Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation announced today that the organizations will grant nearly $300,000 in funding to six community-based nonprofit organizations statewide. These organizations will use the funds towards permanent supportive housing initiatives to advance racial and economic health equity for those most in need, Audrey Harvey, vice president, Blue Cross Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and executive director and CEO, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation, announced during a Zoom call today with the grantees.
“We are very very proud to announce nearly 300m,000 (will go) to six nonprofit community-based organizations across Michigan that are going to support our collective vision of increasing access and equity and economic health for those in need,” she said.
Local Detroit and Pontiac organizations were among those awarded $50,000 each:
- Ruth Ellis Center, Inc., Detroit
- Southwest Counseling Solutions, Detroit
- Lighthouse MI, Pontiac
Other organizations receiving about $50,000 in grant funding include:
- Family Promise of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids
- New Destiny Pathways, Inc., Grand Rapids
- Great Lakes Recovery Center, Marquette
“These incredible organizations I’ve either partnered with or personally made contributions to are inextricably linked to helping vulnerable populations and individuals,” she said, adding that the nonprofits will add a “support element” and address root causes of health disparities that cropped up especially during COVID-19.
Residents living in supportive housing are linked to intensive case management and voluntary, live-improving services such as health care, workforce development, and child welfare, according to a press release. The organizations selected serve communities of great need and special populations, including:
- Racial minorities
- People who are homeless
- People recovering from mental illness or substance use disorder
- The LGBTQ+ community
- Veterans
- Adults from the foster system and more
“These organizations and their innovative programming serve at the immediate intersection of housing and health, and strive to meet the needs of vulnerable populations,” said Suzanne Miller Allen, BCBSMichigan senior director of Community Responsibility and Social Mission. “Their work shows a dire need to further address health disparities and fill gaps, including housing instability, food insecurity, or other social and economic determinants of health affecting individuals and families. Our collective vision with these grantees of increasing access to permanent supportive housing for our communities will lead to improving overall health and achieving health equity statewide.”
According to the Corporation for Supportive Housing, Michigan ranks 11 out of 50 in the United States in supportive housing needs, the press release added. Individuals who experience chronic homelessness have high rates of substance abuse and mental health disorders and are more likely to suffer from chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and HIV/AIDS.
Ryan Hertz, of Lighthouse, expressed his gratitude.
“This grant will be … supporting the cost of the first year of supportive services at our newest housing development and post-merger development,” he said of a 64-unit facility called Coolidge Place in Oak Park for chronically homeless individuals. “(I am) really excited to have this partnership … we’re grateful.”
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