Flint, Michigan, located in Genesee County on the eastern side of the state, has a total population of 111,475 as of July 2009 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The U.S. Census Bureau also reports that of the total population, 29.9 percent of families are at or below the federal poverty level, and nearly 35 percent of individuals in Flint are below the federal poverty level. Assistance for low income individuals in Flint are made available by the state of Michigan, the U.S. Government and county agencies.
Genesee County Community Action Resource Department
The Genesee County Community Action Resource Department is designed to help individuals who need assistance in a variety of ways. The Home Maintenance Services Program provides home energy conservation services through weatherization measures to income-eligible individuals who own or rent their home. The program offers services such as attic insulation, replacement of windows and doors, sidewall insulation, hot water heater wraps, furnace testing and furnace cleaning. All of these conservation tactics are intended to improve energy efficiency in the home and allow for savings on energy costs. To apply for assistance through this program, contact the Genesee County Community Action Resource Department.
Genesee County Head Start
The Head Start program is a developmental preschool and family program available to families who qualify based on financial need. The Head Start program is designed to promote socialization and readiness growth between birth and five years of age. More than 2,000 children have been through the Genesee County Head Start program, which provides comprehensive education on health, parent involvement, nutrition, education and behavioral health services. Head Start programs are available in 20 school districts in Genesee County, and some districts have early morning programs for children of parents enrolled in classes or training programs. To apply for assistance through this program, contact the Genesee County Community Action Resource Department.
Michigan Home Heating Credit
The Michigan Department of Human Services operates the federally-funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to distribute money to the Michigan Home Heating Credit. The Home Heating Credit is available to all low-income households in Michigan, based on the household income, number of exemptions and household heating costs. Application forms are available from the Michigan, Department of Treasury, the Michigan Department of Human Services or anywhere Michigan tax forms are available such as post offices and public libraries.
State Emergency Relief
Also funded with money from the Federal government, the State Emergency Relief program is overseen by the Michigan Department of Human Services. The State Emergency Relief program provides low-income individuals and families with crisis intervention for heating fuel, electricity and home repairs. Eligibility criteria include the demonstration of immediate need, such as a disconnect notice from the utility company, need for fuel oil or energy-related home repair, in addition to income and assets. The maximum amount available for heating fuel emergencies is $550 or $1,100 depending on the type of fuel needed, while SER home repairs are limited to $4,000 per household. Applications for this program are available at the Flint offices of the Michigan Department of Human Services.
Tags: Genesee County, Head Start, Michigan Department, Action Resource, Action Resource Department, Community Action, Community Action Resource
