In the six weeks since a March 12 fire at Reed Manor Apartments in Jackson displaced more than 70 residents, United Way of South Central Michigan has been working alongside other community organizations and leaders to aid in the short and long-term recovery for impacted residents.
Thanks to a coordinated effort, meaningful progress is being made, and the work continues.
Fundraising and rehousing updates
United Way’s Disaster Relief Fund was activated in response to the fire, and to date, we have raised $30,000 that can be used to support nonprofit partners helping residents get back on their feet.
This total includes $7,000 in gift cards from Meijer, which we have been able to distribute in $100 increments to 63 displaced residents. Gift cards are still available for those who have not received one. In addition to leading fundraising efforts, we held a collection for household items that yielded more than seven carloads of basic essentials. We are currently working to find a location for donated furniture to be staged and distributed to residents who have been rehoused.
On the housing front, 28 displaced residents have been rehoused at the Jackson Housing Commission, and efforts are underway to make additional units available as quickly as possible. To expand options further, the Jackson Housing Commission is issuing 17 tenant-based vouchers that residents can use at rental units elsewhere in the community.
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), working through Community Action Agency (CAA), has provided an additional 20 tenant-based vouchers for displaced residents. CAA staff are actively guiding those residents through the required MSHDA process to help them secure stable housing.
Supporting the rehousing effort on the ground, Jackson Strength Network (JSN) was awarded a $3,500 grant from United Way’s Disaster Relief Fund. JSN is providing transportation to potential housing sites and application assistance for the 20 residents holding CAA vouchers, and will continue to assess and meet needs.
Ongoing Needs
While tremendous progress has been made, the recovery effort is far from over. Displaced residents still need our community's support, and there are several meaningful ways you can help. Whether you're a landlord with available units, someone who can contribute financially, or a neighbor with time and ideas to offer, every contribution makes a difference. Here's where help is needed most right now:
- Housing Units: While tenant-based vouchers are secured for displaced residents, there are not currently enough units available to house everyone that that has one. There is a great need for affordable single unit rentals in Jackson County to rehouse many of these residents. Landlords for these rental units would need to accept tenant-based vouchers. The vouchers are being managed by either MSHDA or JHC. The unit must pass an inspection, and must be affordable under HUD’s standards. If you have a rental unit available and would like to discuss further, please reach out to Laura Reaume at Community Action Agency ([email protected]) and/or Shari Boyce ([email protected]) to discuss. If you know someone who has rental units, please share this information.
- Furniture: Once a drop-off location is secured, this post will be updated.
- Monetary donations: Funds are still needed to support displaced residents. The cost of covering security deposits and first month’s rent for all the residents who have vouchers is expected to be $60,000-$80,000. You can make a donation to the Disaster Relief Fund at https://bit.ly/3Pm0we1.
- Collaboration: We welcome community members to help brainstorm ways to meet ongoing needs — whether that's assisting with rehousing, helping residents get settled, or identifying other gaps. If you're interested in participating in our Long-Term Recovery Group, please reach out to Bethany Stutzman at [email protected].
United Way of South Central Michigan will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves and new needs arise. In the meantime, we encourage you to share this information widely. Every connection matters.
