low income families

The increasing costs of housing, transportation and groceries have been taking an increasing toll on a good number of people in our community. WEMU's David Fair discusses the latest ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Report for Washtenaw County with the United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s Bridget Herrmann. They offer you a look at data and the work being done to offset some of the impacts.

Some inspired volunteers will soon go “Over the Edge” on the Eastern Michigan University campus. On August 17th, you’ll see some folks rappelling down the side of Hill Hall. They’re raising money for the Ypsilanti-based non-profit, Friends In Deed, which works to reduce poverty and help people that fall through the cracks. Organization executive director Tania James and volunteer rappeler and event co-chair Ken Fischer joined WEMU's David Fair for a conversation on pushing the organization's supporters “Over the Edge.”

Affordable housing continues to be an issue in Washtenaw County. In Ypsilanti Township, Habitat for Humanity has built 275 new, affordable homes over the past 30 years. After a period in which it focused on renovating existing homes, it is returning to new construction with two new projects in the township. Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley CEO Sarah Stanton checks in with Rylee Barnsdale to give an update on current and future plans to create more affordable housing.

When the Ann Arbor City Council approved its budget Monday night, it added some new spending items to be paid for through the marijuana excise tax. We get more from WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert.

It could become illegal in Michigan to deny renting to someone because of their source of income. That's under a bill package heading for the full state House of Representatives. Colin Jackson has more.

Bills introduced in the Michigan Legislature would offer many lower-income parents a tax break for every child under 4 years old. Rick Pluta has more.

There is just one week to go before the April 15th tax deadline hits. Qualified Washtenaw County residents can access free tax preparation assistance from trained professionals. The amount of credits and refunds some are receiving are proving to be life changing. Megan Thibus from the United Way for Southeastern Michigan discusses the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in a conversation with WEMU's David Fair.

Many believe the childcare system is broken in Michigan. Inadequate quality and affordable childcare are adversely impacting kids and families and is estimated to cost the state of Michigan nearly $3 billion in economic activity. Etta King Heisler believes childcare is a key driver in community equity. Etta is executive director of Apple Playschools in Ann Arbor and joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the childcare crisis and what needs to be done.

UM researchers plan to track health and career outcomes from the group of recipients. WEMU's Taylor Bowie has more.

Local officials and Democrats in the Legislature are calling for a state fund to help low-income households avoid water service shutoffs because they can’t afford to pay their bills. We have more from Rick Pluta.