FLINT, Michigan — A local shelter has received a grant from Greater Flint Urgent Relief Fund (GFURF) to aid a local shelter. Shelter of Flint received $10,000 to support individuals and families in Genesee County who experience homelessness and are not able to live at the shelter due to COVID-19. The shelter intends to use the awarded dollars to fund alternative housing solutions.
Recently, Shelter of Flint has experienced a rise in shelter use beyond its 70-bed capacity. GFURF’s support will allow the organization to increase its capacity by moving individuals and families into local hotels. The shelter is likely to see relief from the current strain on resources.
In a press release, Shelter of Flint’s President and CEO Linda Bielskis said, “While shelter providers in the community have been working tirelessly to keep our homeless population safe, the latest surge in /covid cases has put a strain on our isolation rooms and compromised our ability to keep women and families experiencing homelessness healthy and warm. With this generous support, we will be able to move clients into hotels to keep them sheltered when there is no room in the emergency shelter.”
Shelter of Flint began operations in Flint in 1983 under the moniker Emergency Night Shelter for Women. In 2003, the shelter opened its first permanent housing program, Rosewood Park, to provide long-term stability for individuals and families.
If you would like to support Shelter of Flint, visit their website at:
shelterofflint.org/donate.
The Greater Flint Urgent Relief Fund is a partnership Community Foundation of Greater Flint and United Way of Genesee County partnership. Learn more about their work and opportunities for funding here.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.