Update from Dan — April 4, 2020
Hello everyone.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues around us, I want to check in with you each week and keep you posted about how Goodwill Northern Michigan is responding.
It’s been 13 days since Governor Whitmer asked us all to Stay Home, Stay Safe and Save Lives. On Thursday, the Governor announced that there will be no more face-to-face learning this school year. Michigan students will be learning from home through distance learning. And we now know more about the virus and how easily it moves from person to person. Even if you don’t feel sick, you could be carrying it.
So much has changed in that short time, and we continue to get new information every day. Here at Goodwill, leadership teams are meeting continually to assess operations and make plans. Our critical task is to keep the organization viable, help our employees through the crisis, and continue our essential mission services for the community.
In the past week, several new pieces of legislation were passed. We expect more changes to come as the State and Federal governments respond to the crisis. We are following these developments and working to maximize the relief they offer for our employees and the organization.
The CARES Act was signed into law last week. It enhances the state and federal unemployment benefits available to our employees on leave. Allison has put together information explaining the changes and how they impact Goodwill employees on temporary leave. Affected employees will receive that information directly from Allison. She and Claudia are available as a resource to answer your questions about the new benefits and to help you get them.
Many of you have asked when the stores will reopen. Unfortunately, I don't expect to have that answer anytime soon. The virus, and the success of our efforts to contain it, are going to set the timeline. Right now, the best thing we can do to get our stores and our economy back up and running is to follow Governor Whitmer’s order to Stay Home and Stay Safe. Please avoid all non-essential travel in the community, and practice social distancing if you must go out.
Things continue to change for our mission services, too. The needs in our community have never been as great as they are now. Goodwill Northern Michigan is serving as a coordinating organization.
We are taking the lead on homelessness services and food distribution.
Our Central Campus location is the regional donation point for critically-needed supplies for Munson Healthcare, the American Red Cross, the Coalition to End Homelessness, and the Food Coalition.
Street Outreach, Patriot Place and the Goodwill Inn are providing shelter, food and supplies for two hundred individuals and families experiencing homelessness every week.
Food Rescue is delivering $30,000 worth of food each week to pantries and meal sites.
Meal Services is providing 6,000 meals every week for people experiencing homelessness, seniors, students and people in treatment.
We are also working with our partners at the United Way to secure, screen and schedule 60 new community volunteers each week.
These are a few of the things we are focusing on this week as we work through these troubled times. It keeps me going to see the dedication, creativity and generosity of the people in our community who are coming together to help our neighbors and make things work, even if we have to do it from 6 feet apart or via video conferencing.
I look forward to sharing an update with you again next week. Until then, thank you. Wash your hands, be well, and please be safe.
Dan Buron
Executive Director
Goodwill Northern Michigan