United Way Raises Over $70,000 for Southwest Michigan Storm Recovery

New Southwest Michigan Cares Fund supports cleanup efforts in Cass, St. Joseph, and Branch counties.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:00am

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The United Way of Southwest Michigan has raised over $70,000 through its new Southwest Michigan Cares Fund to support storm cleanup and recovery efforts in Cass, St. Joseph, and Branch counties after a powerful supercell storm and tornadoes ripped through the region three weeks ago. More than 210 donors have contributed to the fund, which has received corporate donations from Corewell Health, Meijer, United Healthcare, and Priority Health.

Why it matters

The tornado damage in Southwest Michigan has left these communities in need of significant recovery and cleanup support. The United Way's fundraising efforts are crucial to helping residents and businesses get back on their feet, especially as the region faces continued spring storm weather that could further complicate the recovery process.

The details

The Southwest Michigan Cares Fund was activated on March 7, one day after the powerful storm caused multiple tornadoes in the area. The United Way has been partnering with its sister organizations in Branch County and St. Joseph County to disburse the funds raised for recovery efforts in Union City and Three Rivers, the hardest hit areas. The United Way expects the need for support to continue for months as the region works to clean up and rebuild.

  • The Southwest Michigan Cares Fund was launched on March 7, 2026.
  • The powerful supercell storm and tornadoes struck Southwest Michigan on March 6, 2026.

The players

United Way of Southwest Michigan

A nonprofit organization that raises and distributes funds to support community programs and services in Southwest Michigan.

Zack East

A spokesperson for the United Way of Southwest Michigan who provided details about the Southwest Michigan Cares Fund.

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What they’re saying

“Southwest Michigan, the state of Michigan, and really even the nation has sort of stepped up and really responded here to help these three communities across these three different counties — Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph — that were deeply affected by this tornado.”

— Zack East, Spokesperson, United Way of Southwest Michigan

“Really, we weren't sure what to expect because it's been quite a while since United Way of Southwest Michigan has had to be involved in some level of disaster recovery for one of our communities. Really, the last time that happened is kind of the COVID era.”

— Zack East, Spokesperson, United Way of Southwest Michigan

What’s next

The United Way expects the need for continued support and recovery efforts in the affected counties to last for several months as the region works to clean up and rebuild from the tornado damage.

The takeaway

The United Way's swift activation of the Southwest Michigan Cares Fund and the overwhelming community response demonstrates the power of local philanthropy to support disaster recovery efforts. As the region faces ongoing spring storm challenges, this fundraising campaign will be crucial in helping these communities get back on their feet.