Over 11.5 million dollars in COVID-19 pandemic relief funds is available for Michigan’s foster youth

DETROIT, MI, August 19, 2021 /24-7PressRelease/ — The Chafee Pandemic Relief Funds for foster youth between the ages of 14 and 27 was received by all 50 states on January 7th, 2021, but the State of Michigan has yet to release these funds to the youth in Michigan’s foster care system or explain the delay in the release.

The Supporting Foster Youth and Families through the Pandemic Act (H.R. 7947) became federal law as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act on December 27, 2020 (PL 116-260). These provisions are intended to be emergency relief for current and former youth who have received little to no support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Park West Foundation, the charitable nonprofit arm of Park West Gallery, is sponsoring the FOSTER HOPE campaign created by the youth-led group Empowering Foster Youth through Technology (EFyTECH) to urge Michigan Legislators to release these federally approved COVID-19 relief funds before they expire on September 30th, 2021.

“We also hope to schedule a meeting with Governor Whitmer, State Senators, and State Representatives to develop outreach programs for our peers and community partners,” said EFyTECH President O’varisha Gray-Woods.

Park West Foundation and EFyTECH, along with several other sponsors including The Youth Law Center, Youth Villages, and Foster Club, are pleading with Michigan lawmakers to release these readily available funds immediately.

Park West Foundation and EFyTECH are sponsoring a petition to raise awareness for this issue.

Join the fight to support Michigan’s foster youth by signing the petition here.

About Park West Foundation

Established in 2006, Park West Foundation serves as the charitable arm of Park West Gallery, which inspires and supports Michigan’s youth who age out of the foster care system. You can learn more about the Park West Foundation and how to assist in this ongoing cause please visit the Park West Foundation website.

—
For the original version of this press release, please visit 24-7PressRelease.com here