Amy Rotter, Resource Development VISTA, United Way Montcalm - Ionia Counties
In addition to the state-wide effort to create infrastructure, build capacity and improve efficiency, there is also a local piece to the benefits access puzzle, to ensure that people in our communities are aware of and utilizing the resources that are available to them.
At United Way Montcalm-Ionia Counties, we are working to tailor the goals and resources of the benefits access initiative to best fit and reach the people of our small rural community a great need.
Low incomes, high unemployment rates, and limited transportation are just a few barriers that residents face. Despite the great need, many of our residents are not utilizing the benefits that are available to them.
Some of the reasons for this include:
- the lack of information about how and where to apply,
- the time required to enroll in multiple programs, and
- fears of not qualifying for significant benefits.
The local goal of benefits access for our communities is to break down these barriers by meeting clients where they are, spreading awareness of benefits, and assisting with applications.
Through our established community partnerships, we have set up benefits access stations at our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites, as well as at local food pantries.
We screen clients using the Michigan Assistance Referral Service (MARS) questionnaire, available through the MI Bridges website, to show our clients what benefits they may be eligible to receive. After completing the benefits screening, we provide information about each benefit program and the application process. We also provide assistance with the online applications that are available for some benefits.
Through our efforts thus far, we have found that people are much more willing to apply for necessary benefits when they have support. Understanding the application process and the potential value of benefits is a motivating factor.
As our local benefits access efforts unfold, we are collaborating with our community partners to set up more benefits access stations and merging benefits screenings into their client intake processes.
Our goal is to create an “any door is the right door” approach when it comes to serving people in our community. This means that when a person seeks assistance from one agency, they will be connected with a network of additional resources for which they are eligible.
If you're interested in partnering with United Way Montcalm-Ionia Counties or hearing more about our programs, please contact Amy Rotter at 800.417.2622 or arotter.uwm.i@gmail.com.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment