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Recent articles in the Big Rapids Pioneer and Midland Daily News celebrate the incredible service of MaryJo Barnes, a longtime advocate for veterans and a dedicated staff member at Mid Michigan Community Action. MaryJo has spent years supporting veterans through our Veteran Housing Support program, helping individuals and families find stable housing, avoid homelessness, and connect with community and veteran resources.

The article also highlights MaryJo’s work beyond the agency. She volunteers with the annual Midland Project Community Connect resource fair, as well as being involved with the Midland Wellbeing Coalition and Great Lakes Bay Veterans Coalition. She also helps bring food boxes to veterans from the food pantry when needed. Her commitment goes far beyond her job title—she’s a tireless advocate, a connector, and a steady presence in the lives of many local veterans.

Through Mid Michigan Community Action, MaryJo supports veterans and their families across our service area. Learn more about how Mid Michigan Community Action supports veteran housing here.

In the News

• Big Rapids Pioneer: Citizen of the Year Finalist: MaryJo Barnes helps homeless veterans, pursues social work, Published December 27, 2025
• Midland Daily News: Citizen of the Year Finalist: MaryJo Barnes helps homeless veterans, pursues social work, Published December 27, 2025

This article honors MaryJo Barnes’ years of commitment to veterans, both through Mid Michigan Community Action and her independent volunteer efforts, highlighting the value of strong community partnerships and persistent compassion.

Mid Michigan Community Action Agency Highlights Services and Community Partnerships During Homeless Awareness Month
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November is Homeless Awareness Month, and Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) is spotlighting practical, community-driven solutions that help individuals and families overcome housing instability and get back on their feet.

Serving Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties, with additional support for veterans in Lake, Newaygo, Midland, and Saginaw, Mid Michigan CAA offers targeted services including connections to emergency shelter, rental assistance, and case management. These programs are designed to empower people to regain stability and contribute to their communities.

“Homelessness affects hardworking families, veterans, and seniors in every town,” said Jenn Rodgers, Homeless Program Manager at Mid Michigan CAA. “Homeless Awareness Month is a time to come together, share resources, and make sure people know help is available when life throws a curveball.”

Mid Michigan CAA’s approach is rooted in local partnerships and practical problem-solving. Success depends on collaboration, from landlords and shelters to volunteers, donors, and neighbors who care.

One such partner is Mike, a landlord who works with Mid Michigan CAA to provide safe, affordable housing for tenants transitioning out of homelessness.

“I work with Mid Michigan Community Action because everyone needs a home,” Mike shared. “I try to provide safe, clean places to live and make a home. I try to work with the whole person, not just the immediate circumstance. Homelessness happens every day…often due to circumstances beyond control. Everyone needs a hand up, not a handout.”
Behind every successful housing placement is a team of housing experts and community members working together to help people rebuild and move forward.

“It’s not just about finding someone a place to stay,” Rodgers added. “It’s about restoring dignity, encouraging responsibility, and helping people build a foundation for long-term success. We’ve seen people go from crisis to stability—and that’s only possible when the community steps up.”
 
How to Get Help or Get Involved
If you or someone you know is experiencing housing challenges, contact Mid Michigan CAA by calling or texting 877-213-5955 or emailing [email protected].

To learn how you can support these programs as a partner, donor, or volunteer, visit www.mmcaa.org.

Your donation makes a difference. Every dollar is used efficiently to provide stability and a path forward for those in need. Whether it’s a one-time gift or ongoing support, your contribution helps strengthen families and communities. Give today and invest in solutions that work.
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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
Clare County Cleaver: Mid Michigan Community Action Agency Highlights Services and Community Partnerships During Homeless Awareness Month, Published November 3, 2025

Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) has been awarded the FY25 Michigan Veteran Homelessness Prevention Grant (MiVHPG) from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA). This $250,000 grant will expand support for veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness across Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Lake, Mecosta, Midland, Newaygo, Osceola, and Saginaw Counties through September 30, 2028.

The grant assists Mid Michigan CAA in continuing its work to end veteran homelessness by providing immediate relief, sustainable housing solutions, and comprehensive case management services to at-risk veterans.
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The grant will help Mid Michigan CAA provide:

• Rental Assistance: Financial help for rent, security deposits, and overdue rent to keep veterans in their homes.
• Emergency Housing Assistance: Short-term housing for veterans, including motel stays, while finding stable housing.
• Landlord Incentives: Incentives to encourage landlords to lease to veterans, expediting access to permanent housing.

“Stable housing is a foundation for overall well-being, and we are honored to expand our services to meet the needs of veterans facing housing insecurity,” said Eva Rohlman, Outreach and Opportunities Director of Mid Michigan CAA. “This grant allows us to increase our reach, ensuring that veterans who served our country are supported with respect and dignity in their times of need.”

Mid Michigan CAA also creates personalized Housing Stability Plans with veterans to ensure lasting housing stability. The organization also leverages partnerships to make each dollar count, maximizing the impact of MVAA’s funding and ensuring that veterans receive holistic support.

If you are a veteran experiencing housing insecurity, please call or text Mid Michigan CAA at 877-213-5955 or email [email protected].

Mid Michigan Community Action invests in local solutions for individuals and families to improve their quality of life and achieve self-sufficiency. The agency offers housing, education, food, and veteran-specific support to foster resilient and thriving communities. Learn more at 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.