Assistance programs from Mid-Michigan Community Action Agency.
Long term support and emergency assistance in the Michigan counties of Bay, Midland, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola can be provided by the regional Mid-Michigan Community Action Agency, or MMCAA. There may be grant money to help pay utility bills or housing costs, grants to fix a car, child development services and other support and find how the MMCAA helps struggling people.
The non-profit addresses a number of needs of low income families and those facing poverty. The Mid-Michigan Community Action Agency offers support for paying rent to prevent homelessness, utility and energy bills to keep the power on, as well as basic needs. This can be food, baby formula, shelter, and items such as transportation. Additional examples of what may be offered is below.
Financial help from Mid-Michigan Community Action Agency
If a family is going to have their heat shut off or lose their power, then emergency heating and utility bill assistance may be available from MMCAA. The agency can provide, and even help deliver, fuel oil to homes. In some cases they can provide financial aid to pay a bill.
- Applications may also be available for other programs, such as the government funded LIHEAP. The resources available from Mid-Michigan Community Action Agency are intended to make sure residents of counties such as Bay, Clare, and others do not have to be cold during the winter months.
- The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, is a service that offers income qualified households with a one-time cash benefit towards the payment of their utility bills. The money can be used to pay for natural gas, electric, wood, propane and heating oil. This LIHEAP program is available from the Mid-Michigan Community Action Agency depending on funding availability. Find other details on LIHEAP benefits in Michigan.
The Weatherization Program from Mid Michigan Community Action is a form of home energy efficiency that offers households a free, one-time service that lasts as long as they continue to own the home. It can provide for improvements such as foundation insulation; extra wall insulation; air leakage reduction; installation of smoke detectors; additional attic insulation and ventilation as well as dryer venting.
Help for the homeless and Eviction Prevention resources are administered from Mid-Michigan Community Action Agency. The non-profit has programs and case management services for currently homeless individuals and families, those that owe back rent, and people in danger of eviction. Funds can be in the form of loans, or using federal ESG resources, a cash grant could be paid out. The organization also has details on various local MI rental assistance programs.
- Short term housing, including shelters, are offered. There is also assistance in the region, including Midland and Bay County, for residents that don't know from night to night where they will be sleeping. Many shelters are transitional homes are in the region.
- The MMCAA Outreach offices may have emergency rental assistance, shelter or motel vouchers, assistance to pay for security deposits, and case management. The programs are county specific, for example with the Midland and Bay County offices only support local residents.
Short term financial help with other bills or referrals is available from a number of community action affiliated resources. They include partners such as the Salvation Army, the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, Lend a Hand, Share the Warmth, and even local donations. These are all used by MMCA to provide for emergency assistance to the less fortunate.
- Whiles resources may vary by season and change from year to year, this may be free food, clothing, or loans for certain expenses. Other aid from the non-profit can include medications, rental or utility bill assistance (in addition to the housing resources listed above), or even gasoline / transportation.
Low income housing is for seniors as well, and is for those age 55 and older. The community offers this to residents from the region, including Osceola, Clare, and Bay. They can access comfortable, affordable and maintenance free living in apartments that are designed exclusively for adults. The units may have Internet Access, a Fully Equipped Kitchen, Individually Controlled Heating and Central Air Conditioning, and other improvements.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a form of Food and Nutrition. Clients can get free, fresh nutritious foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables and baby formula. The non-profit will also offer nutrition education and other programs including information on how to save money when grocery shopping. They may be Education Jump-start, which will give each child ages 3-4 a preschool Tool Tote filled with school readiness materials. There may also be formula and sippy cups offered to children and their families.
Mid-Michigan Community Action Agency helps people facing hunger. The non-profit also offers other Food Assistance Programs. They operate a so called commodity service that is free to families with children under 6 as well as help seniors ages 60 and over. The program will help them by providing a box of grocery or food items once a month. If you are struggling to feed your family and need emergency assistance, clients can get a monthly box of essentials. To learn more or apply for aid, call your county's Outreach office as indicated below.
Job development, education, and MMCAA foreclosure assistance
Child development is the goal of the MMCAA preschool program. It can encourage the healthy development of children as well as their parents and families. Classes touch upon Writing Area and Computers, Language and Literacy sessions, Counting and Numbers as well as Art. All sessions are free, children with disabilities are welcome, and limited transportation may be arranged in your town or community.
Another educational and school type development program for kids age 6 weeks to 3 years is Early Head Start. This is available to infants, pregnant women, toddlers and their families. It involves Parent Education & Involvement, overall parent and child socialization activities. Teachers and staff also offer support for pregnant women. Families can also get access to community services and resources as part of Early Head Start.
- Among other things, the program will enhance the development (including social, physical, emotional, language, and cognitive) of infants and very young children from low income families. The federal government funded program can also promote a number of activities such as healthy family functioning. It also provides them with services including a free preventative medical and dental care program as well as social skills. It will track your child’s progress including educational levels, nutrition and growth.
Homebuyer Education and general Financial Management is for those looking to buy a home in the area. Work with counselors to explore questions such as down payments or learn about budgeting. The agency understands the challenges faced by first-time homebuyers. MMCA knows that it is difficult for many people to come up with a down payment.
- The community action agency will offer free money management classes, down payment assistance program and homebuyer education. The goal is to start people off on the right foot and get you closer to homeownership. Some of these services available include Credit Counseling, Financial Management Counseling, Online Homebuyer Education, and maybe even grants for Down Payment Assistance.
Mid-Michigan Community Action Agency offers mortgage help. Homeowners having trouble making their mortgage payments can explore foreclosure prevention workshops. Aid is also for those that have already fallen behind and are in default or foreclosure. Many circumstances can make it very difficult for hardworking, responsible homeowners to pay their home loans and make ends meet. If you act quickly, before missing payments, there are options available that may have a more positive resolution, including direct financial help from MI mortgage relief programs.
Job seekers can look into Employment Support. Services available from the non-profit include Minor Auto Repair as well as Auto Insurance, Transit Tickets (for job related needs), Work Supplies (such as tools, clothes/uniforms, work boots). They also arrange assistance with pre-employment needs, including physicals and drug testing.
Contact information for MMCA
Each office covers the general area. Whether one time financial help or other guidance, the non-profit provides support. Locations of the outreach centers are as follows.
- Midland County office is at 1717 Ridgewood Drive, Midland, MI 48642. The number is 989-832-7310
- Osceola County Additional support is from 195 N Michigan Ave, Shelby, MI 49455. Main number is 231-923-3066
- Mecosta County - 706 Maple Street, Big Rapids, MI 49307, dial 231-660-0271 for intake.
- Gladwin County, 1302 Chatterton St., Gladwin, Michigan 48624, telephone number is 989-426-2801
- Bay County, 114 South Washington Avenue, Bay City, MI 48708, 989-894-9060
- Clare County, 1574 E. Washington Rd., Farwell , Michigan 48622, phone 989-386-3805
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