Board Invests $5.8M in Housing and Human Services in Month of April
Ann Arbor, Mich., This month, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners have allocated a total of $5.8M to Housing and Human Services projects and programs. During the meeting on April 5th, the Commission allocated $3,000,000 to organizations that address the housing and homelessness crisis. During this week’s meeting on April 19th, the Commission funded contracts for the Human Services Transition Program totaling $2,800,000.
The $3,000,000 proposal approved on April 5th provides rental assistance, move-in assistance, and extended emergency sheltering through 2023. The $2,800,000 approved at this Wednesday’s meeting will support critical services and programs for residents in need throughout the county. The agencies funded include Avalon Housing, Ozone House, Food Gatherers, Jewish Family Services, Faith in Action, Manchester Community Resource Center, and the Washtenaw Health Plan. The funding will support these organizations December 31, 2024.
“This action continues to demonstrate our strong commitment to housing and human services. We understand the gravity of the current evection and homelessness crisis and we are taking proactive measures to address it.” Chair of the Board, Commissioner Justin Hodge, District 5, said. “We remain dedicated to supporting our residents and improving the systems that contribute to housing insecurity. This is just the beginning of our efforts to build a more resilient Washtenaw.”
The organizations funded through this action have a proven track record of tackling systemic issues such as homelessness, food insecurity, joblessness, and access to health care within Washtenaw County. The Board is committed to continuing the strong partnership between with local human service organizations, local government, county government, and state government to help address urgent issues within our community.
“It is critical for Washtenaw County government to invest more in human service providers, and we continue to address the ongoing housing crisis for our most vulnerable neighbors.” Commissioner Annie Somerville, District 6. "This action is just one step in building a stronger and more equitable community.”