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Stay informed with the latest updates from Mid Michigan Community Action. From new programs to agency announcements, this is where we share our most recent news.
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Mid Michigan Community Action Agency Offers Weatherization Services to Help Residents Stay Safe and Independent As heating costs rise and temperatures drop, Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) is reminding residents that help is available—and it’s free. October is Weatherization Month, a time to highlight the federal Weatherization Assistance Program that makes homes safer, more efficient, and more affordable for eligible households. Weatherization services are no-cost to participants and help individuals and families take control of their home energy use, reducing their monthly bills and protecting against unexpected breakdowns and hazards. “When a home is properly weatherized, it’s more than just comfortable, it’s secure,” said Johnny Mills, Weatherization Director at Mid Michigan CAA. “People want to be able to stay in their homes, manage their own expenses, and not worry about their furnace going out or high energy bills.” Weatherization Can Include:
Margret, a recent Weatherization participant, said, “You have helped me stay in my home. I was contemplating having to move to a retirement home. I am 72 and I have mobility issues and am vulnerable to disease—this is a game changer. No more leaks causing mold or bacteria, no more electric heaters just to stay warm. You folks have renewed my life.” How to Apply Mid Michigan Community Action offers Weatherization in Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Midland, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, and Osceola Counties. Services may include insulation, air sealing, furnace upgrades, and more. Call or text the office nearest you to learn more:
Explore What Weatherization Can Do: Join Us on Weatherization Day Mid Michigan CAA will host four Harvest House events on October 30 from 3–6 PM to celebrate Weatherization Day. The public can watch demonstrations, talk with experts, and learn more about how the program works. Attendees will receive energy-saving tips, refreshments, and free Weatherization-themed goodie bags. Staff will also be available to help visitors understand what’s required to apply. Locations:
Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment. In the News
This story supported our visibility priority by showing the community how Weatherization reduces energy burdens and improves home safety.
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Mid Michigan Community Action Hosts “Harvest House” Weatherization Events October 30 Looking to stay cozy, safe, and energy-efficient as the seasons change? Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) invites you to Harvest House, a special fall-themed event where you can explore how Weatherization services can make your home healthier, warmer, and more affordable. On Wednesday, October 30, from 3–6 PM, join us at four locations across Michigan for free, drop-in events open to all community members. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to cut utility costs, a senior seeking added safety and comfort, or a parent eager for a family-friendly outing, Harvest House has something for you. “Harvest House is a great way to see what Weatherization looks like in action,” said Johnny Mills, Weatherization Director at Mid Michigan CAA. “It’s a relaxed, welcoming environment where people can explore what’s possible and find out how we may be able to help.” Harvest House: Full Experience Event This sites feature guided walk-throughs, live demonstrations from energy efficiency experts, crafts for children, treats, giveaways, and opportunities to connect with knowledgeable staff.
Harvest House Satellite Events These locations offer select energy-efficiency demos, light refreshments, giveaways, and staff on hand to answer your questions, explain what you need to apply, and help you take the next steps toward Weatherization and other services.
Why Weatherization? “People are often surprised by how many things Weatherization can address—from reducing drafts to preventing moisture problems, or even fire hazards,” said Johnny Mills, Weatherization Director at Mid Michigan CAA. “It’s not just about saving energy. It’s about making homes healthier, safer, and more comfortable.” Weatherization services can help reduce heating and cooling costs, improve indoor air quality, and keep your home safer and more comfortable, all at no cost to eligible households. How to Apply Mid Michigan Community Action offers Weatherization in Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Midland, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, and Osceola Counties. Services may include insulation, air sealing, furnace upgrades, and more. Call or text the office nearest you to learn more:
Email us at [email protected]. Learn more at www.mmcaa.org/weatherization. Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment. In the News
Both outlets shared our upcoming Weatherization outreach events, helping connect more households to energy-saving resources. Mid Michigan Community Action Completes Energy-Saving Upgrades at Baytown Family Neighborhood8/13/2025 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:
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:
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 excited to announce the relocation of our Mecosta, Midland, and Oceana County Community Action Centers to new locations, allowing us to better serve our neighbors by bringing services together in more accessible spaces.
For over 50 years, Mid Michigan CAA has worked to connect individuals and families with essential resources and opportunities, helping them achieve stability and self-sufficiency. By moving these offices, we continue our mission of making support services more accessible and responsive to the needs of our communities. Excitement for the Future Community Empowerment Director Cherri Swanstra shared, “We’re thrilled to bring our services together in these new locations. This allows us to better serve our neighbors by making our programs more accessible and connected. We look forward to continuing our mission and strengthening the communities we serve.” Early Head Start and WIC Director Amyee Carson added, “These moves allow us to enhance the services we provide for families. We’re excited to welcome our neighbors to these new spaces and continue supporting them with all of our amazing programs.” Outreach and Opportunities Director Eva Rohlman, who oversees homeless and veteran programs, emphasized, “By consolidating our services in these locations, we can better coordinate and deliver resources to those who need them most. This move strengthens our ability to provide comprehensive support to individuals and families.” Each of our Community Action Centers has a Resource Navigator on-site to help residents navigate the services available, answer questions about eligibility, and guide individuals through the application process. New Locations
Office Hours & Contact Information All Community Action Centers are open:
For more information, call or text any of our Community Action Centers:
Visit: mmcaa.org Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube Mid Michigan Community Action is committed to guiding local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education, and community enrichment. We look forward to serving our neighbors from our new locations and continuing to make a positive impact in the communities we call home. As temperatures begin to drop, Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) recognizes October as National Weatherization Month, a time to raise awareness of the many benefits of Weatherizing homes.
The Weatherization Assistance Program helps households struggling with high energy costs improve energy efficiency, reduce utility costs, and ensure comfort throughout the year—benefits that are especially important as winter approaches in Michigan, but Weatherization isn’t just for cold weather! This program offers year-round advantages by sealing air leaks, adding insulation, and making homes more energy-efficient for both heating and cooling systems. Benefits of Weatherization:
"Weatherization is an essential tool for families who want to reduce energy bills and improve their living conditions. With winter on the way, now is the perfect time to begin the process of making homes more energy-efficient and comfortable," said Johnny Mills, Weatherization Director at Mid Michigan CAA. "We are proud to help families save money and improve comfort." Mid Michigan CAA is proud to offer Weatherization in Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, Muskegon, Oceana, and Osceola Counties. Homeowners, renters, homes on land contract, and landlords with multi-unit housing are eligible. Call or text your local office to learn more about the program and get started:
Mid Michigan Community Action Agency guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment. Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) is now the Weatherization provider in Muskegon and Oceana Counties. Weatherization implements cost-effective energy solutions to reduce energy costs, increase safety in the home, and improve the health of the residents.
During Weatherization, trained professionals known as Energy Auditors use computerized energy audit software and advanced diagnostic equipment such as blower doors and infrared cameras to create a comprehensive energy analysis of the home. This analysis helps determine the most cost-effective measures to install in each home. The Energy Auditor creates a customized work order. Then trained contractors and crew members install the energy-efficiency and health and safety measures, such as insulation, blower-door-guided air sealing of key leakage junctures, and installations such as lighting and water-saving measures. Health and safety issues such as elevated levels of carbon monoxide, moisture problems, mold, ventilation needs, and heating systems safety and efficiency are also addressed. There is growing evidence the program provides benefits beyond energy savings. Improved indoor air quality and appropriate ventilation strategies lead to healthier living conditions in Weatherized homes, which often lead to improved health outcomes such as reduced asthma triggers and fewer doctor visits. “Especially during extreme high and low temperatures, affordable energy is critical,” said Justin Walls, Mid Michigan CAA Housing Director. “In addition to improving energy costs, Weatherization improves the comfort and safety of homes. We are thrilled to begin offering this valuable service in Muskegon and Oceana Counties.” Weatherization is available to low-income homeowners, renters, homes on land contracts, and landlords with multi-unit housing. Residents of Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, Muskegon, Oceana, 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, 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 [email protected]. 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) will receive $1.67 million as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to Weatherize an additional 145 homes as well as $1.75 million as part 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.
Trained weatherization professionals known as energy auditors use computerized energy audit software and advanced diagnostic equipment such as blower doors and infrared cameras to create a comprehensive energy analysis of the home. This analysis helps determine the most cost-effective measures to install in each home. The energy auditor creates a customized work order. Then trained contractors and crew members install the energy-efficient and health and safety measures, such as insulation, blower-door-guided air sealing of key leakage junctures, and installations such as lighting and water-saving measures. Health and safety issues such as elevated levels of carbon monoxide, moisture problems, mold, ventilation needs, and heating systems safety and efficiency are also addressed. There is growing evidence the program provides benefits beyond energy savings. Improved indoor air quality and appropriate ventilation strategies lead to healthier living conditions in weatherized homes, which often lead to improved health outcomes such as reduced asthma triggers and fewer doctor visits. “Especially during extreme high and low temperatures, affordable energy is critical,” said Justin Walls, Mid Michigan CAA Housing Director. “In addition to improving energy costs, Weatherization improves the comfort and safety of homes.” 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 [email protected]. Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment. August is Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Action Month. LIHEAP funds weatherization to help make home energy costs affordable to stabilize housing for individuals and families, making it easier for them to stay in their homes.
Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA), a grantee of LIHEAP, utilizes the funding for energy education and to weatherize low-income homes. Weatherization helps households save money and improve comfort by installing insulation, repairing and replacing furnaces, and making other energy-efficient improvements. “The services we provide through LIHEAP 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. We help our neighbors stay safe and comfortable when we can provide energy-efficient solutions to lower those costs.” Weatherization is available to low-income homeowners, renters, homes on land contracts, 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 [email protected]. Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment. 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 [email protected]. Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment. August is Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Action Month. LIHEAP funds weatherization to help make home energy costs affordable to stabilize housing for individuals and families, making is easier for them to stay in their homes.
Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA), a grantee of LIHEAP, utilizes the funding for energy education and to weatherize low-income homes. Weatherization helps households save money and improve comfort by installing insulation, repairing and replacing furnaces, and making other energy efficient improvements. “The services we provide through LIHEAP 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 safer and more comfortable.” Weatherization is available to low-income homeowners, renter, 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 [email protected]. Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment. |
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