Innovation Award Spotlight: LIFT (Leveraging Income for Tomorrow)

A 2023 Innovation Award recipient, 211 Northeast Michigan's LIFT, continues to distribute supportive funds to address critical needs such as home repairs, dental work, car repairs, rent/mortgage assistance, childcare, and utilities. 

In 2020, Midland County in Michigan was navigating not only the global pandemic but also a 500-year flood that devastated our community and the surrounding areas. The leadership at United Way of Midland County had the foresight to see an impending benefits cliff that would plunge our ALICE (Asset Limit, Income Constrained, Employed) community into dire straits. The influx of funds, rent and utilities deferment and other assistance was creating a sense of stability for many, but what was to happen when this assistance ended? United Way predicted a nearly doubling of the ALICE population and quickly mobilized funding and started to build a solution with 211 Northeast Michigan before the problem existed.

The LIFT program empowers ALICE individuals and families to navigate unexpected financial challenges such as rent, mortgage, utilities, home repairs, and car maintenance, mitigating the risk of debt and other adverse outcomes. It provides much needed stability through the storm, keeping them from the domino effect that can slide an individual or family into poverty.

Starting as a pilot in 2021, LIFT transitioned into a fully operational program in 2023, marking a significant milestone in its mission to uplift ALICE households in Midland County. The program continues to operate today, actively seeking and securing additional funding to sustain and expand its impact.

To date (April 2026), LIFT has served over 2,300 individuals with nearly $900,000. The top needs are rent/rental deposit, dental care expenses and home repair.

Learn more about LIFT