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Mid Michigan Community Action is accepting public comments as required by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on the proposed Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) plan from February 21, 2022- March 21, 2022.
 
The CSBG Plan summary is as detailed below:
 
A total of $600,009 will be allocated for the provision of comprehensive planning and coordinated services to eligible low-income persons in Muskegon and Oceana Counties. Services will include but are not limited to housing stability, home loss prevention, employment support, and material assistance vouchers. Services are to be provided over the course of the contract starting March 1, 2022 and ending September 30, 2022.
 
Individuals or organizations wanting to comment on or review the proposed plan should email contactus@mmcaa.org or call Eva Rohlman at 989-386-3805 ext. 1033 no later than 4:30 PM on March 21st. Materials are available in alternative formats by calling 989-386-3805 ext. 1033 or emailing contactus@mmcaa.org

Clare County has been awarded $13,323, and an additional $41,178 by the American Rescue Plan Act; Gladwin County has been awarded $10,025, and an additional $30,986 by the American Rescue Plan Act; Mecosta County has been awarded $16,680, and an additional $51,553 by the American Rescue Plan Act; and Osceola County has been awarded $9,212, and an additional $28,473 by the American Recovery Plan Act, from the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county.

A Local Board is charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country. The Local Board will determine how the funds awarded to each county are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area.

Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, 2) be eligible to receive Federal funds, 3) have an accounting system, 4) practice nondiscrimination, 5) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 6) if they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must their local Board Chair.

Clare County: Cherri Swanstra, Clare County EFSP Board Chair, at cswanstra@mmcaa.org for an application. The deadline for applications to be received is February 28, 2022. The Local Board Meeting will be held on March 1, 2022 at 2:00pm via Zoom.

Gladwin County: Cherri Swanstra, Gladwin County EFSP Board Chair, at cswanstra@mmcaa.org for an application. The deadline for applications to be received is February 28, 2022. The Local Board Meeting will be held on March 1, 2022 at 1:00pm via Zoom.

Mecosta County: Diane Long, Mecosta County EFSP Board Co-Chair, at br@projectstarburst.org. The deadline for applications to be received is February 28, 2022. The Local Board Meeting will be held on March 3, 2022 at 1:00pm via Zoom.

Osceola County: Malinda Coss, Osceola County EFSP Board Co-Chair, at Malinda.Coss@usc.salvationarmy.org. The deadline for applications to be received is February 28, 2022. The Local Board Meeting will be held on March 3, 2022 at 2:00pm via Zoom.

Attendance for new applicants is required.

Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) will be providing free income tax preparation services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

VITA is an IRS program managed by partners all over the country, including Community Action Agencies. IRS-trained and certified volunteers work with community members to prepare their taxes safely, confidentially, and at no cost to the community members.

Mid Michigan CAA will offer virtual and in-person return options. Social distancing practices will be required for in-person appointments.

“We are pleased to be able to offer households options for how they have their taxes prepared so we can assist the maximum number of filers,” said Eva Rohlman, Mid Michigan CAA Outreach Director. “Each year our volunteers help community members receive the most out of their returns including all credits without filing costs or hidden fees.”

The VITA program is currently scheduled to run from February 1st through April 18th, 2022, serving residents of Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties. Those interested in having their taxes prepared at no cost to them should contact call nearest office:

Big Rapids: 231-660-0271
Farwell: 989-386-3805
Gladwin: 989-426-2801
Reed City: 231-791-7078

​Mid Michigan CAA will begin scheduling appointments on January 24th.

Learn more about the tax preparation program here.

Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.

On January 26th Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) will be completing the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count. The PIT Count is a federally mandated annual survey to count those experiencing homelessness in the Mid Michigan area.

Mid Michigan CAA is seeking to count individuals and families including those sleeping outdoors or other places not meant for human habitation such as cars or campers, those staying in shelters, and those who are housed with emergency motel stay vouchers.

“The PIT Count helps us better understand who is experiencing homelessness and how prevalent homelessness is in our communities so we can advocate for additional resources, provide high quality services, and end homelessness in our communities,” said Jennifer Rodgers, Homeless Program Manager at Mid Michigan CAA. 

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) uses the data collected to help determine distribution of resources to homeless services agencies, including Mid Michigan CAA. Mid Michigan CAA works with organizations including 211, Michigan Balance of State Continuum of Care, and other local organizations.

Residents of Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness can call or text 877-213-5955 or email homeless@mmcaa.org.

For more information about the PIT Count, contact the PIT Coordinator for your area
—Arenac: Ron Tyll, rtyll@mmcaa.org
—Bay: Kathryn DePrekel, kathryn.deprekel@mclaren.org
—Clare and Gladwin: Erin Rubingh, erubingh@listeningear.com
—Mecosta and Osceola: Nicole Alexander, 231-629-8033 or obkexecutivedirector@gmail.com

Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.

Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) has been granted $1.9 million for the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) as part of the American Rescue Plan.
LIHWAP can assist residents with water and sewer bills, shut-offs, and reconnection fees.

“Access to clean, running water and safe wastewater systems are critical for the health and wellbeing of our communities,” said Eva Rohlman, Mid Michigan CAA Outreach Director. “We are thrilled to be able to expand this vital service.”

Mid Michigan CAA expects to help more than 2,500 households over the next two years. LIHWAP will be available until September 30, 2023.

Residents of Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, Muskegon, Oceana, and Osceola Counties interested in water and sewer assistance should contact the Mid Michigan CAA office nearest them: Bay City at 989-894-9060, Big Rapids at 231-660-0271, Farwell at 989-386-3805, Gladwin at 989-426-2801, Hart at 231-923-3066, Midland at 989-832-7377, Muskegon at 231-557-7622 or Reed City at 231-791-7078 or email us at contactus@mmcaa.org.

Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.

Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) hosts commodities distributions for those in need of emergency food.

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is a monthly distribution for low-income seniors 60 and over.

“Senior food boxes contain USDA products aimed at filling nutrient gaps in seniors’ diets,” said Jennifer Raymond, Food Commodities Manager at Mid Michigan CAA. “The boxes include items like canned fruits and vegetables, canned meats, cereals, grains, ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk, and cheese.”

To apply for CSFP, bring your ID to the next distribution near you. For a complete calendar of senior distributions, visit www.mmcaa.org/seniors or call 989-386-6849 for a recording of times and dates

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a quarterly distribution for individuals and families of all ages in need of emergency food. Quarterly distributions occur in March, June, September, and December.

“The quarterly food box contains products that vary from quarter to quarter. They are designed to distribute excess agricultural products to deliver food to people who can use it while minimizing food waste,” said Raymond.

To apply for TEFAP, attend the next distribution near you. ​For a complete calendar of quarterly distributions, visit www.mmcaa.org/economicsecurity.html#food. 

Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) is seeking volunteers for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

Tax preparation and greeter positions are available with opportunities in Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties. No experience is necessary. Volunteers will receive free training and mileage reimbursements for travel to and from sites.

Mid Michigan CAA will offer virtual and in-person return options. Volunteers will be able to choose if they would like to work in an office setting or remotely. Social distancing practices will be required for in-person appointments.

“Each year our VITA volunteers help hundreds of households claim their maximum refund including all credits without filing costs or hidden fees,” said Eva Rohlman, Mid Michigan CAA Outreach Director. “Last year they filed 691 returns, and their hard work brought $576,712 back into our communities.”

Volunteer training will begin in January 2022 and tax preparation will run from February through April of 2022.

Those interested in volunteering should contact Sheri Nartker at 989-386-3805 ext. 1024 or snartker@mmcaa.org.

Learn more about our tax preparation program here.

Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.

Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) helps those experiencing housing insecurity with services ranging from temporary shelter to rental assistance.

Services are available for those who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless, including those who are in danger of losing their primary residence, fleeing domestic violence, staying with friends or family, living in a place considered uninhabitable, staying in a shelter, lacking a fixed residence, and more.

“Safe and affordable housing is a basic quality of life component,” said Eva Rohlman, Mid Michigan CAA Outreach Director. “With funding available to help in more circumstances than ever, we are proud to offer assistance to those experiencing housing insecurity to help them find a safe, stable place to call home.”

Over the last year, Mid Michigan CAA assisted 255 households who were unhoused or at risk of becoming homeless.

Residents of Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties and veterans in Lake, Newaygo, Midland, and Saginaw Counties experiencing or at risk of homelessness can call or text 877-213-5955 or email homeless@mmcaa.org. 

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Weatherization Assistance Program. Weatherization implements cost-effective energy solutions to reduce energy costs, increase safety in the home, and improve the health of the residents.

Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA), a Weatherization Assistance Program provider, helps households save money and improve comfort with measures including wall and attic insulation, duct sealing, furnace repair and replacement, and other energy efficient initiatives.

“The Weatherization services we provide help residents save as much as 50% on their energy bills,” said Justin Walls, Mid Michigan CAA Housing Director. “Affordable energy is a critical resource, especially during extreme high and low temperatures. When we can provide energy efficiency solutions to lower those costs, we help make sure our neighbors are safer and more comfortable.”

Weatherization is available to low-income homeowners, renters, homes on land contract, and landlords with multi-unit housing.

​Residents of Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland and Osceola Counties interested in Weatherization should contact the Mid Michigan CAA office nearest them: Bay City at 989-894-9060, Big Rapids at 231-660-0271, Farwell at 989-386-3805, Gladwin at 989-426-2801, Midland at 989-832-7377, or Reed City at 231-791-7078. or email us at contactus@mmcaa.org.

Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.

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.