Income

In 2010, GKUW invested $1.24 million in local income related programs.

Undesignated contributions enabled GKUW to help attract an additional $3.46 million in funds to improve our community in this area.

Cabinet Grants:

Kalamazoo County Tax Counseling Initiative – Goodwill Industries
To continue the expansion of the TCI program to underserved areas of the county, GKUW granted $20,000 to support staffing and equipment for the program. The purpose is to increase access to free tax preparation services for low to moderate income individuals and seniors.

Everyone Needs to Read--Kalamazoo Literacy Council
GKUW granted $10,000 to the Kalamazoo Literacy Council for the Everyone Needs to Read program.  The purpose of the program is to increase outreach, improve the identification and referring to services of adults in need, thus increasing access to literacy services and improving literacy skills in adults.

Affordable Housing Partnership—LISC
The GKUW grant of $10,000 will support a coordinator position to the Affordable Housing Partnership to fulfill its charge of implementing the 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness.

Ramps--Disability Network Southwest MI  
The proceeds of the Michigan State tax check-off of $9,204 for Kalamazoo County was granted to Disability Network for the Ramp-Up Program.  The funds will be used to purchase the materials to build home ramps in increase mobility and independence for those with a disability.  The program is staffed by volunteers.

Project Connect ID’s--Ministry with Community  
GKUW granted $4,000 to Ministry with Community to provide ID/Birth Certificate services at two Project Connect events on November 17, 2010 and May 2011.  Project Connect provides free services for a day in one location coordinated through the Affordable Housing Partnership.


Initiatives:

Emergency Food & Shelter Program (EFSP)
The Emergency Food and Shelter Program is a Federal program that provides funding “to supplement and expand ongoing efforts to provide shelter, food and supportive services” for the nation’s hungry, homeless, and people in economic crisis.  Funding decisions focus on organizations that provide emergency shelter, food and utility assistance.  GKUW chairs the Local Board and administers the program.

Emergency Financial Assistance Network (EFAN)
EFAN provides a mechanism for local foundations to support emergency housing and utility assistance in Kalamazoo County, and helps local referral providers stay abreast of changing assistance programs and eligibility requirements.  GKUW has served as fiduciary, facilitator, grantwriter, and forum organizer.  In partnership with Gryphon Place 2-1-1 GKUW updates, copies and distributes the Emergency Services Guide an annual publication to emergency assistance for housing, utilities, food, medical help and other services.  The guide outlines the process for engaging with key providers in those areas of need.  The Guide is distributed to area social service agencies, churches, schools, local law enforcement and others upon request.

Kalamazoo County Tax Counseling Initiative
The Kalamazoo County Tax Counseling Initiative (TCI) seeks to improve the income circumstances of low- to moderate-income individuals and families by increasing awareness of and accessibility to free tax preparation and federal and state tax credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). For the past five years, GKUW has convened the TCI Steering Committee, which coordinates and plans all activities and operations of the Initiative.  The TCI coordinates groups offering free tax preparation services; identifies tax preparation sites; recruits, trains and recognizes volunteers; and arranges for marketing and communication.  TCI provides an important free alternative to fee-based tax preparation services.  Low-income and other vulnerable populations can save on average $100–300 by using free tax preparation services.  In spring 2011, TCI completed over 6,000 federal and state tax returns, helping filers claim over $4 million in tax refunds and credits.  

Eviction Diversion Project
The Kalamazoo County Eviction Diversion Project is a three-year pilot project to create a community-wide strategy to help Kalamazoo County residents with very low incomes avoid the loss of housing due to eviction.  The project model is based upon best practice research from across the country and combines a variety of local approaches currently in use.  It relies upon the provision of enhanced tenant/landlord education and early intervention services for those facing eviction as a result of economic and/or personal hardship.  This initiative is aligned with the community’s 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness.   GKUW serves as fiduciary for the program.

Bank On Kalamazoo
GKUW serves on the Bank On Steering Committee.  The focus of Bank On is to expand financial services to low/moderate income citizens who are currently unbanked.

Workforce Development Board of Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Counties
The Board coordinates workforce development with economic development in Kalamazoo and St. Joseph Counties.  A primary duty of the Board is to monitor and evaluate workforce development resources in the two-county area.  The membership of the Board includes representatives from both the public and private sectors.  GKUW represents community-based organizations.

Affordable Housing Partnership – 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness
The plan outlines countywide efforts and strategies towards the goal of ending homelessness in our community.  A key strategy is Housing First—that is, changing our system from a focus on shelters for the homeless to moving people as quickly as possible into permanent housing with support services available.  The 10-Year Plan advances four primary and interdependent strategies to address the interrelated factors leading to homelessness:  Prevention, Housing First, Changing the Way We Do Business (Systems Change), and Building Community Capacity and Infrastructure.  GKUW participated in the creation of the plan, provided grant funding to pay for the writing of the plan, and helps implement the plan through participation in the Affordable Housing Partnership. 

Financial Literacy
In partnership with Gryphon Place/2-1-1, GKUW has produced a Financial Literacy Guide which lists non-profit organizations in Kalamazoo County which provide financial literacy programs.  The guide is intended to aid service providers to match clients with the financial literacy program that best meets their needs.

Local Initiatives Support Corporation Neighborhood Revitalization Committee
GKUW participates on Local Initiatives Support Corporation Neighborhood Revitalization Committee to support community development in Kalamazoo’s core urban area.