Monroe County assistance programs.

Find how to get help with bills and locate other aid

With the current economic environment, many local charities and organizations have prepared themselves for an increase in requests for rent help, heating and utility bill assistance, and other requests. People have places that they can turn to for help, including the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action as well as the Salvation Army.

Michigan has recently put into effect a new law that prevents some utility companies from shutting off heating and utility service during the winter, but the legislation did not apply to all utility companies.

Locate heating and utility bill assistance

The Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action agency can provide help to Escanaba and Delta County residents who heat their homes during the winter months with wood, gas, oil, or other utility sources. It is very important for local residents who receive a shutoff notice from their utility company to take immediate action, seek assistance and not wait until the last minute.

For example, some utility companies, such as DTE give customers 10 days after the notice of intent is received to shutoff service is initiated. Also, those residents who receive a shut-off notice can apply for assistance through the Community Action Agency or the Department of Human Services, although it sometimes can take longer than 10-days for a determination to be made concerning eligibility for aid. Residents who file for assistance through DHS can receive up to $550 in assistance.

While the application is in process, sometimes the community action agency can intervene and help those residents who are applying for assistance through the THAW program. Through the THAW program, which is administered under CAA, DTE partners with the agency to provide up to $1,250 in heating bill assistance per eligible household. Also, DTE offers winter shut-off protection programs for its customers.

 

 

 

Emergency Client Services

Grants and funds can be provided to people who face an unexpected emergency or crisis, such as a job loss or a medical emergency. Some of the help provided will cover the expenses below:

• Assistance with paying for prescriptions, and possibly even access to free prescription drugs. Or click here to find other ways to get medications.
   
• Government Eviction Prevention Aid Rent and Homeless Prevention funds
   
• Find assistance for paying rent or other home retention services in the case of eviction, foreclosure or burnout. Learn more about other Michigan foreclosure prevention programs. Continue.
   
• Free household contents such as a stove, refrigerator, or furnace
   
• Grants for heat & some utility bill assistance when there is a shut-off notice or low fuel tank that the homeowner has

 

Save on Energy Bills from Weatherization

The federal government funded Home Weatherization program is a FREE service that is funded by the Federal Department of Energy (DOE) and administered by the Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS) as well as the community action agency. The program provides free energy conservation services and home improvements (such as extra insulation) for eligible low-income households. The program has been shown to help people save up to $600 per year on their energy bills.

 

To learn more or apply to any of these programs, stop by the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action agency at 507 First Avenue North, Escanaba, Michigan. Or call them at (906) 786-7080.