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Mid Michigan Community Action Agency Assisting with Furnace and Water Heater Replacements

Months after spring flooding impacted communities across the region, many households are still working to recover. Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) wants residents to know that help may be available.

Eligible households affected by the 2026 spring flood may qualify for assistance with the replacement of damaged furnaces and water heaters. Assistance is available for residents of Clare, Lake, Mecosta, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, and Saginaw Counties.

Recovering from a flood can be overwhelming. While cleanup may be complete, damaged heating systems and water heaters can continue to create challenges long after the water recedes. Mid Michigan CAA is encouraging residents who experienced flood damage to reach out and learn whether assistance may be available.

"When a disaster impacts a community, recovery doesn't happen overnight," said Cherri Swanstra, Director of Community Impact at Mid Michigan CAA. "Families are often left dealing with repairs and unexpected expenses long after the immediate emergency has passed. We're grateful to be able to help some households replace essential equipment and continue moving forward."

Mid Michigan CAA has a long history of helping residents navigate difficult situations, from severe weather events to housing and energy challenges. Programs like this help ensure that households have access to safe, reliable heating and hot water as they rebuild and recover.

Residents who experienced flood-related damage to their furnace or water heater are encouraged to contact Mid Michigan CAA as soon as possible to discuss their situation and learn whether they may qualify for assistance.
To learn more, call toll-free 1-877-213-5948, email [email protected], or visit https://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.

In the News
Big Rapids Pioneer: Mid Michigan agency offers flood recovery help for furnaces, water heaters, Published June 30, 2026

Gladwin Long Term Disaster Recovery Group is hosting a drive-through volunteer sign-up event on September 11th, 2020 to observe the National Day of Service and Remembrance.

The Volunteer Committee will be at the Gladwin Fire Department at 701 E Cedar Ave, Gladwin, MI 48624 from 11AM-4PM on Friday, September 11th to sign up prospective volunteers from the safety of their vehicles to maintain social distancing. A multitude of volunteer opportunities are available rebuild homes affected by the May flooding.

“September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance gives us a chance to reflect on and honor the victims, first responders, and citizens involved in and affected by the national tragedy,” said Eva Rohlman, Outreach Services Director at Mid Michigan Community Action serving as the Long Term Recovery coordinating agency. “We do our best to pay tribute to them through our own acts of services and volunteering.”

Volunteers can also register anytime on the Gladwin County flood recovery volunteer website here: https://michiganredi.galaxydigital.com/. Needs across the community are being assessed daily, so volunteer opportunities are updated regularly.

“The process of recovery, especially in a disaster as widespread as this, is a long-term effort. It is the daily decision to come together and raise our hands to help our neighbors,” said Rohlman. “We have been extremely moved by the willingness of our community members to step up and help in all stages of recovery thus far, and we are hopeful that we will have the privilege to continue to work with such dedicated and selfless volunteers as we continue down this path.”
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Residents who have been impacted by the flood and are seeking assistance can speak with Carla Long, the Disaster Case Manager, at 989-598-4315. 

Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) is working closely with the Gladwin Community Foundation, Gladwin Emergency Response Team, and other local organizations to administer services to help residents that have faced the May flooding in Gladwin County.

Residents who have been impacted by the flood and are seeking assistance should first call 2-1-1. Flood damage needs to be reported and registered with 2-1-1 for potential assistance. Callers should specify whether the residence is a primary residence or seasonal home.

Mid Michigan CAA is receiving federal emergency disaster funds to help repair homes and related needs for income-eligible residents as well as directing funds raised through the Gladwin Community Foundation.

“We are moving quickly and working with our partner organizations in the community to help residents find the assistance they need as soon as possible,” said Executive Director Jill Sutton.

Mid Michigan CAA is a non-profit that has been serving central Michigan communities since 1966. The organization’s mission is to guide local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.