Community Summer Bash to offer food, supplies to Kalamazoo residents hit hard by COVID-19
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Steps to Victory was gearing up to host its 2021 Community Summer Bash on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021.
Focused specifically on those hit hardest during COVID-19, organizers said they wanted to meet as many needs as possible in the greater Kalamazoo area.
"We want to connect people with the resources they need," Monet Bolden, Community Outreach Coordinator at Steps to Victory, said. "We have seen and heard a lot on social media that people are really struggling and don't know where to go for help."
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Steps to Victory partnered with more than 17 local agencies to provide help for needs like housing assistance, employment opportunities, back-to-school needs, clothing, and meal assistance.
"This year, we changed it up because we saw there were a lot of needs that people had in the community, especially with the eviction moratorium lifting on July 31st," Bloden said. "HRI will be on-site, they have received funding to help people who are behind on rent and utilities. Landlords can get up to 12 months of backpay on rent."
Bolden said with people possibly facing eviction, the nonprofit wanted to make sure the people of Kalamazoo knew there were resources available to those in need of help.
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"We don't want to see anyone evicted. We do not want to see the homeless population swell in Kalamazoo," Bolden said. "Resources will also be available for people who have been struggling to find employment with an emphasis on those who have felonies or a criminal background."
The event did need donations, Bolden said. Priorities included hygiene items, feminine care, new children's underwear, socks, clothes, and school supplies.
To learn more about the event and where to donate, click here.
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