ALLEGAN COUNTY, Mich. — As feet of snow blanket West Michigan, people are experiencing some of the coldest air of the season. It can be a deadly combination, especially for people who don't have a way to stay warm right now.
In Allegan County in particular, around 1,500 Consumers Energy customers are without power. On a neighborhood Facebook page, one woman asking for help said she had been without power for days. According to the Kalamazoo-based Gryphon Place, that woman was not alone.
"We have had a lot of calls around shelter. Maybe they just need a warming center where they can plug a phone in to get services again, and just warm up. Or those that still had power, maybe they needed a food pantry or help with an electric or gas bill or something like that," said Debra Kalkowski who serves as the 2-1-1 director at Gryphon Place.
When you dial 2-1-1, you'll be connected with one of several centers throughout the state that help connect people struggling with housing, food, utilities, and other needs that they may have. Gryphon Place is the 2-1-1 center that serves southwest Michigan, including Allegan County.
Kalkowski says 2-1-1 centers are always trying to raise awareness about the services they can connect you with, and letting people know it's okay to ask for help.
"I think it's very hard for people to call into 2-1-1. Lots of people, they've never dealt with this before, whether they've lost their job recently and they have bills to pay. So it's hard for them to call. But I do want them to know that all calls are confidential, and we just want to meet you where you are, and help you find some resources to help you along the way," she said.
"I have a passion towards helping others and making sure they're okay. It's very important to listen to their story. Everybody has a story to tell, and it really helps you connect with that person, when you can see where they're coming from."
Gryphon Place covers Allegan, Berrien, Branch, Cass, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, St Joseph, and Van Buren counties. The Heart of West Michigan United Way handles 2-1-1 for Antrim, Barry, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo, Oceana, and Osceola counties. CALL 2-1-1 handles Charlevoix, Emmet, Manistee, Missaukee, Muskegon, Ottawa, and Wexford counties.
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