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Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) has received $5,039,855 through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) for COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) in Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties.

CERA replaces the Eviction Diversion Program (EDP). CERA can assist tenants facing eviction or behind on rent and/or utility payments. Either tenants or landlords may initiate the CERA application process.

Renters who are making 80% or less than the area median income are eligible. Applicants must show documentation of pandemic-related financial hardships, which can include unemployment, reduction of income, and increased expenses, to qualify.

“CERA will provide millions of dollars in assistance to low-income renters impacted by COVID-19. At a time when those in our communities are facing unprecedented financial hardships, we are so proud to be offering this program,” said Jill Sutton, Executive Director of Mid Michigan Community Action.

To apply, renters and landlords should visit www.michigan.gov/cera to complete their application and gather their documents. Applications and supporting documents can then be submitted via email to CERA@mmcaa.org, fax to 989-386-3277, or mail to Mid Michigan Community Action, ATTN: CERA, PO Box 768, Farwell, MI 48622.

For services in other counties, use the CERA Contact List on www.michigan.gov/cera to find the agency for each county.

Contact us at CERA@mmcaa.org or 877-213-5955 with any questions. To learn more about our agency, visit www.mmcaa.org.
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Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.

About: On December 29, 2020, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Public Act 257 of 2020, providing $2.5 million to GSRP, Head Start, special education for individuals aged 18-26 and adult education teachers who teach in a school district or nonprofit nonpublic school.

This program provides grants to eligible GSRP, head start, adult education, young adult special education classroom teachers in a district or nonprofit nonpublic school spent outside of normal working hours and additional costs classroom teachers have incurred or experienced to provide a continuity of learning during the period of school closure in 2019-2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A max of $500 may be received under this program.

Eligibility:

• Head Start:  Lead teachers & Associate Teachers
• Great Start Readiness Program:  Lead teachers & Associate Teachers
• Substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, support staff, administrators, HS/EHS Directors, fiscal staff, management staff, child & family service staff, child development specialists, home-based visitors, home-based visitor supervisors, coaches and teacher consultants ARE NOT ELIGIBLE under this grant program.
• Prior to April 2, 2020 at least 75% of workload must have been performed onsite.
• After April 2, 2020, the teacher developed tools and methods to deliver remote learning.
• Teacher must have worked additional time spent outside of normal working hours, experienced hazardous conditions, or incurred additional costs related to ensuring students could effectively participate in their school's continuity of learning plan.

​What's Next:

• If identified as eligible you will receive a notification as well as the Michigan Department of Treasury Teacher Certification Form.
• You must return the completed form to contactus@mmcaa.org no later than April 9th to be included in the grant submission process.  Mid Michigan CAA will submit to the Department of Treasury.
• DO NOT submit your form direct to the State of Michigan.
• Checks are anticipated being disbursed by the state on or about June 4, 2021.
• If you feel you qualify but did not receive the certification form, please contact Sue Harvey (sharvey@mmcaa.org).