Human Development Commission emergency assistance programs.
Programs for low income and working poor families in Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, and Tuscola Counties are provided by Human Development Commission. The non-profit, community action agency will partner with clients to coordinate short term support and address any long term challenges the individual may have, such as lack of employment or education.
Funds for rental expenses or energy bills from HDC and other housing services
The highest demand program is Emergency Services, though resources are very limited. It provides financial assistance for low-income families or individuals in all counties served. It is for families on the verge of eviction or that are maybe facing disconnection of their heat or electrical services.
Additionally, the organization is often able to help with deliverable fuels, such as kerosene, propane and fuel oil. They also have funds from the federal government for paying back rent or a deposit on a new home. In some cases, the community action agency will provide loans to those families that need help in a crisis.
HDC and its partners will distribute emergency food boxes containing enough to feed a family for several days, for those who are in urgent need. Funded through federal grants and fund-raising efforts, availability of emergency assistance is contingent upon available funding. For those that qualify, any assistance is provided on a first come, first served basis.
To expand upon above, Human Development Commission operates several programs in counties such as Sanilac and Huron to assist those who have found themselves homeless and those who are at risk of becoming evicted. The housing services programs’ goal is to transition people back into a home or low income apartment by providing temporary or permanent solutions. This is also backed up with support services that supply them with the means and skills needed to maintain that permanent housing status.
The free Foreclosure Prevention Program provides homeowners with confidential foreclosure counseling, education, and advice. This is for homeowners who are behind or at risk of falling behind on mortgage or maybe even their property tax payments.
There are a number of options available from this HUD certified service in regard to programming. The Human Development Commission staff members help with learning about them and determining whether a household is eligible for assistance, such as a home loan modification. The Step Forward Program may also be available to provide assistance to eligible homeowners.
The state of Michigan Weatherization Program assists homeowners and rental tenants with reducing and managing their home energy bills. Contractors from Human Development Commission are involved in providing energy-efficient home repair and alteration services to enhance quality of life and home comfort, as well as help the family save money.
Services may include caulking, the addition of insulation, adding weather stripping, patching roofs, and much more. Weatherization also provides repairs for heating systems or a furnace during the winter months.
The federally funded Early Head Start Program serves toddlers, infants, lower income pregnant women and their families in their homes and out in the community. Programming from the federal government and state of Michigan is designed to promote and enhance the healthy growth and development of young children and their families. It accomplishes this goal through the provision of educational and medical services, resources, and opportunities for success.
They community action agency also runs a thrift store at Deckerville Road in Caro. The store is formally known as Wear-A-Bouts Resale/Consignment Store, and it carries a wide selection of gently used items, such as school supplies, winter boots, coats, and more.
Hunger prevention from Human Development Commission
HDC offers a number of options for residents, regardless of age, for addressing hunger. Food is available in Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, and Tuscola Counties. The aid is for those who lack sufficient means to obtain food on their own for their families. Some of the main nutrition programs are listed here.
CSFP - Commodity Supplemental Food Program provides free groceries or canned goods to supplement the diets of children, senior citizens, or the disabled. This can include free canned fruits, vegetables, and meats; pasta; soup; dried beans and other non-perishable food items.
The Emergency Food Assistance service, or TEFAP, provides a variety of USDA commodity foods from the federal government on a quarterly basis to all who meet income guidelines set by the US Department of Agriculture.
Senior Dining Centers in the three county region provide meals in group settings for Huron, Sanilac, and Tuscola County senior citizens as well as their spouses. This is run in partnership with the Salvation Army and groups such as the Region VII Area Agency on Aging.
Pantries in the region, including Sanilac and Tuscola, are available by referral from HDC. The community action agency has information on churches, soup kitchens, and even regional holiday assistance. Another local option is Spoonfuls of Plenty, which serves free meal to community members at the Lee Roy Clark Center.
Free Meals on Wheels from Human Development Commission and its volunteers are for the disabled and elderly in Sanilac, Huron and Tuscola County Michigan. The program is for senior citizens who are unable to prepare meals or leave their homes to visit a Dining Center. The HDM - Home Delivered Meals Program will also deliver food on a temporary basis to the disabled or those recovering from accidents or surgeries.
Locate help for senior citizens
With a focus on the elderly, the community action agency will help people remain independent and safe in their own homes. Most of our senior services are offered in Huron, Tuscola and nearby counties. The main assistance programs offered are below.
- Chores services from HDC certified volunteers provide help with household chores, such as installing storm windows and screens, mowing the yard, cleaning cupboards, washing walls or windows.
- Support - Case Coordination can provide referrals and information on state of Michigan or federal benefits, such as Medicare.
- Adult Day Services is for the homebound or disabled. It can also assist seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, a serious illness or physical limitations.
- Staff from Human Development Commission arrange for Personal Care, which includes grooming, dressing, transferring, bathing, eating, and ambulation. This also includes transportation to places such as the pharmacy, the hospital, or doctor appointments.
- Caregivers can also get assistance as well. It is for individuals in Huron, Tuscola, and other counties that are taking care of a loved one or disabled family member.
How to apply for financial help from Human Development Commission
There are several centers of the non-profit Human Development Commission. They include the following.
- Tuscola County, 429 Montague Ave., Caro, Michigan 48723, 989-673-4121
- Sanilac County, 215 N. Elk St, P.O. Box 207, Sandusky, MI 48471. Call 810-648-4497 for information on programs.
- Huron County, 150 Nugent Rd., Bad Axe, Michigan 48413, 989-269-9502
- Lapeer County, 1559 Imlay City Rd., Lapeer, MI 48446, telephone 810-664-7133
|
