Hoping to make the upcoming holidays brighter for as many less fortunate Sterling Heights families as possible, the City is again teaming with public and private service organizations to coordinate and streamline each agency’s holiday assistance programs.
As it’s done over the course of the past two decades, the Sterling Heights Community Relations Department will initiate and draft a master list of families needing assistance wherein interested service organizations will work together to adopt as many families listed as possible. However, as our community continues to feel the effects of Covid-19, resources will be limited.
“Each year, families and non-profits struggle to serve as many deserving families as they can with their limited resources, and that is why I am so proud the City is again taking the lead on coordinating holiday assistance efforts this year,” said Community Relations Director Melanie Davis. “Sterling Heights has initiated this service sharing effort for decades, and it is more important than ever to deliver volunteer aid services in the most efficient manner possible.”
Those needing assistance, and those who are not presently on a holiday aid list, can request that their information be placed onto the City’s master list. Individuals seeking assistance for the upcoming holiday season can apply by visiting the City’s website: www.sterling-heights.net/holidayassistance and completing the registration form. Incomplete forms will not be accepted. To qualify, families must reside in Sterling Heights, meet federal low-income standards as stated on the form, and have not received assistance from the program more than three years in a row. Proof of Sterling Heights residency with a picture I.D. will be required at the time of pick-up. Residents will not be able to register in person or via phone. The registration period will run from Oct. 19 through Nov. 6, 2020.
The City’s Holiday Assistance Program, coordinated by the City’s Community Relations Department, provided gifts, food and clothing to more than 400 families in 2019. Dozens of businesses, schools, churches, City employees and individual residents participated in the program last year, providing individual sponsorship of families and program gift card donations.
Those companies, families and individuals interested in providing holiday assistance to less fortunate Sterling Heights families are encouraged to contact Community Relations Specialist Sue Giallombardo at (586) 446-2470.
About the City of Sterling Heights
Founded in 1968, the City of Sterling Heights continues to be a vibrant, inclusive community for residents and businesses that is safe, active, progressive and distinctive. The Sterling Heights 2030 Visioning Plan creates a bold vision for an exceptional quality of life, offering distinctive neighborhoods, a world-class library, 31 parks and green spaces, and low tax and crime rates. With roughly 133,000 residents, it is the second largest suburb in Metro Detroit, and the fourth largest city in Michigan. To learn more, visit sterling-heights.net or follow the City at www.facebook.com/CityofSterlingHeights,
Those with questions or those seeking more information can contact Community Relations Director Melanie Davis at mdavis@sterling-heights.net or by calling (586) 446-2471 (o) or (586) 303-0923 (m).