Water and Sewer
Who: Those who are behind on water or sewer bills
What: Assistance with past due balances, shut-offs, well and septic repairs and maintenance, and more
Where: Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, Muskegon, Oceana, and Osceola Counties
How: Call the office nearest you
          Bay City: 989-894-9060
          Big Rapids: 231-660-0271
          Farwell: 989-386-3805
          Gladwin: 989-426-2801
​          Hart: 231-923-3066
          Midland: 989-832-7377
          Muskegon: 231-557-7622
          Reed City: 231-791-7078

Utility Assistance
Who: Households struggling to pay their utility bills
What: Assistance navigating resources for utilities
Where: Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, Muskegon, Oceana, and Osceola Counties
How: Call the office nearest you
          Bay City: 989-894-9060
          Big Rapids: 231-660-0271
          Farwell: 989-386-3805
          Gladwin: 989-426-2801
​          Hart: 231-923-3066
          Midland: 989-832-7377
          Muskegon: 231-557-7622
          Reed City: 231-791-7078

Money Management
Who: Those who would like to learn about budgeting and money management from home
What: Online financial capability tools
Where: Online course
How: Visit ​eMoney Management

Tax Preparation Assistance
Who: Community members and seniors 
What: Assistance preparing and submitting income taxes
Where: Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties
When: 2024 tax preparation season dates and locations TBA
How: Call the office nearest you
          Big Rapids: 231-660-0271
          Farwell: 989-386-3805
          Gladwin: 989-426-2801
          Reed City: 231-791-7078
To check the status of your return, use the IRS Where's My Refund tool.

Clare County Food Pantry
Who: Clare County residents in need of emergency food
What: Food and personal care items
Where: ​​Food Warehouse, 2300 E Ludington Drive, Clare
How: Call 989-386-3805 ext. 1002 to schedule an appointment

Food
Who: Households in need of emergency food
What: A free box of food
Where: View the calendar below to find the location nearest you
When: Quarterly*
How: Register at the next distribution site near you
Monthly distributions are available for seniors
*Quarterly customers in Muskegon and Oceana Counties: 

Effective October 1, 2023, quarterly customers for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) will be able to visit local participating food pantries to receive food.

Participating pantries can be found here. Please call your local pantry for availability. Availability will be subject to local pantry hours of operation.

This change is to help individuals and families receive assistance for food insecurity when the need arises with more flexible availability to better fit their schedules. Availability will be subject to local pantry hours of operation.

For questions, call 989-386-3805 ext. 1202

Quarterly Food Distribution Calendar

View the full calendar.
Commodity food distributions are continuing as scheduled with a few changes to ensure the health and safety of all involved: Please remain in your vehicle when you arrive at the site. We will be checking you in from your car and will place your food box in your trunk.  If the line is too full to safely enter, please park your vehicle in a parking spot and wait. Do not block entrances or exits with your vehicle. We will remain on site until all customers have received their food. Private site distributions will also continue. We will modify our procedures for each unique setting.