Muskegon County assistance programs.
There are several local non-profit agencies, churches, government assistance programs and charities in Muskegon County Michigan that provide low income, the unemployed, elderly and other struggling residents with assistance for paying bills. There may be funds for helping with rent or energy bills as well as security deposit or mortgage help.
Other resources include free food as well as furniture, school supplies, or basic needs. There may also be prescription drug assistance programs, online gig jobs for extra income, Christmas toys and other services. Find information on your options below.
General assistance for a variety of bills and expenses
Catholic Charities, which is located on 1095 3rd Street in Muskegon, MI (phone number (231) 726-4735) is one of the organizations that runs a wide variety of aid programs. Some people may think that they only help people with a certain faith. But that is not the case. They do their best to meet the needs of anyone who is looking for help. Find financial assistance for paying rent and housing expenses. They also offer programs that people can turn to to ensure their utility and heating service is not disconnected.
Low income, people who have just lost their jobs, the homeless and the elderly can turn to the Salvation Army for aid. Individuals who have recently had a reduction in work hours or who have lost their jobs can get help from the Muskegon County Salvation Army for paying for a variety of bills and needs. They can get assistance with expenses that range from gasoline for their cars to telephone bills.
Programs in place can also help paying utility and water bills, as well as housing expenses (rent) that may help prevent an eviction and ensure someone doesn’t lose their home. They also run a senior and youth services program. Or get free back to school supplies, meals or shelter for the homeless, Christmas toys from Angel Tree and so much more. The agency can be reached at (231) 773-3284.
One of the primary local non-profit agencies that provides both short term financial help, and longer term guidance and counseling is the Muskegon - Oceana Community Action Partnership, Inc. Phone number (231) 725-9499. The programs and resources they offer qualified families are listed below.
- Rent and mortgage assistance - The agency provides funds that provide rent and mortgage assistance. The community action agency uses these funds to assist local families with eviction prevention programs, foreclosure prevention and counseling for saving their homes, and other housing expenses.
- Utility and heating fuel - They offer various programs including The Heat And Warmth Fund (THAW), LIHEAP, and weatherization assistance. The agency provides financial assistance for clients who need help with shutoff prevention of utility services, such as: heating oil, gas, water when steam heat is used, electricity, etc. Weatherization is a free program that can help people save hundreds of dollars per year on their energy bills.
- Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) - This food assistance program was created to provide needy individuals and families with emergency food and nutrition assistance.
- Information and referrals - Clients of MOCAP can work with case managers on a number of other solutions. Some of them include free foreclosure counseling from Housing Initiatives, or information on loan programs for expenses such as rent. Staff can also place clients in transitional housing, help them apply for food stamps, or offer free clothing and other aid.
Services are available across the county from the community action agency. Low income or struggling families in Muskegon County can call the non-profit, or learn more on financial aid from Muskegon-Oceana Community Action.
Muskegon County Human Services (phone (231) 733-3700) provides emergency financial assistance and cash grants that can help low to moderate income households meet their household bills when it comes to heating and electric costs. A limited amount of rent and housing assistance may also be provided. The county office also works closely with state of Michigan agencies and has information on federal government and public aid programs. Read more on public assistance in Michigan.
Several other resources are available across the Muskegon County region. They are paid for using federal or state funds. Or charities operate them. As one example, find Lutheran Services charitable programs. The charity helps the working poor, immigrants, and homeless among others. They also give referrals to grant as well as loan programs.
Legal support and questions answered in Muskegon
If you can’t afford an attorney, Legal Aid of Western Michigan has been providing legal help to the less fortunate members of western Michigan for over 40 years. The non-profit law firm can be reached at 616-774-0672. There are also lawyers that settle consumer debt.
Attorneys can represent and provide free advice for civil legal cases including consumer debt cases, provide free foreclosure assistance, family matters, housing problems, eviction prevention, and help advise people on how to deal with Michigan and federal government benefit programs. Get help in applying for SSI, Food Stamps and Medicaid programs. Click here for more Michigan legal aid programs.
Health care for free or on a sliding fee
The non-profit Hackley Community Care Center is one community clinic that may be able to provides free or low cost acute and chronic care to underserved, uninsured patients. They also offer health or free dental care to federal government Medicare and Medicaid clients. Services offered by the clinic include family medical care, OB, nurse midwifery and behavioral health services. (231) 733-6631
Muskegon Family Care accepts applications for primary health care services with health maintenance exams for patients of all ages. Find other Michigan community clinics, or dial (231) 739-9315.
Debt and foreclosure counseling
Greenpath Debt Solutions can offer many services to clients. They are one of the leading non-profit credit and housing counseling agencies. They focus on those people who are seeking a better understanding of their finances and relief from debt.
Services offered by this non-profit credit counseling agency include a free confidential consultation with a qualified debt or foreclosure counselor who can analyze personal financial situations and develop a customized budget and action plan. Access free foreclosure counseling, mortgage solutions, or debt reduction plans. Deal with housing, medical, and credit card bills. They are a HUD approved foreclosure counseling agency. This means the federal government has certified them. Learn more on Michigan HUD agencies. The main office is Norton Shores based. (888) 776-6735
Free clothing and food banks
Holton Community Center ((231) 821-0000) is a free food and clothing pantry.
Get food and/or winter coats from the Muskegon Rescue Mission. The charity will gives food to anyone in need of help following a short chapel service at the center. Winter coats are also available at the food pantry from October to March of each and every year. Call (231) 727-6085.
Christ Temple Church - Free food, groceries, bread, and other commodities are made available to assist families/individuals in short term emergency situations or who may be undergoing a hardship. May only receive food once a month from this particular location. Call (231) 733-4745
Families that are facing a crisis have other free food pantries as well as soup kitchens in Muskegon County that they can contact in an emergency. Not only may the locations offer a free box of groceries or meal (including at Christmas) but many also deliver meals to the elderly or pass out clothing or personal hygiene items. Or case managers from the Muskegon agencies can refer people to SNAP food stamps. Click more information Muskegon County food pantries.
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