Somos Votantes Education Fund Launches Utility Debt Relief Program, Eliminating $240,000 in Overdue Bills for Michigan Families
Partners with El Concilio to bring direct relief to families in new chapter of Seeds of Relief initiative
KALAMAZOO, MI — As Michigan families continue to feel the weight of rising utility costs, Somos Votantes Education Fund today launched a new wave of debt relief, eliminating up to $1,000 in overdue utility bills for at least 240 hardworking families in southwest Michigan. This effort is delivered in partnership with El Concilio, a trusted community organization already serving Michigan families.
“Today, at least 240 families across Michigan will soon get to breathe a little easier,” said Melissa Morales, President and Founder of Somos Votantes Education Fund. “When we lift the weight of debt off a family's shoulders, we give them room to build the life they’re working so hard for. This wave meets people where the economic pain actually is, and we’re proud to partner with El Concilio to clear that burden for hardworking families across the state. Today’s announcement is only part of our ongoing commitment to fighting for real solutions that make life more affordable for real people.”
The program builds on Seeds of Relief, the direct economic relief initiative Somos Votantes Education Fund launched last fall. That first wave eliminated over $133 million in medical debt for more than 128,000 hardworking Nevadans. The Michigan utility debt relief program applies that same approach to a different kind of debt weighing down hardworking families.
"Every week, we see families forced to choose between paying a utility bill and putting food on the table. This partnership with Somos Votantes Education Fund means we can provide some relief to hundreds of them, and that's the kind of relief that changes what's possible for a family," said Adrian Vázquez, CEO at El Concilio.
Eligible families’ household income must not exceed 300% of the federal poverty level depending on family size. Families approved will get their utility debt forgiven up to $1,000. For more information about the application process, families can reach out to El Concilio through email at elconcilio@elconciliokzoo.org, by phone at 269-385-6279 or in person at their offices.
The debt relief soft-launched at Somos' Backpack Giveaway event to kick off the new school year, where families learned how to apply. Somos held a press conference to formally announce this new chapter of Seeds of Relief.
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About Somos Votantes Education Fund
Somos Votantes Education Fund is a 501c3 nonpartisan civic engagement organization dedicated to educational and charitable programs that empower the Latino community.