Homer Library Benefits From United Way Grant

More internet access is available in Homer from an Albion-Homer United Way grant for hot spots at the Homer Public Library.

The $2,100 AHUW grant allows the library to add an additional six hot spots to its lending library over the next year. With these funds the  Homer Public Library will be able to better provide internet service for those families without access or with limited access to the web. 

 According to Homer Public Library Director Trixie McMeeking the additional hot spots will allow the library to serve at least 40 more families in the next 12 months. McMeeking stated in her grant request that the hot spots will help patrons with online schooling, taking college classes and with searching for employment. 

 After the AHUW funds are spent the library intends to budget money to keep the hot spots available for the public to borrow, McMeeking said. 

Supporting this service to Homer residents aligns with the mission of the Albion-Homer United Way to provide “long-lasting changes that prevent problems from happening” to help community members “live more whole lives-a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and good health,” stated Marcia Starkey, AHUW executive director.

This week previous donors will receive mailed information on how to donate to help fund new grants, Starkey stated. 

To allow AHUW to continue to support local organizations there are several good reasons to donate to the local United Way, Starkey said. These reasons include that donations fund Albion and Homer specific programs and that funding decisions are made by a local board. Donor lists are never shared with other agencies and payroll deductions make donating easier.

Donations can always be mailed to AHUW P.O. Box 55, Albion, MI 49224, made  on-line at www.albionhomeruw.org or by contacting Starkey at 517-499-2563. 

Board members are Carolyn Amos, Donisha Brewer, Chris Burdette, Robert Hawkins, Ryan Hopkins, Art Kale, Isabell Nazar, Pam Schuler, Gary Tompkins, Eddie Williams and Shane Williamson. 

Homer Public Library patron Shari Butler regularly checks out library hot spots to assist her with internet access. A recent grant from the Albion-Homer United Way will allow the library to purchase six more devices to help with this needed service.