Federal Funding to Help the Homeless Threatened

I’m worried and I really need your help.

I’m sure you’ve heard about the debate in Washington around proposed cuts to federal funding for housing the homeless, SNAP (food stamps), social security, and Medicaid...

These programs are lifelines for many struggling families at SOS here in Washtenaw County. They are worried. They are asking us:

“Will I still have Medicaid?”

“What would happen to me if I don’t have a Section 8 Voucher anymore?”

“Will SOS still be around? Will I be able to come to SOS if I need help in the future?”

I promise them – and I promise you -- SOS will be here for them!

But if federal funding is cut, the number of people we help will depend on you.

I'm hoping you can make a special donation right now.

Homelessness has surged in Washtenaw County and around the country. Right now, more than 120 families with children are on the waitlist for shelter. If federal funding to house homeless families is cut, the shelter waitlist will double.More children in homeless families will suffer.

Recently, two children who were living in a car with their mother died in Southeast Michigan due to frigid temperatures.

This was heartbreaking. But when people who care come together – people like you – we can prevent tragedies like this one. You can make sure families with children have a safe place to turn in crisis.

I hope you will make a donation today. With your gift, you will be there to help people in distress and confusion at this difficult time.

Would you make your most generous gift today? You can help make sure our struggling neighbors get the help they need -- for as long as the crisis lasts. The immediate crisis goes beyond the federal funding freeze. It hits us hard.

Any amount you can give will help! The main thing is to ACT NOW.

Things are changing every day. I know you may be directly impacted too. I hope you and your loved ones are healthy and safe. Please know that you are in my thoughts. If you need help, don’t hesitate to call (734-484-5411)!

It’s hard to know what to do with so many changes proposed and many already made.

But if you value your community and if you believe that all of your neighbors deserve enough food and a safe place to live, now is the time to make a donation to SOS to help people who are hurting the most.

Even though some things change, other things remain the same. Washtenaw County is a great place to live and work with world-class education and health care. It’s because people like you care about our community and the people who live here. You work hard to make our community great. And I know that won’t change!

By making a gift to SOS today, you can make a difference for a family who needs help right now. You can give them access to the great opportunities that already exist here.

As you know, our neighbors in need rely on donations from kind friends like you. People who understand the anxiety a child feels when she doesn’t know where she will sleep tonight or where her next meal is coming from.

There has never been a time quite like this. Things are moving so fast, and the entire social services sector is uncertain of what comes next. Please stand with your neighbors now.

Stay healthy, be careful, and watch out for your loved ones and neighbors. And be kind -- many people are frightened and under pressure. We will get through this together!

Hoping you are well,

Rhonda Weathers

Executive Director

P.S. Please help keep SOS’s food pantry, emergency housing, and children’s programs going strong by making your donation today. We are all in this together, and your kindness now will have a long-lasting impact. Thank you!