Michigan Association of United Ways

05/05/2026

The Michigan Association of United Ways and Michigan 211 sincerely thank the Michigan House for including a $1 million increase — bringing 211’s total funding to $3.95 million — in their proposed FY27 budget. This investment reflects a shared understanding that when Michiganders face a crisis, whether it’s the rising costs of basic needs or a weather emergency, they deserve a clear, reliable path to help.

The need has never been greater. The latest United Way ALICE report estimates that over 100,000 more households across Michigan are struggling to afford the basics compared with just a few years ago. 211 recorded over 600,000 needs statewide last year, the same level of need experienced during the pandemic. These numbers represent real people — families, seniors, and workers — who turn to 211 and the broader human services sector every day.

As the connective tissue between people in need and the services that serve them, 211 plays a unique role in Michigan’s human services infrastructure.

Our success depends as much on the strength of the services we connect people to as it does on our own capacity. That is why we advocate not just for 211, but for the sector as a whole.

We are grateful for the many years of partnership with Michigan’s House, Senate, and Governor in advancing that mission. We urge all parties to secure the House’s recommended 211 increase as part of a comprehensive budget deal — because strong communities, strong families, and a strong Michigan economy depend on it.

10/30/2025

🚨 Families across Michigan are facing crunch time. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) currently helps 1.4 million Michiganders afford groceries — but with the continued federal shutdown, benefits could be delayed or disrupted.

👉 What you can do right now:

🔹 Get help – If you or someone you know needs food assistance call 2-1-1 (or 844-875-9211), text your ZIP to 898-211, or go online: www.mi211.org
🔹 Give help – Donations to local United Ways are actively supporting emergency food efforts across the state.
🔹 Take action – Use your voice: contact your U.S. Congress member and urge them to protect SNAP benefits so no Michigander goes hungry.

Learn more, donate, or find how to get assistance here: https://www.uwmich.org/snap

Together, we can stand up for healthy food access and support our neighbors when it matters most. 💙

04/26/2023

The COVID-19 pandemic, a global health and economic crisis, upended life as we knew it three years ago. It claimed the lives of millions and unleashed a storm of competing economic forces – a phenomenon rarely seen. How did our state's most vulnerable ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families fare financially?

Today, launches its newest Report for Michigan “ALICE in the Crosscurrents,” which illustrates the impact of the pandemic’s competing economic forces on financially struggling households. Take a deeper dive with us:

☑ Read the Report: United4ALICE.org/ALICE2023
☑ Follow along over the next few days as we explore how these forces played out for ALICE in Michigan.

03/17/2023

Yesterday, our new President and CEO had the opportunity to connect with United Way Worldwide CEO, Angela Williams (pictured here with Executive Director of the United Way of Northwest Michigan, Seth Johnson) at the Great Rivers Conference in Rochester, Minnesota! We're grateful for Angela's continued leadership of the global United Way Network and look forward to continuing our work with the Worldwide team!

02/21/2023

Today we are thrilled to announce the hiring of a new President and CEO to lead the Michigan Association of United Ways. Join us in congratulating Hassan Hammoud, who will assume the role on March 13th, 2023.

“Hassan has been a long-time supporter of MAUW’s mission, working diligently with partners across the state to ensure Michigan’s ALICE population is recognized and supported, first as a 2-1-1 team leader and most recently as the executive director of 2-1-1,” said Board Chair Teresa Kmetz. “We’ve seen Hassan’s professionalism, passion and dedication first-hand over the past decade and we could not be more excited to continue our work together under the guidance of his expertise and leadership.”

Read the full press release here: http://bit.ly/3lTWuLe

02/14/2023

If you or someone you love is in need of support, please visit www.mi211.org/msu-mental-health-resources or call 2-1-1.

12/07/2022

In 2021, Barry County United Way & Volunteer Center's Mission United program worked with 230 veteran households, providing 67% with tax assistance and delivering more than 2,000 meals.

Head over to our blog to learn more about Mission United, the new ALICE in Focus: Veterans Research Brief, and the incredible work happening right here in Michigan.

Two years ago, a local business owner contacted Mission United—a Barry County United Way (BCUW) program supporting veterans—asking for help. They discovered an employee sleeping in his car, with nowhere to call home after a long day of work. The employee was a veteran and his life had been signi...

11/18/2022

With new insights from the research, our call to action for is twofold.

Given their service and sacrifice, our should never be priced out of survival. So, we encourage you to review the Brief for Michigan and interact with the online dashboards on the website, and then share these findings across your own networks so that we can build a better future for our vets.

It's also worthwhile to explore the supports that veterans do receive and see how they might be applied to other ALICE groups — so that we can build a better future for all.

UnitedForALICE.org/Focus-Veterans

11/18/2022

While more than 1 in 4 in Michigan were living in financial hardship in 2019, there is more to the story.

Overall, veterans fared better financially than nonveterans.

The ALICE research uncovers that veterans are more likely to be employed full time, be homeowners and have more comprehensive health insurance coverage and disability benefits — better positioning them to be financially stable than those who have never served. UnitedForALICE.org/Focus-Veterans

Are you a veteran? Is there a support that has helped you maintain financial stability? Tell us about it!

11/16/2022

During , we recognize the many who serve as a lifeline for with disabilities, especially those struggling to afford basics. 32% of veterans with disabilities in Michigan struggled to pay their bills in 2019, compared to 23% of veterans without disabilities. Read more: UnitedForALICE.org/Focus-Veterans