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Capital Area Newsletter October 2022
In this issue:

  • ALICE Analysis Shows Michigan Veterans Are Struggling
  • Utility Assistance Available
  • Follow Us!
  • CapCAN Shares Important College Information
  • UWSCMI VITA Volunteers Needed
  • Happy Thanksgiving!
  • Regional Happenings
Veterans Struggling: ALICE Analysis Outlines
Financial Hardship For Those Who Have Served
They’ve served and sacrificed for our country, yet more than one of every four veterans in Michigan struggle to afford the basics.That finding comes from a new report from the Michigan Association of United Ways and its research partner, United For ALICE.
 
In 2019, 6% of the state’s veterans were deemed in poverty, and 20%—more than three times as many—were ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). ALICE households earn more than the Federal Poverty Level but less than what it costs to live and work in the modern economy.
 
Combined, 26% of Michigan’s veterans were below the ALICE Threshold of Financial Survival, with income that doesn’t meet the basic costs of housing, child care, health care, transportation and a smartphone plan.
 
In United Way of South Central Michigan's six-county region, 13,153 veterans live below the ALICE Threshold—27% of 49,533 total veterans. That includes 9,074 who are ALICE and 4,079 living in poverty. In the Capital Area, 27% of veterans live below the ALICE Threshold.
 
For more information, a downloadable research brief, and links to additional data on the tri-county area and beyond is available by clicking Learn More below.

Utility Assistance is Available
Behind on your utility bills? Struggling to keep up? Forced to make tough choices between food or medicine and keeping the lights on? We’re here to help! The Program Assistance Center, operated by United Way of South Central Michigan, works with utility providers statewide as part of the Michigan Energy Assistance Program. We’ll help you catch up on your utility bills—plus we can connect you with resources to help you become self-sufficient. This help is available to anyone living in Michigan. Get started today! Call, email or go online. UWEnergyHelp.org, (517) 741-0202 or pac@uwenergyhelp.org.
Follow UWSCMI on Social Media
The name has changed but the informational focus has not! This is still the place to get all your United Way Capital Area news and content. Come January 1, 2023, these social media channels will be your source for all things local, and regional to UWSCMI. We look forward to keeping a greater impact together with you!
FAFSA Flocked Season Has Begun
This month, CapCAN kicks off the fifth year of its #FAFSAFlocked campaign, and a lot of people have already gotten in on the act! 

Thanks to UWSCMI Chief Resource Officer and CapCAN board member, Teresa Kmetz, for being a good sport while donning our flamingo costume at a recent UWSCMI event. View video HERE. Thank you also to one of our College Ambassadors and current Wilson Talent Center student who made #FAFSAFlocked cupcakes to share with her friends in the culinary program.  

Make sure to spread the word to students about filling out their FAFSA before March 1. CapCAN has created a FAFSA toolkit with contents for you to share in-person and on social media. Let’s promote #FAFSAFlocked so students know to fill out their FAFSA to receive the scholarships and grants they need to help pay for college! 
The October 20 College Night at Lansing Community College was so much fun! Nearly 70 Lansing School District students came with us to learn more about their Lansing Promise Scholarship and visit the fair.

CapCAN continues our focus on student voices as two more College Ambassadors from Everett High School are interviewed for our monthly #CapCANKnows Podcast.

Please follow CapCAN’s social media for regular updates on college access and FAFSA events in our community.
UWSCMI’s VITA Program Needs Volunteers
UWSCMI’s VITA Shared Services team is still looking for volunteers for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, also known as VITA. VITA is a service that provides free income tax preparation to low-to-moderate-income individuals and families saving clients hundreds of thousands in tax preparation fees, and help access millions worth of refunds. No prior experience is needed! Training is provided virtually and self-paced, incorporating support from experienced volunteers and staff. Main site is in Lansing, MI with sites also in Clinton, Eaton, Gratiot, Ingham, Ionia, Montcalm, Shiawassee, and Washtenaw counties. If you are in any of those counties, and want to volunteer in person, or have interest in volunteering virtually, this is a great opportunity! Visit micauw.org/vita-volunteers to learn more.

Happy Thanksgiving!
During this season of giving, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our mission possible. You make our community stronger. And in this spirit we say, simply but sincerely,

Thank you.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Are You Following Us?
Now that we're part of the new United Way of South Central Michigan, you can find out even more about how we're changing lives by following UWSCMI on Facebook, YouTube -- and of course, check out our website, UnitedForSCMI.org.