American Rescue Plan - Community Priority Fund
Direct Assistance To Households
The Direct Assistance Program was created in response to an urgent and ongoing need facing families in Ypsilanti’s 48197 and 48198 zip codes. These communities experience high rates of housing instability, utility shutoffs, and financial crisis, yet are often overlooked when long-term, consistent support is provided.
Women & Men Working for Change refused to accept that gap as normal. With 185,000 dollars in American Rescue Plan Act Community Priority Fund support, we designed a direct-to-community program that meets families at the point of crisis while building pathways toward stability.
Meeting Families at the Point of Crisis
Through this program, we provided direct rent and utility assistance to households facing immediate risk of eviction or utility shutoff.
Program outcomes include:
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49,168.26 dollars distributed directly to households
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16 utility shutoffs prevented, protecting access to gas, electricity, and water
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16 evictions prevented, keeping families stably housed
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47 children supported through stabilized households
For many families, this assistance prevented cascading crises that would have impacted employment, health, and children’s well-being.
Strengthening Community Stability
ARPA funds also supported broader community-based assistance efforts that reinforced stability, access to resources, and connection.
Additional outcomes include:
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100 senior meals provided at Clark Tower alongside four community resource vendors
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A Holiday Community Dinner serving 200 residents, including seniors, families, and unhoused community members
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Holiday gift support for 60 to 75 children, seniors, and families through the Adopt a Community initiative
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Classroom supply distribution through the Totes for Teachers program, supporting educators in Ypsilanti area schools
These efforts reduced food insecurity, increased access to local services, and strengthened trust between residents and community organizations.
