KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A Michigan noprofit organization has launched a fundraising campaign to help recently unemployed Kalamazoo restaurant workers with their utility bills.
Organization CALTRAN says that they have provided food assistance and alternative transportation services for the past 25 years, which has helped earn it the assumed name “Kalamazoo County Fights Hunger.”
Tuesday, CALTRAN began the campaign via GoFundMe. The organization is attempting to raise a minimum of $5,000 to apply towards, gas, electricity, water, sewer, and telephone bills.
Cable and other nonessential bills do not qualify.
Additionally, this campaign is only meant to assist low-income individuals and families who were struggling financially before the Coronavirus (Covid-19) epidemic caused the closure of restaurants without carryout service.
CALTRAN will begin awarding the grants to qualifying Kalamazoo restaurant workers in May. The reason for doing so is because funds via GoFundMe aren’t released until the 25th of each month.
Displaced workers can begin applying for a grant starting April 15 at the Kalamazoo Restaurant Workers United Facebook page.
Citizens interested in donating can do so via the campaign or by mail.
To make a tax-deductible donation by mail, citizens can send a check or money order to CALTRAN, c/o Kalamazoo Restaurant Workers, P.O. Box 2632, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49003.
A list of Kalamazoo restaurants offering take-out and delivery services can be viewed here.
