Adrian, MI – The United Way of Monroe/Lenawee Counties will launch a 21-Day Equity Challenge through their website on October 1st, in tandem with other United Ways across Michigan. The challenge is a self-guided learning journey designed to deepen participants’ understanding of, and willingness to confront, racism. Participants will engage in a series of readings, videos, podcasts, and daily reflections as part of the program. The challenge facilitates a way for participants to identify and commit to their actions to advance racial equity.
In 2009, a United Way research initiative started that now encompasses 19 states, including Michigan. ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) was founded on the need to more accurately measure and track financial hardship nationwide. It’s a framework for measuring and understanding the struggles of the growing number of households in our communities that do not earn enough to afford basic necessities—the “working poor”. This research has been shedding light on the disparity of economic opportunity that exists in every state. The United Way of Monroe/Lenawee Counties, together with our statewide partners, is taking action by reinforcing its commitment to race and equity in both policy and action.
The ALICE data indicates that 40 percent of all Michigan households did not earn enough to cover basic expenses in 2018, including housing, child care, food, transportation, health care, and a basic smartphone plan. The 63 percent of Black households falling below the ALICE Threshold was almost double that of white households—just 36 percent. The percentage of Black households unable to make ends meet is also almost three times higher than the antiquated Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
During the recovery from the Great Recession, outcomes didn’t improve for Black households. Instead, the number of Black households under the ALICE Threshold in Michigan increased by 11% from 2010 to 2018. The number of white households struggling to make ends meet increased by only 1% statewide during that time frame.
The data comes as United Ways across Michigan reinforce their commitment to racial equity. United Way Worldwide recently implemented the following benchmarks as membership requirements: develop, maintain and publicly post an organizational statement opposing all forms of racism; at least annually provide racial equity training for all board members and staff; and develop and use a racial equity funding criteria for all community investments.
Annually the United Way of Monroe/Lenawee Counties funds 12 local Lenawee County agency programs and serves as a donor designation vehicle for 30+ additional agencies. They also sponsor countywide 2-1-1 services, and coordinate Project Ramp, 2 annual Health Check events, the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP), and Day of Action programs and services. All funds raised in Lenawee County stay in Lenawee County. For more information about the Giving and Living United, please contact them by calling 517-264-6821, emailing lpipis@unitedwaymlc.org, visiting at 136 E. Maumee St., Suite 15, Adrian, MI 49221 or visit www.unitedwayMLC.org.
Tune into our local and state newscasts, anytime day or night, for this story and more.
#wlenradio #wlennews #lenaweenews
*Media courtesy of the United Way of Monroe/Lenawee Counties*