Courtesy Photo Pictured is Rich Castle, community affairs manager for Consumers Energy, presenting a $4,000 check to Joe Gentry, executive director, United Way of Northeast Michigan.

ALPENA — The United Way of Northeast Michigan has received a $4,000 grant from the Consumers Energy Foundation in support of meeting basic human needs in Alpena, Alcona and Montmorency counties.

Food assistance, motel/hotel vouchers for homeless citizens, access to facilities for showering and bathing, footwear and clothing and transportation assistance are services that this grant will support through the United Way. The ALICE (Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed) population in all three counties (46%) has increased far above the statewide average (38%) due to increased food costs, gas prices, rent increases and household incomes that have not risen as quickly.

A grant from the Consumers Energy Foundation is a joint commitment to caring for people, our planet and Michigan’s prosperity. Consumers Energy Foundation is proud to make a positive impact to Michigan and the United Way of Northeast Michigan is appreciative of their support during these economically challenging times.

Consumers Energy has been giving back to Michigan for 135 years, and since 1990 they have been helping local communities grow and thrive through the Consumers Energy Foundation. The Consumers Energy Foundation is the charitable arm of Consumes Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider. The Foundation contributes to the growth and strengthening of Michigan communities by investing in what’s most important — its people, the planet and Michigan’s prosperity. In 2022, the Consumers Energy Foundation, Consumers Energy, its employees and retirees contributed over $18.5 million to Michigan nonprofits.

For more information about Consumers Energy Foundation, visit ConsumersEnergy.com/foundation.