Allegan County Resource Development Committee.
The Allegan County Resource Development Committee runs programs for low income and working poor families. They also have referrals. Clients need to work towards self-sufficiency and stability. Resources are limited but the non-profit community action agency does its best to help the less fortunate and people facing poverty.
Weatherization is administered locally by Allegan County Resource Development Committee. It is paid for by the U.S. Department of Energy and with additional funding from the state of Michigan. The program strives to deliver energy efficiency services to low-income households in the county and nationwide.
Contractors perform on-site home energy audits to identify issues such as outside drafts. They will also inspect heating and cooling systems for efficiency. After this is done professional weatherization crews and contractors seal off air leaks, repair or replace furnaces, install insulation, make minor repairs to ensure safety and make modifications to (or replace) existing heating systems. These energy saving measures are done for free. They offer long-term reduction on heating and cooling costs, which is a relief for low-incomeor senior citizens households that struggle with their bills.
Food from the Congregate Meals program provides seniors of all income levels with nutritious, well-balanced meals at multiple sites located throughout Allegan County. In addition to the hot meals, the program also assists older individuals by providing opportunities for education, free health screenings, volunteering opportunities, parties and more in order to enhance their quality of life. The meal site locations include:
- Grand Ravine, 725 Grant St., Allegan
- Baraga Manor, 301 Washington, Otsego, Michigan
- Fennville United Methodist Church, 5849 M89, Fennville, Michigan
- Hopkins United Methodist Church, 322 N. Maple St., Hopkins, MI
- Wayland United Methodist Church, 200 North Church St., Wayland
Utility bill assistance from ACRDC is for poor and struggling residents of Allegan County. The agency works to offer funding for paying utilities and heating assistance. Households seeking assistance are required to have the following items before applying for help. They need a shut off notice or letter of non-delivery from their fuel provider or energy company. It needs to state that they are cash on delivery customer and they need a decision notice from the Michigan Department of Human Services.
ACRDC Head Start Program is offered as a free, comprehensive child development program that focuses on children. It will enhance the social, health and academic competency of young children in low-income families of Allegan county Michigan. The Head Start Program offer family members opportunities and support for growth and change. It is available through the local centers and schools as well as home-based programming.
Some of the Head Start services are free healthy meals and snacks, comprehensive education and education opportunities, assistance with medical/dental services, special needs and family support, as well as child development screenings with parent involvement.
Through its Home Based Program, ACRDC also offers services provided in homes throughout the county. The in school locations of the program are as follows.
Fennville Elementary, Fennville, MI
Gilkey Elementary, Plainwell, Michigan
Sycamore Elementary, Dorr, MI
Allegan Lab School - ACATEC Center, Allegan, MI
Early Childhood Center - 623 10th St., Plainwell
Brandon Elementary Head Start, Martin, MI
Baker Elementary, Wayland, Michigan
Pine Trails Elementary, Allegan, MI
Transportation is from volunteer drivers that provide door to door rides for the disabled or seniors. Call Allegan County Senior Services for details. The low cost rides can be to and from appointments for medical, nutritional, shopping, social or legal purposes. When necessary, transportation is also provided for seniors for out of county medical appointments that are fairly close by.
Meals or Wheels, or Home Delivered Meals, takes care of the nutritional needs of seniors or disabled who are unable to prepare meals for themselves. This is done by home-delivering well-balanced, nutritional food items. The items served are based on individual dietary needs. Volunteers and drivers also regularly monitor the health and welfare of the seniors.
Information, Outreach and Referral is available from ACRDC. Staff from the community action agency use all resources available within the community to help people (elderly and disabled) live as independently as possible at home by arranging assistance with personal care, meal preparation and other household chores.
Assistance and information on Medicare/Medicaid from staff will provide assistance to the elderly and the disabled. Aid is for those that have health insurance that is part of Medicare and Medicaid. Staff will help people complete the application, assist with locating approved hospitals, choosing Medicare Part D plans, finding prescription resources and more. Phone 673-5472.
Counselors from Michigan Enrolls help inform persons approved for Medicaid benefits through the State of Michigan about their medical bill programs and benefit options. ACRDC employs counselors to help enroll participants into the private or public health insurance program of their choice.
Low income families can look into USDA Commodities Distribution and surplus food. It occurs multiple times per year. ACRDC oversee this for households that have a household income at or below 200% of the poverty level established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The sites of food are.
St. Margaret's Church - 245 Court St., Otsego, MI
The ACRDC Main Office at 323 Water St., Allegan
Pullman Intercare - 5498 109th Ave., Pullman, MI
Wayland Ambulance - 911 S. Main St., Wayland, Michigan
Assistance from the Allegan Ministerium Central Food Pantry is available. The food is from a non-profit organization that was established to distribute items to eligible families of Allegan County. Families that qualify may receive a free box of groceries and perishable goods once a month up to four times a year. The amount is determined by the size of the family.
Help for migrants is offered at Resource Development Committee offices. This comes in the form of nutritional, medical, educational, and other services for the population. All recipients are required to have the proper documentation and the application must be filled in at the office.
Allegan County Resource Development Committee is based at 323 Water Street, Allegan, Michigan 49010, phone number is (269) 673-5472.
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