academy

  • Vowles Elementary

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