Sequester Affects Back to School Funding for Low-Income Families

I saw this in the Friends in Deed Newsletter:

BACK-TO-SCHOOL NEEDS FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES 

Because of the much publicized 2013 “sequestering” of some planned federal budget expenditures, states are reducingfunding for some helping programs. Michigan recently announced cuts in back-to-school clothing allowances forDepartment of Human Services cash recipients. In previous years, low-income families on state cash assistance received
$75 per school-age child to use for new school clothes and shoes. That help will not be available to those families this upcoming school year. 

To address the potential impact of this decision, clothing donations are urgently requested.
DHS will be referring clients to local clothing closets. FID recommends that you take your donations of good condition used clothing to one of the following places:
Brown Chapel, Ypsi, 734-482-7050

House By The Side Of The Road, Ann Arbor, 734-971-2550

Emmanuel Lutheran, Ypsi, 734-482-7121 

YPS Foundation ReSale Shop, Ypsi, 734-714-1829 

Call ahead to check on the days, times and locations that donations are accepted. 

DHS is also collecting school supplies for distribution to local students. Donations of backpacks, paper, pens, pencils, notebooks, folders and other needed supplies can be dropped off at the DHS office in Ypsilanti. Email Greg Pordon at pordong@michigan.gov.