Kalamazoo County assistance programs.

Assistance for paying heating and utility bills

Local residents can turn to several agencies to get help with heating or utility bills. While the Salvation Army is the agency that distributes the bulk of utility bill assistance in the area, and has recently been assisting 45 to 50 families per month with heir heating and utility bills, which is an increase from 15 to 20 clients in a typical month, other groups may also help. See below.

Regarding the Salvation Army, last year the agency gave out nearly $500,000 to 675 area families for utility or heating bill assistance. Up through the end of September 2009, the agency has already given assistance to 672 families. And they anticipate a few hundred more to be helped before the year is done.

Kalamazoo County Action Bureau: To receive help or learn more, call (269) 373-5163 to contact them.

Comstock Community Center: Residents who bring a shutoff notice to the center can receive once-a-year assistance of up to $50. They are located at Comstock Community Center, P.O. Box 34, Comstock, MI 49041. (269) 345-8556

The Salvation Army: Is located at 1700 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001, and they can provide energy bill help as well as they offer other programs. (269) 344-6119

Kalamazoo Deacons Conference: Qualified residents can receive anywhere from $75 to $100 for their bills every 18 to 24 months on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit the Kalamazoo Deacons Conference, 1010 N. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49007 to apply or learn more. Phone number (269) 344-7333.

Housing Assistance Programs

Housing Resources Inc. is an agency that provides a variety of services to people facing eviction, as well as those who are currently homeless. They do have limited financial assistance grants they can offer, but most of the aid they ca offer is by referring people to government programs, providing counseling, directing people to charities with funding, assist with foreclosure prevention tactics, and other similar types of support. You can call the agency at 269-382-0287. Find other Michigan foreclosure programs.

Where to turn for food aid

Kalamazoo Gospel Mission (343-5880) as well as the Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes (343-3663) are two local charities or churches the provide those in need with free food and hot meals.

Emergency financial aids and grants

Three other charities that may be able to provide assistance include the following. Some only focus on certain parts of Kalamazoo County, but you should contact them to see if you are eligible for assistance based upon where you live in the county. The resources they offer range from financial assistance for utility and heating bills, rent help, food, clothing, prescription medications, and more. Contact Comstock Community Center (345-8556), South County Community Services (649-2901), or Portage Community Center (323-1942).

Free medical care for uninsured and low income

Appropriately named the Free Clinic of Kalamazoo (344-0044) provides free medical services for the uninsured. They offer prescription assistance, acute care, general checkups, dental screening, and access to several other health care programs.

Family Health Center Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (488-0813) provides emergency prescription medications (only once per year) to people who do not have this as part of their insurance plan or who can’t afford their medications.