Mid Michigan Community Action Releases 2024 Community Needs Assessment

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Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) releases the findings of its 2024 Community Needs Assessment (CNA), spotlighting the most critical challenges faced by low-income individuals and families across Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, Muskegon, Oceana, and Osceola counties. Mid Michigan CAA has a track record of results, built on innovative, responsive, and efficient programs that are uniquely tailored to meet local needs. By leveraging resources and partnerships, Community Action enhances local impact and strengthens economic mobility for families.

​Empowering Communities Through Insight
Conducted every three years, the Community Needs Assessment gathers vital data on economic conditions, social services, and resource gaps, ensuring Mid Michigan CAA’s programs are focused on the most urgent community needs. The 2024 assessment, enriched by feedback from over 1,000 local survey responses and 8 community focus groups, along with data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the KIDS COUNT Data Center, provides a robust foundation for action.

Key Findings: Addressing Critical Challenges
The 2024 CNA reveals significant hurdles impacting residents across Mid Michigan CAA’s service area:

• Housing Instability: 31% of survey respondents struggle to afford or maintain stable housing, and 42% of renters spend more than 30% of their income on rent. Youth homelessness is higher than state and national averages, affecting 2% of students.
• Income and Employment Challenges: 14% of the population (about 70,300 people) live below the federal poverty level. Median household incomes are lower than state and national averages, with Clare County having the lowest at $47,793. Nearly half of survey respondents have less than $100 in their bank account.
• Childcare and Education Barriers: Preschool enrollment is declining in some counties, and special education needs are rising. Additionally, 8% of adults lack a high school diploma, limiting their job opportunities.
• Healthcare and Mental Health Access: The region has fewer primary care providers per capita than the state average. One in five Michigan adults report frequent mental distress, with many unable to seek care due to financial barriers.
• Food Security: 50% of survey respondents have used a food pantry in the past two years. Muskegon County has the highest rate of food insecurity, with 45% of low-income residents lacking access to grocery stores.
• Transportation Challenges: One in five survey respondents have missed work due to a lack of transportation. Car ownership is unaffordable for many low-income families, limiting their access to jobs and healthcare.
• Community Connections and Social Networks: Limited economic connectedness and social capital hinder financial advancement, leaving some communities with fewer opportunities to thrive and grow.
• Digital Access: 15,000 households lack a digital device, and nearly one-third of low-income residents do not have home internet access, limiting their access to jobs, education, and telehealth services.

Driving Impactful Change
“These insights deepen our understanding of the barriers residents face and empower us to craft programs that deliver real solutions,” said Mark Polega, Executive Director at Mid Michigan CAA. “From housing and income stability to food security and digital access, this data enables us to advocate for and implement services that truly meet the needs of our communities.”

To read the full report, download it today at www.mmcaa.org/cna. Discover more about our impactful programs and services at www.mmcaa.org, call or text 877-213-5948, or email [email protected].

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