Economic Development
Photo provided by Ludington Area CVB
Workforce Supports
We are helping build a vibrant local economy by supporting projects that develop innovative, affordable housing solutions; advance transportation infrastructure and accessibility; and remove barriers to financial independence.
Investing in a Vibrant Community
Critical Home Repairs
The Community Foundation continues to invest in keeping families together in their homes through grant support to Home Team Housing for critical home repairs. Most of the referrals they receive are emergency situations that could cause low to moderate-income families to become separated or displaced. With grant support from the Community Foundation and other partners, Home Team Housing helps families avoid crisis and remain in their homes.
Food Club Expansion
The Lakeshore Food Club is a nonprofit grocery store dedicated to providing dignified (choice) access to fresh, healthy foods and essential resources to Mason County residents in need. With a membership of over 2,400 households, “We’re not emergency food. We’re sustainability,” shared LFC executive director, O’Nealya Gronstal. Fueled by grants from the Frank & Delores Valenta Fund, Healthy Youth Healthy Seniors Fund, and the Mason County Funds for the Community, LFC established a second location at the Gateway to Success Academy (G2S). “This is a life-saving and life-giving program,” shared Kerry Newberg, principal of G2S. This second hub expands the club’s reach into eastern Mason County while providing dignified shopping space for students.
Auto Loan Program
The Community Foundation provided seed funding to United Way to launch a Transportation Loan Fund. This is a collaborative initiative to help employees repair or replace their vehicle so they don’t miss work. The target audience of this initiative is employees who are financially unable to repair their vehicle or purchase another one and in good standing with their employer to proceed with a transportation loan that will be repaid by payroll deduction. The intent is for the fund to be self-sustaining due to the repayment requirement. To date there have been 21 loans and all are on track with payments, which means there are 21 people and families that have avoided crisis and remained stable.
This has led to an expansion of the program for an increase in loan amounts thanks to a grant from the House of Flavors, Inc. Fund.
Building a Stronger Community.
For good. For ever.
Whether you establish a new fund or contribute to an existing one, your generosity can create lasting positive change and inspire others to join in the effort.