The Consumers Energy Foundation has awarded a $100,000 grant to EightCAP, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating homelessness. This significant donation was marked by a check presentation and a volunteer event held at EightCAP’s Administrative Building in Orleans.
About the Grant
The grant, part of the Consumers Energy Foundation’s People Award, aims to bolster EightCAP’s Household Goods for Rehousing Success initiative. This program supplies “Fresh Start Kits” to families and individuals transitioning out of homelessness in Gratiot, Ionia, Isabella, and Montcalm counties. These kits are essential for helping new residents establish stable and dignified homes.
- Grant Amount: $100,000
- Initiative Name: Household Goods for Rehousing Success
- Communities Served: Gratiot, Ionia, Isabella, Montcalm
Check Presentation and Volunteer Involvement
The event featured Lori Johnson, President of EightCAP, who received the award. Cathy Wilson, the Consumers Energy Foundation’s Secretary and Treasurer, and Rebecca O’Connell, Community Affairs Manager, also attended the ceremony.
After the presentation, volunteers from Consumers Energy assembled around 36 Fresh Start Kits, which include crucial household items necessary for families settling into new homes. This effort was complemented by representatives from Volunteers in Action, a local group that has partnered with EightCAP in the past.
Impact of the Initiative
Since November 2025, EightCAP has distributed about 81 Fresh Start Kits to 25 families and individuals, ensuring they have the basic necessities to maintain stability. This support plays a vital role in helping formerly homeless residents rebuild their lives.
Lori Johnson emphasized the importance of the grant, stating, “This generous support from the Consumers Energy Foundation ensures that families aren’t starting from nothing. These Fresh Start Kits help restore dignity and make a house feel like home.”
Commitment to Community Support
Cathy Wilson articulated the foundation’s belief that strong communities emerge from collective support. “Partnering with EightCAP reflects our shared commitment to helping families in Mid-Michigan find housing and create homes where they can thrive,” she stated.
The Consumers Energy Foundation, the charitable branch of Michigan’s largest energy provider, emphasizes initiatives that strengthen communities and promote economic prosperity. EightCAP’s programs align with this mission by addressing poverty and assisting individuals in achieving long-term self-sufficiency.
