The United Way of Northeast Michigan will receive $13,000 as a result of the Alpena Meijer store, as part of Meijer’s response to COVID-19. Hank Meijer, executive chairman, and Rick Keyes, president and CEO of Meijer, have announced a $4 million contribution to 99 local United Way agencies that Meijer currently supports throughout the Midwest.

“Meijer is founded on the belief that our purpose is to enrich lives in the communities we serve,” Meijer stated in a letter to the United Way. “Our partnership with United Way spans generations here at Meijer and we are all grateful for the important work you do in our community every day. These are unprecedented times, and as we all work to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) it’s important to recognize the many organizations like yours that are on the front lines, delivering emergency services to those in need.”

Joseph Gentry, executive director of United Way of Northeast Michigan, has expressed the agency’s heartfelt gratitude for Meijer’s generous gift and ongoing support. This donation will be used along with gifts from Community Financial and Consumers Power Foundation, initiating the United Way of Northeast Michigan Emergency Relief Fund. Monies donated to this fund will be used to meet the immediate COVID-19 response needs of organizations providing food distribution, food support for seniors and those with disabilities, emergency housing and shelter support and medical support services such as protective supplies and transportation. The United Way has 15 community partners serving Alcona, Alpena and Montmorency counties and have been notified of the availability of the United Way’s support.

Corporate or business donors are asked to email uwnemi@unitedwaynemi.org. Individual gifts can be made online at unitedwaynemi.org and donations can be mailed to United Way of Northeast Michigan, Attn: Emergency Relief Fund, 108 Water Street, Alpena, MI 49707.

The Emergency Relief Fund guidelines are available online. Below is an overview of the guidelines.

United Way of Northeast Michigan created the Northeast Michigan Emergency Relief Fund to rapidly deploy resources to community-based organizations at the frontlines of Northeast Michigan’s current COVID-19 pandemic. The fund will provide flexible resources to organizations in Alcona, Alpena and Montmorency counties that are the frontline in working with individuals impacted by the economic consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Grants will fund organizations and programs that have strong experience working to provide support for immediate basic needs and economic stability. The fund is designed to complement the work of local public health, nonprofit, and government entities, and to expand local capacity to support individuals and families experiencing hardship as a result of the outbreak and related closures and disruptions.

The board of directors will work with direct service organizations and community leaders to identify critical needs, resource gaps, and the best approach to disseminate emergency funds with the appropriate sense of urgency. Safeguards will be put in place to ensure these funds are used effectively and appropriately and that 100% of funds donated will be distributed. Organizations receiving grants will be required to report back to funders on use of the monies granted.

The priority is to ensure capacity in the human services sector, so individuals and families in need are supported during this pandemic, including those who are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and the economic consequences of this outbreak. Multiple phases of funding may be necessary to address the immediate, intermediate, and long-term needs of this crisis.