Assistance programs in Baraga, Houghton, and Keweenaw County
While resources are limited, find organizations that help pay bills, including back rent, utility costs, transportation and more. There are organizations, including churches, charities and social services, that focus on helping low-income families, seniors and the disabled. Find help in the Baraga, Houghton, and Keweenaw County area.
Where to get money to help pay rent or utility bills in the area or free food
The Baraga-Houghton-Keweenaw Community Action Agency (BHK) is a leading non-profit in the area. Most of the support they provide is referrals. Case managers can direct the working poor and low income to other resources in the region.
- There is low-income energy bill assistance to both pay bills and help people save money. For example, information is available on federal government funded programs such as LIHEAP and weatherization.
- Case workers from BHK community action can also help people when it comes to applying for public assistance, such as SNAP food stamps. There is help with the applications and the process.
- Regarding direct food distribution, the non-profit can offer boxes of groceries containing a variety of dry and frozen food. While more limited, they may also pass out fresh fruits or vegetables when available.
- Or get additional forms of assistance including information and referral, instructional materials/supplies, or sign up for the kinship care program.
The main address is 926 Dodge Street, Houghton, Michigan 49931-1944. Dial (906) 482-5528 for intake. Or stop by Post Office Basement, Calumet, MI 49913, (906) 482-5528.
Each of the counties is supported by a Department of Human Services social service office. A number of assistance programs are available to those who qualify. Both federal and state of Michigan benefits can be offered. The government can provide limited amounts of short-term financial assistance to families and individuals who are facing an emergency. Some of the covered services may include, but are not limited to, the following.
- Mortgage/tax payments to avoid homelessness. This will help the low-income in multiple ways, and find other mortgage help in Michigan.
- Emergency rental assistance may be administered for single mothers, veterans, and the low-income.
- Low interest loans or grants can pay for home repairs, including to fix a furnace.
- Victims of a disaster can receive new appliances and furniture for people impacted by fire or other disasters.
- Basic needs can be met, and this includes an application site to apply for the Food Assistance Program (FAP) or TANF/ Family Independence Program
- Michigan wants to ensure health care needs are met as well, so the low income can look into programs such as Medicaid. Or if someone does not qualify for that, then other options may be State Health Care Programs for non-Medicaid patients.
- Other programs can offer heating bill assistance, money for paying utility bills and burial/cremation assistance.
- Workers from the state will direct individuals to potential jobs in Houghton County and other areas. This can be done by Job Navigator resources and opportunities or the Adult Community Placement Program.
There are multiple DHS offices in the area. Each is focused on people in the county. The locations are as follows. Or look here for other MI DHS government assistance programs.
- Baraga County Department Of Human Services is located at 108 Main St, Baraga, MI 49908. Phone: (906) 275-5050
- Houghton County Department Of Human Services has an office at 200 Quincy Street in Hancock, Michigan 49930. Telephone number is (906) 482-0500.
- Keweenaw County Department Of Human Services is based at Highway US 41, Mohawk, Michigan 49950. Phone 906-337-3302
Saint Vincent De Paul Society Diocesan Council also serves the region, including Baraga County. The charity is made up of local churches who help the poor, senior citizens, and unemployed. While all of their financial resources are limited, the agency may be able to provide assistance in the form of a voucher to qualified low income individuals and families in an emergency situation. Find other details on what free vouchers can be used for.
They also run a thrift shop, which will sell gently used goods to the general public, including clothing, household supplies, and maybe furniture. In some cases, free vouchers are passed out for basic needs. The locations are 14 South Main Street, L' Anse, MI 49946, call (906) 524-7006 or stop by 204 Quincy, Hancock, Michigan 49930, phone (906) 482-7705.
Regional free clothing and furniture banks provide families with basic needs, including personal or household stuff. Depending on what has been donated to the non-profit centers, families may receive clothes, furniture, or personal hygiene items. There are also free back to school supply programs for students, including notebooks or tablets. Income limits and other conditions are in place. Read more on Houghton and Keweenaw County clothing closets.
Houghton Housing Commission helps the elderly, low income and single mom (among others) get affordable apartments. There are applications to the Michigan section 8 HUD program as well as self-sufficiency. Various homeless prevention is also offered from 401 E Montezuma Ave, Houghton, MI 49931. For details call (906) 482-0334
Salvation Army of Hancock Michigan offers several assistance programs. One of the primary resources is the emergency utility bill assistance to low-income individuals facing disconnection. There is also limited rent money for the low-income in the region, including Houghton and Baraga County.
Other funds administered can include prescription medications and vouchers for health care expenses, such as a ride to the doctor. Another focus is on offering holiday assistance to children and seniors, including free Christmas gifts for kids and Thanksgiving meals. Various other homeless prevention resources, thrift stores, and more is offered. Location is 408 Ravine Street, Hancock, MI 49930, dial (906) 482-3420
Western Upper Peninsula Food Bank provides a variety of programs. There is everything from a free box of groceries to baby formula, produce and holiday food baskets. Or get meals for kids during the summer and seniors / the disabled can apply for Meals on Wheels. Other aid is offered too from 310 E Sharon Ave, Houghton, MI 49931. For details call (906) 482-5528
Copper Country Christian Fellowship is a local food pantry and social service center. They run programs that acquire food products through canned food drives, donations, food bank programs or direct purchase. All items are distributed to people faced with a crisis. The location of the charity is 25418 Elm St, Calumet Twp, MI 49913. Dial(906) 275-8272
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