211 Northeast Michigan is a nonprofit, 24/7 helpline that connects individuals and families to essential community resources such as food, housing, healthcare, and crisis support. It is free, confidential, and accessible by phone, test, or online, helping residents quickly find local services that meet their needs.
In 2020, Midland County in Michigan was navigating not only the global pandemic but also a 500-year flood that devastated our community and the surrounding areas.The leadership at United Way of Midland County had the foresight to see an impending benefits cliff that would plunge our ALICE (Asset Limit, Income Constrained, Employed) community into dire straits. The influx of funds, rent and utilities deferment and other assistance was creating a sense of stability for many, but what was to happen when this assistance ended? United Way predicted a nearly doubling of the ALICE population and quickly mobilized funding and started to build a solution with 211 Northeast Michigan before the problem existed. They named it LIFT (Leveraging Income for Tomorrow).
A recent ALICE report provides the first glimpse of how this vulnerable population was impacted during the pandemic. While some communities saw numbers staying stable, Midland County saw a 37% rise in the ALICE population, one of the largest increases across the state and the highest number since we began measuring ALICE in 2010.
It can be hard to ask for help and many who fall below the ALICE Threshold are not used to asking or feel there are others far worse off. Having a group of nonprofit hubs helps us to build an authe
ntic network to build relationships with the vital ALICE population. Embedding this program into 211 also provides a new front-line solution for a population that didn’t used to qualify for much help beyond food. In addition, our work with local employers is another way to connect this population.
The LIFT program empowers ALICE individuals and families to navigate unexpected financial challenges such as rent, mortgage, utilities, home repairs, and car maintenance, mitigating the risk of debt and other adverse outcomes. It provides much needed stability through the storm, keeping them from the domino effect that can slide an individual or family into poverty.
Often, when ALICE households reach out to 211 for assistance, they find few avenues for support. Despite struggling to meet their financial obligations, these households typically earn too much to qualify for help from entities like the Department of Health and Human Services. In such cases, 211 Northeast Michigan serves as a vital resource hub.
Home to Stay, Salvation Army, Caregiving Network, and Helping Hands Dental are just a few of the organizations actively involved in this collaborative initiative.
One of the most innovative parts of our model is our ability to leverage resources to stretch dollars to maximize the number of people we can support.
Upon intake with a hub organization, it is determined if there are state, federal or local programs that they are eligible for. Those who qualify are also connected to DHHS to ensu
re they receive a determination which can be the precursor to many resources. Next, the hub organization looks at their alignment with the funds that United Way of Midland County already invests in that issue area to ensure they are levering the collective $3.2M yearly invested into 26 nonprofit partners. Once those resources are considered, the ALICE callers are directed to the LIFT intake coordinator, who conducts an intake process and facilitates approvals through the program.
Those services are billed directly to United Way monthly through the partners, eliminating the need for clients to navigate reimbursements or payments, a process which can be a serious disadvantage for those who are underbanked.
Seed money for the LIFT program came through the generous support of The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, The Strosacker Foundation, two ARPA grants and United Way funding. Starting as a pilot in 2021, LIFT transitioned into a fully operational program in 2023, marking a significant milestone in its mission to uplift ALICE households in Midland County. The program continues to operate today, actively seeking and securing additional funding to sustain and expand its impact.
To date (April 2026), LIFT has served over 2,300 individuals with over $890,000. With the top needs being rent/rental deposit, dental care expenses and home repair.
For more information about LIFT, contact:
Will Wright-Johansson, Program Director | will@211nemichigan.org