low income families

Grocery prices are higher, the cost of clothes and school supplies is higher, just about everything we buy for our households is more expensive than a year ago. Affordability is a political issue, but for all too many, it’s a personal crisis. The United Way for Southeastern Michigan is providing aid for these everyday items through its Community Fulfillment Center. WEMU's David Fair finds out more about the center’s growing role from UWSEM community engagement and outreach associate director Chris Taylor.

As national policy changes continue to reshape access to housing, food, health care, and other basic resources, more people are turning to local nonprofits for stability and support. Here in Ypsilanti, that increased need is being felt every day by organizations working directly with individuals and families in crisis. Tyrone Kelsey is the executive director of Friends In Deed. He joined Lee Van Roth to discuss his organization's ongoing mission to serve the public and the challenges they will face in the near future.

The leadership of Rx Kids say they were shocked when a House committee unilaterally cut their state funding. But it promises that all families currently signed up for the program, including those in Ypsilanti, will get their assistance. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

The Michigan State Housing Development Grant Authority has awarded over $1.2 million in tax credits to Avalon Housing. The credit will go towards Phase 3 of the Hickory Way Apartments in Ann Arbor. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

The Ypsilanti Community Schools Resiliency Center is helping students and families in need fulfill wishlists submitted by them during this Christmas season. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

A Michigan childcare program could become part of the basis for federal policy. Colin Jackson has more.

Beginning January 1, People’s Express will launch a new public transportation service for all of Pittsfield Township. AAATA’s Flexride will be discontinued. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Originating in Flint, Rx Kids is a program designed to provide new and expectant mothers and families below the poverty line with financial assistance—no strings attached. Starting this month, the program is expanding to Ypsilanti, and registration is now open. Lee Van Roth discussed the expansion and its local impacts with State Senator Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor).

A new report is listing problems with how Michigan works with providers for its child development and care program. Colin Jackson has more.

Hope Clinic in Ypsilanti is helping hundreds of Washtenaw County families make Thanksgiving dinner possible by providing baskets full of holiday fixings on Wednesday morning starting at 10 AM. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the story.