Macomb County assistance programs

Rent and Homeless Assistance Program

Hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal government stimulus grants have been provided to Macomb County Michigan. The funds will be used to provide first month’s rent and also pay for security deposits for those struggling with rent.

A total of two grants were renewed to provide rent and leasing assistance. One was for almost $210,000 and the second grant was for over $210,000. These assistance programs provide permanent supportive housing for families and clients who pay 30 percent of their income to cover a portion of housing expenses. Grant money will also pay for remaining expenses and it will provide caseworkers to assist families and individuals in need. Call the local community action agency at 586-469-5222 to learn more.

Social services and emergency help

Two organizations that people can turn to include the Macomb County Community Services Agency (MCCSA) as well as the Salvation Army. MCCSA has three locations around Macomb County. Some of the programs they offer to people in need include rent and mortgage assistance, energy conservation education and weatherization programs, LIHEAP energy bill assistance, low income housing, and free food. Call the agency at 586-469-5222.

The Salvation Army Easter Michigan Division offers Macomb County residents several services and resources. Counselors will work with individuals and families in need to provide them with access to medications, clothing, rent assistance, funds to pay utility bills, shelter, and travel vouchers. There are more than 2 dozen offices located around the area.

Food assistance

If you need help feeding yourself or your family, Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan distributes food to local pantries and charities. They are one of the primary food distribution agencies in Macomb County. You can call them at 866-GLEANER (453-2637) to find out where to get food in your area.

Free legal help and advice

Lakeshore Legal Aid is a non-profit law firm that low income and others who can’t afford an attorney can turn to for help. The various legal services that they offer are prioritized to support the clients of the firm in their efforts to deal with civic law cases. Get free legal foreclosure help, help get free of domestic violence, deal with senior exploitation as well as elder abuse. Dial (248) 569-9658.

Another non-profit agency that can help is Legal Aid and Defender Association. Some of the assistance they provide can help with legal issues related to housing and apartment eviction, domestic violence, income and public benefits, predatory lending, wills and probate, income tax, consumer debt, illegal mortgages, foreclosure rescue, divorce, child custody cases, employment, driver's license restoration, unlawful terminations, personal identification, criminal record expungement, and immigration matters and government grants. Call the law firm at 877.964.4700, or click here to learn more about Michigan legal assistance.