Hillsdale County assistance programs.

Find financial assistance and ways to get help with bills

The Hillsdale Community Action Agency provides a variety of assistance to local residents. Some of the programs offered include rent help, mortgage and foreclosure assistance, and help with paying energy bills.

Foreclosure Prevention Counseling is available and it includes free one-on-one counseling for homeowners who are in the midst of financial crises or a foreclosure filing, and they also offer financial literacy courses as part of the counseling. In addition, Hillsdale Community Action and the nationwide CAA just announced it is launching the Community Foreclosure Coalition, which is yet another program that can provide aid.

Rent assistance is wide ranging. Participants who receive housing help will receive assistance with paying unpaid utility bills, security deposit, rent/mortgage arrearage payments, payment of the first month's rent and other unmet needs. In addition, the program also provides landlord tenant mediation services to try to find an option that works for both parties. Individuals who are qualified will also receive intensive case management services, and in some cases, free grants and other direct financial assistance and payments for the first month's rent. People who are transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing will also be able to receive additional rental assistance during that timeframe.

Families in Hillsdale can also save on their energy and heating bills from the Weatherization Program, which provides free energy conserving services to low and mid income home owners and renters in Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee counties. Qualified residents of the weatherization program may have their homes insulated to save energy, cold air infiltration measures implemented such as caulking, weather-stripping of leaky doors, gaps, and insulating and repairing windows and other minor home repairs. People will receive health and safety improvements to their home.

The facility is located at 55 Barnard Hillsdale, MI.