"When you have, you have to give back": How Sarah Kile centers community in Michigan

This month, we spoke to Sarah Kile at Michigan 211. At Lemontree, we know how important community relationships are, and Sarah exemplifies this type of people-first approach to collaboration. Here’s a bit from our conversation:

Your work is deeply focused on community–from 211’s mission, to your mayorship, to relationship building. Tell me what led you here?

I come from a hardworking, blue collar family, where I was taught that when you have, you have to give back. It’s a moral contract that we have with our society. I see my story reflected in Michigan’s–a rich history of blue collar labor, which is beautiful, but often, it creates an environment where people don’t want to ask for help or admit struggle.

I desire to give into the future–to wake up every day and feel like I can give back to my community; to wrap dignity around someone who has the courage to ask for help.

Both Lemontree and 211 focus on providing information so people can use resources with autonomy. Why is this “middleman” piece of the safety net so important?

Being a connector gives you a unique vantage point. We get nothing from the user except being able to inform them. At 211, we address many needs, so our mission isn’t tied to one service, but to the individual that’s contacted us.

In being the backbone, you can see the picture, and the map to learn how to best advocate for the people who need us the most.

What does the future of food access in Michigan look like?

Food is an essential need that isn’t going away, and when decisions are being made in DC, we can feel removed from it, like it’s 10,000 miles away. Food has the potential to be less complicated, but we have to keep local momentum strong. We know what the need looks like, and we know that what–or who–is going to help you today is in your own community.

The future has to be local and accessible. Often, the state or federal government can’t ensure that my neighbor has a warm meal today, but my town, my neighborhood, my community, can.

Thank you to Sarah Kile for working towards a world where people and communities are at the heart of systems change! We’re grateful to work alongside you and MI 211.