dislocated workers assistance
Every day, United Ways across Michigan work to ensure that every person in every community can thrive. In times of hardship or crisis, we mobilize our resources to help communities through difficult times.
Whether you’re currently a dislocated worker or you know of a neighbor in need, United Way is here to connect you with information and community resources. By collaborating with local community partners and leveraging networks, United Ways play a vital role in ensuring that workers receive the assistance they need during difficult periods of employment uncertainty.
How we help
-
Community Services Labor Liaisons are United Way employees and community advocates who work to enhance the partnership between local unions and United Ways. Labor Liaisons are union members themselves with connections to labor partners in their communities.
Union members in need can connect directly with the Community Services Labor Liaison. You can find the Labor Liaison for your community below.
-
Michigan 2-1-1 is a free-to-use, confidential service that connects you with local community-based organizations across the state offering thousands of different programs and services for people seeking answers.
You can reach 2-1-1 by:
Dial: 2-1-1 or 844-875-9211
Text your zip code to 898211
Chat or search at www.mi211.org
Make sure to identify yourself as someone who is affected by the ongoing labor negotiations when you call.
-
A personal finance and job search guidance for the unemployed. Find it here.
Michigan Community Service Labor Liaison Directory
In Metro Detroit
Rella bitner
United Way for Southeastern Michigan
Serving Macomb, Oakland, Wayne, and Washtenaw Counties
web: www.unitedwaysem.org
email: rella.bitner@unitedwaysem.org
Alicia dennis
United Way for Southeastern Michigan
Serving Macomb, Oakland, Wayne, and Washtenaw Counties
web: www.unitedwaysem.org
email: alicia.dennis@liveunitedsem.org
Tony braggs
United Way for Southeastern Michigan
Serving Macomb, Oakland, Wayne, and Washtenaw Counties
web: www.unitedwaysem.org
email: tony.braggs@unitedwaysem.org
Tanise hill
United Way for Southeastern Michigan
Serving Macomb, Oakland, Wayne, and Washtenaw Counties
web: www.unitedwaysem.org
email: tanise.hill@unitedwaysem.org
In Flint
Jessie Cloman
United Way for Genesee County
Serving Genesee and Shiawassee Counties
web: www.unitedwaygenesee.org
email: jcloman@unitedwaygenesee.org
Teresa mcginnis
United Way for Genesee County
Serving Genesee and Shiawassee Counties
web: www.unitedwaygenesee.org
email: tmcginnis@unitedwaygenesee.org
In Grand Rapids
Dan Tenhoopen
Heart of West Michigan United Way
Serving Kent County
web: www.hwmuw.org
email: dtenhoopen@hwmuw.org
In Kalamazoo
David pawloski
United Way for South Central Michigan
Serving Ingham, Clinton, Eaton, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, and Jackson Counties
web: www.unitedforscmi.org
email: d.pawloski@uwscmi.org
In Lansing
Fred thomas
United Way for South Central Michigan
Serving Ingham, Clinton, Eaton, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, and Jackson Counties
web: www.unitedforscmi.org
email: f.thomas@uwscmi.org
In Monroe
collin keehn
United Way for Monroe/Lenawee Counties
Serving Monroe and Lenawee Counties
web: www.unitedwaymlc.org
email: ckeehn@unitedwayml.org
In Muskegon
Jana routt
United Way of the Lakeshore
Serving Muskegon, Oceana, and Newaygo Counties
web: www.unitedwaylakeshore.org
email: jana@unitedwaylakeshore.org
In saginaw
Josh winiecke
United Way of Saginaw County
Serving Saginaw County
web: www.unitedwaysaginaw.org
email: jwiniecke@unitedwaysaginaw.org
In Northwest ohio
Michael Alexander
United Way of Greater Toledo
Serving Lucas, Ottawa, and Wood Counties
web: www.unitedwaytoledo.org
email: michael.alexander@unitedwaytoledo.org
Frequently asked questions
Can the michigan association of united ways help pay my electric bill, rent, etc.?
No, the Michigan 2-1-1 State Office and the Michigan Association of United Ways do not provide direct services, or provide community referrals. If you’re looking to get or give help, please contact 211.
I don’t belong to a union, but my job has been affected by current labor negotiations. Is there help for me?
United Ways across Michigan work every day to help meet the needs of families in communities they serve, regardless of their circumstances. We encourage anyone in need of health or human services to contact 211.
Can United Way or 211 help answer questions about the UAW Contract negotiations or strike?
No, United Way and 211 cannot answer questions related to current contract negotiations or any ongoing strike.
If you’re looking for updates regarding UAW Big 3 Contract Negotiations please visit uaw.org/uaw-auto-bargaining. Frequently asked questions regarding a strike can be found here: uaw.org/strike-faq.
Any other questions should be directed to your local union.
I don’t see a local labor liaison that represents my community. Is there someone I can talk to?
Yes, Michigan is represented by a Statewide Labor Liaison who can assist you if you do not have a local Labor Liaison. You can contact the Michigan Statewide Labor Liaison by using the contact form, below.
Can United Way help me apply for unemployment?
Individuals looking to apply for unemployment, or with questions about the Unemployment Insurance Agency should visit the Unemployment Insurance Agency website. Those applying for Unemployment Insurance can also review the Claimant Roadmap for additional assistance.
Contact us.
If you have additional questions or needs, please complete the below contact form. Someone from the Michigan Association of United Ways Department of Labor and Community Services will be in touch within 72 business hours. Inquires without a valid email address will not be responded to.