Local United Ways Partner to Shed Light on Rural Homelessness

United Way is dedicated to fighting homelessness in our communities by working collaboratively with local organizations, businesses, and volunteers to provide vital resources, support, and advocacy. When Jake Gregory, co-director of Gratiot County Hope House, approached United Way about the need for resources to educate the community on rural homelessness and reduce the stigma surrounding it, we sprang into action.

A few months later, we had an answer. In partnership with the Montcalm Area Intermediate School District (MAISD), United Way of Montcalm Ionia Counties and United Way of Gratiot & Isabella Counties secured funding for an informational video series through a McKinney-Vento grant. This collaborative effort underscores the power of partnerships in addressing community challenges.

What is the McKinney-Vento Act?

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law that ensures educational stability and support for children and youth experiencing homelessness. It provides funding to school districts to identify and assist homeless students, ensuring they have access to education and other critical services. By working with McKinney-Vento liaisons in each school district across the four-county region, United Way connected with schools already on the front lines of addressing homelessness among youth and their families.

Building Partnerships to Create Impact

Once funding was secured, United Way led the planning and execution of the video project. This involved bringing together a diverse group of community partners, including 8CAP, local schools, shelters, and housing commissions. By tapping into these relationships, the project aimed to showcase the realities of rural homelessness and the resources available to those in need.

As one community partner noted, “United Way’s ability to convene stakeholders and build bridges between organizations is critical. They create opportunities for collaboration that truly make a difference.”

Educating to Reduce Stigma

The goal of this video series is twofold: to educate the public on the unique challenges of rural homelessness and to reduce the stigma faced by individuals and families experiencing it. Unlike urban homelessness, rural homelessness often goes unnoticed, making it harder for those affected to receive support. By highlighting local stories and resources, the videos aim to foster empathy and inspire community action.

Moving Forward

This initiative is a testament to what can be achieved when organizations come together with a shared purpose. By leveraging the strengths of schools, nonprofits, and community leaders, United Way continues to lead the charge in addressing homelessness and advocating for those in need.

Stay tuned as we unveil the video series in the coming months. Together, we can build a community where everyone has a place to call home.