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A poor decision by a landlord left eight local families homeless last winter.

A landlord who managed an apartment complex stole utilities from an energy company, and when authorities caught on to the alleged scheme, all utilities were shut off.

United Way for Southeastern Michigan quickly responded to the apartment complex and helped families obtain temporary shelter at a warming center. Some families eventually returned to permanent housing thanks to United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

Residents who aren’t financially stable are more vulnerable to homelessness when crisis strikes. The United Way’s mission is to assist residents with their financial choices and challenges.

Similarly, ������-Dearborn understands the importance of financial literacy, so much so that it’s the focus of this year’s Betty F. Elliott Initiative for Academic Excellence. The initiative will sponsor a series of events and other learning opportunities for the campus community.

“Financial literacy is a big issue,” said Vivek Sharma, assistant professor of finance and member of the Elliott Initiative planning committee. “For most people, even those with advanced degrees, there is a lack of awareness about the importance of investments, savings, budgeting and issues around insurance and taxes. This is your money. You spent so much time earning it, you should spend at least one-tenth of your time thinking about how to invest and manage it.”

United Way for Southeastern Michigan, like ������-Dearborn, also works to help area residents better manage their money. The organization teamed up with Detroit Local Initiative Support Corporation to create the Center for Working Families. The center provides resources to local agencies to integrate programs that provide financial coaching to area residents and also help them with debt reduction and budgeting.

������-Dearborn faculty and staff members can make a difference this month by donating to the 2011 United Way for Southeastern Michigan annual campaign. For information about the United Way’s goals, please visit http://liveunitedsem.org.

This year’s pledge cards are due by Nov. 30. Faculty and staff may designate pledges specifically to one of three United Way building blocks – education, income or basic needs. Pledges also may be designated to a specific agency supporting one of the three building blocks or to a specific United Way county other than Wayne, Oakland and Macomb.

There are several ways to help, including payroll deductions, credit/debit cards or a one-time check. This year’s goal is to raise $35,000 and generate at least 25 percent participation among ������-Dearborn faculty and staff.

The Office of Enrollment Management and Student Life is sponsoring this year’s annual giving campaign.

For more information about this year’s campaign, please contact Christopher Tremblay at [email protected].