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AmeriCorps grants halted

On Monday, we received word that the federal government terminated Michigan’s AmeriCorps funding half-way through its one year contract, effectively halting the work our two AmeriCorps members were doing as part of the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness AmeriCorps Program. 

Our amazing AmeriCorps members were coordinating volunteers at our food pantries, leading after school tutoring programs, and were helping to make our community a more welcoming and better place for our tenants here at Avalon. 

As we navigate how to continue this programming after the apparent loss of AmeriCorps, we are asking you to contact your U.S. Senators and Representative through Voices for National Service to let them know how vital AmeriCrops service is in our community. 

Avalon receives state grant for supportive housing

Molly Smith, right, Avalon Housing’s Director of Services, and Catherine Distelrath of the Corporation for Supportive Housing, after testifying to a legislative committee in Lansing in April 2024.

Avalon Housing received a $1.5 million grant over 2 years from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Permanent Supportive Housing Supportive Services Transformation Fund (SSTF).

The funding will allow Avalon to provide support services for more tenants and clients across our programs to effectively meet their needs.

The new funding is in addition to a $2.1 million MDHHS grant secured in 2023.

VOCAL members and Avalon staff

visit lawmakers in Lansing

Members of Voices Of Community Advocates and Leaders (VOCAL), Avalon staff, and staff from the Washtenaw Housing Alliance and the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County participated in the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness 9th Annual Advocacy Day in Lansing in April.

Members of our coalition met with Reps. Carrie Rheingans (pictured at right), Jennifer Conlin (left), Jimmy Wilson Jr., and Morgan Foreman, updating them on our activities and educating them on the need for tenant protections and additional state resources for permanent supportive housing.

Perinatal Support Group launches

In partnership with Zero to Thrive, Avalon has launched a Perinatal Support Group for people who are pregnant or who have given birth in the past two years.

The 16-week program supports clients and tenants mental health during and after their pregnancies.

This program teaches coping skills, mood regulation, and parenting support, using a trauma-informed approach.

Save the Date! Home for Good 2025