After more than two months of rapid response efforts connected to the COVID-19 crisis, historic flooding has created a dual crisis situation for the Great Lakes Bay region. Midland and Gladwin Counties remain under a federal emergency declaration and Arenac, Saginaw and Iosco Counties were all included along with Midland and Gladwin in the governor’s state of emergency declaration.

“A global pandemic and a historic flood are truly serving as the one-two punch to our wonderful community,” Holly Miller, executive director of United Way of Midland County said in a press release. “These two hurdles have left, and continue to leave, an impact for those in the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population, along with those in poverty and an emerging group who are facing situational financial crisis.”

In response to the urgent needs from both COVID-19 and the flooding, The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation announced that it is providing two grants totaling $1 million to the United Way of Midland County to support residents. The foundation has provided $500,000 as an outright grant to support coronavirus pandemic recovery and a $500,000 matching grant to support flooding crisis recovery, helping to establish the Rise Together Fund. The foundation will provide a dollar for dollar match for the first $500,000 donated to the flooding crisis recovery.

“One out of three families in our community are ALICE or below—that was before this crisis. We will be seeing numerous families asking for help for the first time. They have never had to navigate finding resources before, and now they won’t have to do it alone,” the foundation shared in a press release. “This fund will help provide resources to help people stand up in the wake of devastation, making a difference in people's lives by meeting their diverse basic needs and providing long-term solutions and a hand up with equal parts accountability, support and hope.”

The Midland Area Community Foundation (MACF) has also partnered with the United Way of Midland County to develop a joint website that points to two response funds and volunteer alerts for both COVID-19 and the flooding situation.

MACF seeded the Flood Relief Project Fund with an initial $250,000 in contributions and an additional $250,000 in matching funds. The fund is providing flood relief throughout Midland County, including those in Sanford, Bullock Creek and the city of Midland.

The Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation announced $750,000 in support, contributing to both the Rise Together Fund and the Flood Relief Project Fund and other efforts underway.

Gladwin County Community Foundation is also hosting a relief fund.

The Saginaw Community Foundation (SGF) has established an Emergency Relief Fund that is supporting both COVID-19 and flood-related needs. SCF used social impact investment funds to create a loan program for small businesses impacted by COVID-19 and is looking to do the same for businesses impacted by the flood.

SCF is in conversation with Menards and The Home Depot to fund vouchers for flood victims in need of new household appliances.

“It has been truly amazing to see how a community can and wants to help and support,” Reneé Johnston, president and CEO of SCF and CMF Trustee said. “In one day, minutes apart, SCF received notification from a group and a separate individual who were planning fundraising activities to support SCF's Emergency Relief Fund. And, to have local banks, organizations and family foundations contact SCF with an approved set amount willing to contribute without really asking any questions, has been so comforting.”

Want more?

Learn more about the Rise Together Fund.

Connect with MACF’s Flood Relief Project Fund.

Check out SCF’s Emergency Relief Fund.

Learn more about Gladwin County Community Foundation's fund.