Newsroom

​Bay City, MI—Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) has completed a major Weatherization project at Baytown Family Neighborhood, a 150-unit affordable housing community in Bay City. The upgrades will help families save money on energy bills, live in safer homes, and enjoy better comfort year-round.

“This project is about more than saving energy—it’s about helping families live better,” said Johnny Mills, Weatherization Director at Mid Michigan CAA. “We’re proud to make a big impact for Baytown residents.”

Helping Families and the Community
The improvements included:

• New energy-efficient furnaces and on-demand hot water heaters
• Sealing over 1,200 windows and doors to prevent drafts
• Adding 75,000+ square feet of attic insulation
• Replacing 1,526 light fixtures with energy-efficient models
• Installing 700 smoke alarms and 150 carbon monoxide detectors

These upgrades directly benefit 324 residents, including seniors, children, and people with disabilities.

Powered by Local Jobs and Materials
Mid Michigan CAA partnered with local contractors and sourced most materials from nearby suppliers, ensuring the project not only improved homes but also boosted the local economy. The Weatherization program also offers job training opportunities, helping workers build stable careers in the construction and energy efficiency sectors.

Strong Partnerships and Smart Investments
The $1.3 million project was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and other partners contributing for a total investment of $2.6 million. By combining funding sources, Mid Michigan CAA was able to reach more families and deliver long-term savings. Weatherization helps keep energy use reasonable in low-income homes, which means more families can keep up with their utility bills. It also helps preserve affordable housing by improving older homes.

Learn More
Learn more about Weatherization here, or call or text your nearest Community Action Center:

• Bay City: 989-894-9060
• Midland: 989-832-7377
• Farwell: 989-386-3805 
• Gladwin: 989-426-2801
• Big Rapids: 231-660-0271 
• Shelby: 231-923-3066 
• Muskegon: 231-557-7622 
• Reed City: 231-791-7078 

Mid Michigan CAA is currently accepting Weatherization applications from homeowners or renters in Bay, Midland, Saginaw, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Osceola, Lake, Mason, Newaygo, Muskegon, and Oceana Counties.
​
If you live outside our service area, dial 2-1-1 or contact your local Community Action Agency.

​Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) is asking for feedback from the public on its 2026 Community Action Plan. This plan explains how the agency will use federal Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funds to help low-income people across Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, Muskegon, Oceana, and Osceola Counties. The public comment period is open from August 15 to September 15, 2025.
 
“Community Action is about local solutions that make a real difference,” said Mark Polega, Executive Director. “We want to hear from the people we serve to make sure our plan meets their needs.”
 
In the past year, Mid Michigan Community Action has:
-Helped over 6,000 households and nearly 10,000 people
-Moved 177 families from homelessness into housing
-Weatherized 190 homes and prevented 227 foreclosures
-Distributed 1.6 million pounds of food
-Filed 846 free tax returns, bringing back $950,000 in refunds
 
With a $20 million budget and over 180 employees, Mid Michigan CAA works with local landlords, contractors, schools, and businesses to build stronger communities.
 
You can read the plan below, in person at any Community Action Center during business hours, or by emailing [email protected] or texting 989-386-3805 to request a copy. Please send your written comments by September 15, 2025, to Eva Rohlman, Outreach & Opportunities Director at PO Box 768, Farwell, MI 48622 or [email protected].
 
Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education, and community enrichment. For more information, visit www.mmcaa.org or follow @MidMichiganCommunityAction on social media.