Community Services Agency Macomb County assistance programs.
A wide range of short term, emergency financial assistance and long term support is offered from the Macomb County Community Services Agency. The non-profit administers services for low income families across the county, with a focus on seniors, the disabled, or households with young children. Some of the main resources are below.
Whether you are facing a short term crisis or need self-sufficiency, then call the agency. While not everyone will qualify, or resources are limited, inquire into programs such as LIHEAP, eviction prevention / rent help, and other financial aid. Career counseling and job placement is also administered.
Financial support from MCCSA
Heating and utility bill grants are part of the LIHEAP - Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which is called Home Heating Credit in Macomb County. This is another federal and state of Michigan service offered to some struggling Macomb county residents. LIHEAP is an energy assistance grant provided by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) through the Division of Community Services and the state of Michigan Human Services.
LIHEAP was created to help low-income and working poor families to pay their household energy bills, with special provisions made to reach and serve homebound, disabled/handicapped individuals, and also seniors. There are other terms and conditions to the Michigan LIHEAP energy bill assistance program, also known as Home Heating Credit.
Macomb County Community Services Agency can advise clients on LIHEAP. There are two parts which are known as regular assistance and the second which is the Energy Crisis Intervention Program.
ECIP was set up to help clients that have weather related, supply shortage or other household related emergencies. Applicants can’t have access to any other direct and/or timely resources, so it is for a last resort situation. Utility bills paid may include natural gas, electricity, propane/butane, wood, kerosene, and coal. The federal government LIHEAP grant may also be used to purchase fans during the summer months, air conditioners, blankets and other home energy related products.
The MCCSA community action agency also provides appropriate and timely assistance to eligible Macomb County participants in paying home utility bills and help with other energy related services. The amount of financial assistance or grants paid out to an eligible applicant may receive depends on whether they meet the programs guidelines and their income levels.
Additional emergency financial aid and related support services are available by contacting your local Community Action Center. Some of what is offered includes information and referrals to programs for those in need.
There may be one time, emergency financial assistance or loans issued to help with rent payments, mortgage, security deposits, or utility bills. Low income families can get help with the delivery of home heating fuels such as fuel oil, wood, propane and even coal. The community action agency may also have information on other sources of funding. Read more emergency loans.
Some of the other services available are as follows. The community action group can assist with energy saving education and weatherization programs, free VITA tax preparation, Commodity food/TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) registration, and applications for supplemental food programs. There is also a Transportation program and Low-income housing information is offered to struggling Macomb county residents. The Action Centers offer this support, and the number is (586) 469-6999.
Information and Referral connect the needy, seniors, disabled and those with low income with what assistance is needed. The main purpose of the Macomb County Community Services Agency Information & Referral program is to provide solutions as quickly as possible to those that need it.
Learn about Senior Housing, Free Prescriptions, Senior Centers & Clubs, Local, Home Health Care Agencies, as well as State of Michigan & Federal Government Assistance Programs (Local, State & Federal). Other resources in the county include current Senior Scams, Social Services, Local Transportation, Medical Resources, free Legal Assistance, Home Repairs and Prescription Resource Information.
MCCSA can coordinate transportation to necessary medical appointments and other specific locations. This tends to be for seniors and some other Macomb County residents that are eligible. It may sometimes be combined with Head Start and Meals on Wheels as well. That number is (586) 469-5225.
Weatherization Services and solutions are offered through MCCSA's Home Preservation / Energy Group. This is one part of the community action agency and they focus on bettering resident homes by installing energy efficient modifications. These weatherization improvements, which are offered at no cost to those that qualify, reduce the homeowner’s energy usage and they help applicants to save an average of around 20% to 30% on their annual heat/utility bills.
The energy saving services from contractors approved by Macomb County Community Services Agency include ventilation, extra wall to wall insulation, attic insulation and minor roof repairs. There is also air leakage reduction. Other services may be needed such as furnace repair or replacement of the heating unit. An audit and inspection of the residence will take place too. The number for weatherization is (586) 469-6329.
The homebound can benefit from Meals on Wheels. This is another of Macomb County Community Services Agency low income programs. This service is funded with a partnership with other non-profits such as the United Way of Macomb County.
Meals on Wheels is able to provide low cost (or free in some cases) daily nutritionally well-balanced food items or meals to disabled or senior homebound persons to help them in lead meaningful, independent and dignified lives within their own homes. This food program relies mostly on volunteers to deliver daily hot meals to income qualified seniors and handicapped homebound persons in Macomb County. The number for Meals on wheels is (586) 469-5228.
Another option is the Macomb Food Program. This is there to provide free food and groceries to hungry individuals within the County. To help them with this mission, the emergency food pantry from Macomb County Community Services Agency located at the South Action Center is there to distribute boxes of groceries to those who need it the most.
Another one of the roles of the Macomb Food Program is to teach the community about hunger awareness, offer applications to SNAP, advocacy and to generate financial support.
There are dozens of food banks and pantries that provide emergency food service to those who live in Macomb County. Packages are prepared based on the needs of the person or household that is seeking help. Contents can be customized for the sick, disabled, or elderly too. Macomb County Community Action partners with dozens of regional pantries as well as soup kitchens. For food assistance, dial (586) 469-6004.
Each request is assessed on a one off basis. Free food included in the packages may vary due to what has been donated and enough for a few days will be offered. Or find other details and read more on emergency food banks in the state and nationwide.
Additional social services
The Macomb County Community Services Agency has a couple different federal government created program for children within the county. There are 2 programs for children. They include Early Head Start and Head Start preschool. The staff and teachers from participating schools work with families and students on many different topics of early childhood development.
These programs include help early literacy, with pre- and post-natal care, health care needs, nutrition, reading and literacy, social services, and parent education.
Both of these Head Start programs have a comprehensive goal of meeting the health care and educational needs for children, families and even the staff. Their mission is to support healthy development by encouraging practices that prevent illness or injury and by promoting lifelong wellness.
Children’s needs are addressed on an individual basis as part of Head Start. There are also services available from Macomb County Community Services Agency for children with special needs and disabilities.
There are income conditions in place. A family will automatically be qualified if they are receiving current, public assistance, such as SSI, FIP, or TANF through the government. Also, priority for enrollment is based on several factors, which are special needs, parental status, housing situations, and others.
The program offers a parental support group, care and education for children, workshops for parents, free health and developmental screenings, meals, and also a Creative Curriculum.
MCCSA - Macomb County Community Services Agency offers an Individual Development Account Program. This was created in an effort to provide families with an opportunity to save money and build assets with the goal of becoming first time home buyers in Macomb County Michigan.
Applicants enrolled in this IDA service make monthly contributions to a savings account. If you meet qualifications, MCCSA will match these contributions with a government grant. This combined savings account can then be used for the closing costs and/or down payment on the purchase of a new home.
Also get assistance with home buying process from housing counselors. Applicants of this program are able to become more informed and prepared to purchase a home. Also get access to ongoing credit counseling, repair services, and information on debt reduction.
Locations of the Macomb County community action are as follows.
There are three offices. Anyone in need of help should dial Dial (586) 469-6999 for the latest programs first, as resources come and go and the type of assistance will change.
- North Action Center can be reached at 58527 Delanie Street, New Haven, MI 48048
- Central Action Center. Address is 16 Market Street, Mount Clemens, MI 48043.
- Another office is at 22856 Ryan Road, Warren, MI 48091.
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