Neighbor News
Neighborhood Service Organization receives $266,000 from BET
Funds to NSO will support its clients in Detroit with food, housing and health literacy
Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO) today announced it received $266,000 in funding as a result of the Saving Our Selves: A BET COVID-19 Relief Effort held April 22, 2020. The support is targeted to meeting the basic needs of residents of the city of Detroit served by NSO during the pandemic, where the African American population has been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
NSO will use the funds to provide support to its clients through food assistance to clients it is sheltering and has recently housed, telehealth for psychiatric services, the purchase and distribution of cellphones for those that need one to access telehealth and support services, and a dedicated physician onsite at its temporary shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness.
BET established the BET COVID-19 Relief Fund in partnership with United Way Worldwide, with 100 percent of the proceeds divided between select local United Ways in Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, New Orleans, and New York City. United Way of Southeastern Michigan received nearly $3 million to support nine of community partners, including NSO.
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“NSO is thrilled to be a recipient of BET COVID-19 Relief Funds through United Way. Our organization has a longstanding relationship with them, having been founded through the combining of three different organizations, with support from United Way, sixty-five years ago. These funds will enable us to extend our ability to reach Detroiters who were severely impacted by this pandemic,” said Linda Little, president and CEO of Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO). “Since our inception, our mission has focused on reaching vulnerable populations. We aim to always be within reach of those who need us most and right now is no different.”
Recent reports show that the health outcomes and economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are disproportionately impacting the African American community. Mortality rates for COVID-19 are higher for African Americans; financial instability is being worsened by layoffs and closures in sectors like retail, hospitality, and healthcare, where African American workers are over-represented; and low-income African American students face a greater risk of learning loss and inadequate access to nutritious food with massive school closures.
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“We are glad to be able to continue to support the work of NSO as you help families greatly impacted by the Coronavirus. We are thankful to BET for launching this effort and feel it is important that you are able continue serving families in need,” said Dr. Darienne Hudson, president and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “While no one is exempt from COVID-19, we know that large urban centers like Detroit are feeling the brunt of its impact. The economic and racial disparities that exist here mean even more people are having trouble meeting their basic needs.”
Individuals and organizations wanting to support NSO’s efforts can visit www.nso-mi.org or contact Sharon Maier, Vice President of Corporate Development, at 313-961-4890 or text “NSO” to 56651.
Those wanting to donate to the BET COVID-19 Relief Fund can go to www.BET.com or text “BETGives” to 51555. Those wanting to donate directly to United Way for Southeastern Michigan can visit www.UnitedWaySEM.org/COVID or text “PROTECT” to 50555.
About Neighborhood Service Organization
Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO) is a Detroit-based health and human service agency strengthening communities through bold outreach services and holistic programs for vulnerable populations...changing lives one person at a time. Learn more by visiting www.NSO-MI.org.
About United Way for Southeastern Michigan
United Way for Southeastern Michigan, a member of the United Way Worldwide network and an independently governed 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, works to help households become stable and ensure children have the support they need to thrive. For more than 100 years, United Way has been a leader in creating positive, measurable and sustainable change in communities throughout southeast Michigan. United Way works in partnership with donors, agencies, corporate and municipal partners to help families meet their basic needs of housing, food, health care and family finances, and ensure children start school ready to learn and graduate ready for life. To give, advocate, volunteer or learn more, visit UnitedWaySEM.org.
