Shiawassee, Clinton, and Gratiot County Salvation Army assistance programs.
The Salvation Army may have short term, emergency assistance for struggling households in the Shiawassee County area of Michigan. The aid is focused on providing a hand up to those facing a crisis. While funding is very limited, it will often be combined with case management and counseling and other forms of long term guidance.
Assistance is wide ranging, but is limited. The centers often rely on donations from people and businesses in the community. Volunteers help some of the programs keep operating as well. Some of what may be offered to those that qualify include food, housing support (rent or utility assistance), vouchers for medications and clothing and much more.
Food pantries pass out groceries and canned goods. Some very poor individuals, including those impacted by a disaster, may receive vouchers to use to shop at area supermarkets for groceries and personal items. The Shiawassee County pantries may offer the distribution of bags of food that can help fill the gaps for those in the most need. Locations also offer advocacy and referrals to outside agencies, including clothing closets.
Shelter, lodging, and housing resources are available. This is often provided to people that have a referral from the Michigan Department of Human Services. Residents can find a place to stay for a night or two and access meals and case management. In very limited cases a voucher may be offered to pay for local accommodations at a motel. Trained caseworkers from the Salvation Army work diligently to meet the basic needs of the homeless population and recently evicted in Gratiot and Clinton County.
Senior services provide opportunities for older persons and the elderly in the region. This will allow them to stay engaged, active, vibrant and involved. Senior centers are available to individuals (and their spouses) over 55 years of age. It will serve a healthy, free breakfast and hot lunches daily. A variety of other activities and programs offered include instructional and computer classes, social service referrals, overnight trips, and information on government benefits such as Medicaid.
The demand for the Salvation Army Emergency Family Assistance program is extensive. It offers direct aid for basic needs such as food, clothing, and rent. Several other more seasonal initiatives are administered at local centers as well, including Christmas meals and gift assistance. Other seasonal support is toys, gifts, school supplies and food during the holiday season. Each service comes with an extensive application process. People will need to provide their hardship, document why they are struggling, and otherwise complete all applications that are required by the Shiawassee and Clinton County Salvation Army.
Much of the aid is for families with children, seniors, the disabled, and the unemployed. Many individuals with disabilities that are struggling to pay their heating bills may also benefit. At the end of the day the basic needs program focuses on distributing food to hungry individuals, children, and the less fortunate.
Other emergency aid can include vouchers issued to purchase household items, clothing, specific personal care items and even goods like blankets. If the Salvation Army can’t meet your needs, the program also refers qualified low income customers to additional appropriate agencies and/or advocacy services in the area. Customers needing short term assistance may sign in for an interview and needs assessment with a caseworker.
Employment and Job Readiness Training Programs in Michigan can offer low-income individuals with on-the-job work experience. The Salvation Army will often have information on these and similar resources that operate in Shiawassee Michigan. Other supportive services include case management, career counseling, and services such as GED training or ESL classes. Each qualified individual is able to work towards self-sufficiency. Clients are continually challenged and pushed to overcome any barrier that they face.
The two main centers are 302 E Exchange St Owosso, Michigan 48867 (dial (989) 725-7485) as well as 425 Republic Ave Alma, MI 48801. Telephone (989) 463-2864.
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