Housing

      Housing is a human right.  There can be no fairness or justice in a society in which some live in homelessness, or in the shadow of that risk, while others cannot even imagine it. Jordan Flaherty, journalist & author

      HOUSING

      1. CRISIS CENTERS/DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & ABUSE
      2. EMERGENCY HOUSING RESOURCES
      3. ENERGY OR WATER ASSISTANCE 
      4. FORECLOSURE ASSISTANCE
      5. HOME REPAIRS OR WEATHERIZATION
      6. HOMELESS SHELTERS/WARMING CENTERS/DAY SHELTERS
      7. HOME OWNERSHIP
      8. HOUSING GUIDES- LOOK FOR HOUSING HERE!
      9. LANDLORD/TENANT ISSUES 
      10. RENT & MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
      11. PROPERTY TAX ASSISTANCE
      12. SENIOR SUBSIDIZED HOUSING OPTIONS 
      13. SUBSIDIZED HOUSING (SECTION 8)
      ______________________________________________________________________________
      CRISIS CENTERS/DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & ABUSE

      DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINES 



      HAVEN (Oakland County) 877-922-1274, 248-334-1274, TTY Line 248-972-2530

      CAM Hotline (Detroit) 313-305-0311 

      YWCA of Flint  (Genesee)  810-238-7233 - 24 hour Hotline

      The National Domestic Violence Hotline  800-799-7233, TTY 800-787-3224

      United Way Hotline  2-1-1 

      If you are in danger, call 9-1-1 


      What to Expect if You Go to a Domestic Violence Shelter


      Before making the decision to enter a shelter or safe housing program, you will talk with an advocate about your situation. If the program does not have space or it is not a good fit for you, the advocate will try to help you find another safe place

      Every shelter and safe housing program is different, but the following is generally what you can expect:
      Safe, private location. Shelters and safe housing programs make everyone’s safety their first priority. You may be asked to keep the location a secret.
      No fees. Shelters and safe housing programs are free.
      Transportation. Most programs will provide transportation to a shelter or safe housing program. Many also offer residents bus tokens and transportation to appointments.
      Children’s safety. As advocates, we understand that children are also impacted by domestic violence. Advocates will be able to work with both you and your children offering support, information and parenting resources. Domestic violence programs are mandated reporters of child abuse.
      Self-provided childcare. Your children will be under your watch and care at all times. Childcare may be provided during groups and other activities.
      Help finding a safe place for your pet. Shelters will work with you to find a place for your pets to be cared for elsewhere. Most shelters do not allow pets. Learn more about pet protection.
      Confidentiality. Your information will be private and will not be shared with other agencies unless you give your written permission. You will be asked to honor the privacy of other program participants by not discussing their names or situations with anyone else.
      Food, clothing, and toiletries. Shelters and safe housing programs will provide basic necessities for you and your family at no cost.
      Sleeping arrangements. You may share common areas and might be asked to share a bedroom. In most shelters you will share the kitchen, common living areas, and bathrooms with other residents.
      Laundry facilities. Shelters and safe housing programs usually have laundry facilities and provide guests with linens (sheets, towels and blankets).
      Visitors. Visitors are generally not allowed in the shelter or safe housing program, but you can meet with your friends and family elsewhere.




      DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTERS 

      Find a Domestic Violence Shelter near you   Put in your zip code and you will get an extensive list of shelters near you


      LACADA (Lapeer) 810-667-4175

      LACASA Center (Livingston County) 517- 548-4228
      Their 24 hour help line is 866-522-2725

       Weiss Child Advocacy Center
      515 East St.
      Flint, MI 48503
      810-238-3333


      YMCA of Greater Flint/SAFE House  24 hour Crisis Line:  810-238-7233

      _________________________________________________________________________

      EMERGENCY HOUSING RESOURCES

      Coordinated Assessment Model (CAM) Hotline  (313) 305 - 0311
      If you or someone you know is experiencing a housing crisis, the CAM Line may be able to assist. 

      United Way Hot Line
      If you are seeking assistance for yourself or someone else, please contact the United Way Hotline by dialing 2-1-1.


      Shelter Hotline - 1-800-274-3583

      Catholic Hotline - 1-313-393-2930

      Facing an eviction?  SER funds (State Emergency Relief) from DHHS may be available to help.  As long as the housing is affordable (monthly rental equal to or less than 75% of net available income each month) and the household has ongoing income to support the expense, you can apply for this assistance.  Contact your local DHHS office or apply online.
      The process takes about 10 days.
       __________________________________________________________________________


      ENERGY or WATER ASSISTANCE

      Michigan Helping Hand - Housing Helps


      Earned Income Credit (EIC)
      This credit is available based on the income level and number of qualifying child dependents.  To apply for the credit, you must file a federal income tax return with Schedule EIC.  You can receive an advance cash payment through your employer or apply for the credit at tax time.  Contact the IRS to apply.

      State Earned Income Tax Credit (SEIC)
      When you file taxes for each tax year you may claim, if eligible, a Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit.  This is equal to a percentage of the federal earned income tax credit. 

      Home Heating Credit (HHC)
      You may apply for the HHC until September 30th of each tax year.  You must meet the income guidelines but you do not have to file an income tax return.  Forms are available wherever other tax forms are provided or from the Michigan Department of Treasury.
      517-636-6925

      Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)
      St. Vincent de Paul Energy Assistance Program: As a part of the partnership that the Personal Storehouse Project has created with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Energy Assistance is available in the following units: Belle Isle, Palmer Park, Dearborn, Detroit River, and Southfield. Training is being made available to other units as well. This program helps families which are having difficulty with the high costs of heating during the winter months. The bishop or branch president will have to refer the person needing help to the PSP missionaries who will then help the family to submit an application for help.

      The MEAP program helps families who find they cannot pay a bill. But many families can get a discount upfront because of their income. (See section below: DTE, Consumers Energy and Semco plans to help customers who are low income)


      MDHHS (Michigan Department of Health & Human Services)
      Immediate help may be available if you are facing conditions of extreme hardship or emergencies threatening your health and safety. 
      855-275-6424 

      Catholic Charities of Shiawassee & Genesee Counties 
      901 Chippewa St.
      Flint, MI 48503
      810-232-9950 

      GCCARD (Genesee County Community Action Resource Department)
      719 Harrison St.
      Flint, MI 48502 
      810-768-4675

      Emergency Financial Assistance 
      The Salvation Army serving Genesee County provides financial assistance to local families facing a water or utility shutoff and/or an eviction or foreclosure.
      211 W. Kearsley ST.
      Flint, MI 48502
      810-232-2196 
      _________________________________________________________________________

      LISTED BELOW ARE THE DTE, CONSUMERS ENERGY AND SEMCO PLANS TO HELP CUSTOMERS WHO ARE LOW INCOME:


      Consumers Energy - CARE Program - 800-477-5050 Consumers Energy is helping qualified customers afford and better manage their monthly energy costs with the CARE Program. CARE customers receive a 40% discount on their Consumers Energy bill until September 2015 so long as participants make on-time monthly payments toward a more affordable bill. Enrollment in CARE offers many other great benefits available to customers as part of Consumers Energy’s commitment to providing affordable energy to Michigan. Keep reading to learn more!

      Affordable monthly payment with a 40% CARE credit on monthly energy charges

      Understand that the Consumers Energy call center CANNOT enroll you into CARE. An application is required and Consumers Energy is partnering with various Human Service Agencies to do the income and eligibility validation for the program.
      800-477-5050 

      DTE - Low Income Self-Sufficiency Plan 
      Low Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP) is a low affordable payment plan for eligible low income families. This program allows you to make affordable monthly payments based on your income. The remaining portion of your bill is paid monthly with your energy assistance funds.
      Program benefits include:
      Affordable fixed monthly payments based on income and energy usage.
      Outstanding payments are frozen at the time of enrollment and will be reduced if regular monthly payments are made; Self-Sufficiency Training; Dedicated Customer Advocates ready to assist you; Protection from shut off while on the plan; Elimination of late payment charges . The Federal and State eligibility criteria are: Income equal to or less than 150 percent Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Guidelines plus Energy usage (electric and gas) over the last 12 months is comparable with average annual usage for a residential customer


      DTE Energy partners with various human service agencies to perform income and usage eligibility validation for the LSP program. Please contact the following agencies for more information:
      800-477-4747

      United Way for Southeastern Michigan
           844.598.7967 


      The Heat And Warmth Fund ( THAW)
           877.410.0612


      Michigan Community Action Agency Association (MCAAA)
           855.642.2846

      Salvation Army
           855.929.1640



      SEMCO ENERGY - Payment Assistance Programs - 800-624-2019
      SEMCO ENERGY Gas Company coordinates with a variety of agencies to offer payment plans and assistance programs to help customers with their gas bills. The most important thing is to contact SEMCO as soon as you know you cannot pay your entire gas bill. We will work with you to set up a suitable payment plan or advise you of assistance agencies in your area.

      For more information, contact a SEMCO ENERGY Gas Company Customer Service Representative at 1-800-624-2019 or call the Department of Human Services Energy Hotline at 1-800-292-5650.

      Eligibility: You may qualify for the Winter Protection Plan if you have a household income at or below 150 percent of poverty level. The income guidelines are listed in the chart below. You may also qualify if you are at least 65 or if you receive assistance from DHS, including food stamps, SSI, or Medicaid.

      Customers must apply through SEMCO ENERGY Gas Company for the program and may have to demonstrate having made application for state assistance. Applicants may enroll November 1 by making a required budget payment. Please contact SEMCO ENERGY Gas Company for your budget amount. 


      Medical Emergencies 800-436-7936
      If an account is subject o t shut off for nonpayment, a shut off may be postponed for up to 21 days due to a medical emergency. Written proof from a doctor must be provided.

      Senior Winter Protections from Shutoff (age 65 for Consumers, 62 for DTE)
      800-292-9555
      The Michigan Public Service Commission and state law requires all regulated gas and electric companies and some electric cooperatives to provide shutoff protection for seniors during the heating season (Nov 1-Mar 31). If you were shut off before Nov 1st, the company is required to restore your service during the heating season without you paying the past due amount, a deposit, reconnect fee. or other charges. There are no requirements for specific payment amounts during that time. However, when the heating season is over you will be placed on a payment plan and must begin to pay any amounts owed.

      Consumers Energy and DTE Energy have shutoff protection programs that help customers, including seniors, manage energy payments with extended time to pay and senior discount rates or credits.

      Shutoff Regulations   

      Shutoffs outside of the heating season for seniors or other customers, can occur only between 8 am and 4 pm.  Prior to a shutoff, you will get a 10-day disconnect notice and the company will make at least two attempts to contact you by telephone before service is shut off. 


      State Emergency Relief (SER)  313-456-1000
      Contact the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), if you are low-income and receive a shutoff notice, to get help paying your utility bills.  Help is also available for fuel oil, wood, or propane.  You do not have to be a client of DHHS to apply for the SER, which runs from Nov 1-May 31)  

      THAW - (The Heat and Warmth Fund) - 800-866-8429
      The Heat and Warmth Fund
      607 Shelby, Suite 400
      Detroit, MI 48226
      Tel: 313-226-9465
      Fax: 313-963-2777
      info@thawfund.org

       _______________________________________________________________

      FORECLOSURE ASSISTANCE  
      If you are behind on your payments, speak with your mortgage company.  You can find the contact information on your monthly mortgage statement or coupon book.

      Michigan Helping Hand - Guiding Michigan Citizens to Assistance Resources 
      This site provides links to all the state services available to help you prevent foreclosure. 


      United Community Housing Coalition  313-963-3310
      2727 Second Ave Suite 313
      Detroit, MI
      None profit organization assisting with a variety of housing issues for low-income residents

      Making Home Affordable  888-995-4673 
      A HUD-approved housing counseling agency

      Step Forward Michigan
      All it takes is a big unexpected expense or a few months of unemployment, and you’re behind on your mortgage or tax payments. Before you know it, you’re facing foreclosure. But you don’t have to let your home get away from you. The Step Forward Michigan program can help you catch up.

      Go to their website to find out if you may be eligible for assistance through Step Forward Michigan and to apply for their assistance. 
      AVAILABLE TO ALL MICHIGAN RESIDENTS



      Step Forward Michigan
      George W. Romney Building – 8th Floor
      111 S. Capitol Ave.
      Lansing, MI 48933-1555
      Phone: (866) 946-7432
      Fax: (517) 636-6170
      StepForward@michigan.gov
      ______________________________________________

      HOME REPAIR AND WEATHERIZATION PROGRAMS

      Michigan Helping Hand - Home Repairs and Weatherization 
      This site has information and links to state programs that exist to help with both of these situations.   It's a good place to start.
      GENESEE COUNTY

      GCCARD Weatherization
           G4403 Clio Rd
           Flint, MI 48504
           810-787-0199 

      Ramp Building
      United Way is working to improve the lives of disabled residents by offering them access to the community through building wheelchair ramps.
           810-762-5831    
       

      ________________________________________________

      HOMEOWNERSHIP


      The Michigan Homeowner Assistance Nonprofit Housing Corporation (MHA) acting through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) designed forgivable loan programs to help homeowners who have a financial hardship.  Apply at www.stepforwardmichigan.org or cll 866-946-7432

      _________________________________________________________________

      HOMELESS SHELTERS/WARMING CENTERS/DAY SHELTERS

      SHELTERS

      EMERGENCY SHELTER/SERVICES INQUIRIES
           924 Cedar St.
           Flint, MI 48503
           (810) 239-5433


      ONE STOP HOUSING RESOURCE CENTER
           505 W. Court St.
           Flint, MI 48503
           (810) 600-4525




      WARMING CENTERS

      Center for Hope Warming Center
               The Center for Hope Warming Center provides a safe
           environment for those seeking warmth from the cold.
           Dec 1 - Mar 31 24 hours a day
           609 E Fifth Avenue
           Flint, MI 48503 
           810-232-9950
       ________________________________________________________________

      HOUSING GUIDES - LOOK FOR HOUSING HERE!

      LOOKING FOR HOUSING? START HERE:


      The Michigan Housing Council    OR    The Michigan Housing Locator  
      _________________________________________________________________________

      LANDLORD/TENANT ISSUES

      Michigan State College of Law Housing Clinic 
      517-336-8088.
      Landlord/Tenant, serves all of Michigan—free legal advice over the phone
      Low income taxpayer matters: liens, collection due process hearings, appeals, etc.

      ________________________________________________________________

      RENT & MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

      DHHS

      Michigan Veterans Trust Fund

      Soldiers and Sailors Relief Fund  517-481-8000

           Wayne County
           28 West Adams, Suite 1710
           Detroit, MI 48226

           Monroe County
           29 Washington St.
           Monroe, MI 48161-2188
           734-240-7359 

      The Soldiers and Sailors Relief Program provides for the temporary relief of honorably discharged indigent veterans of the US Armed Forces:  those with recognized wartime service dates, and indigent wives, husbands, widows, widowers, minor children and mothers who have a minimum of one day of wartime service.
      The need of each case is evaluated and the extend of aid to be granted is determined.  In addition to the above, this department interviews, counsels and interacts with other human service, federal, state, county and city agencies.

      Catholic Charities 
           901 Chippewa St.
           Flint, MI 48503
           810-232-9950 

      Outreach East
           425 N Genesee St.
           Davison,MI 48423 
           810-653-7711 

      Salvation Army Social Services
      The Salvation Army, a Christian organization, has been providing spiritual ministry, emergency assistance for basic needs, and programs for children and families in Genesee County.
           211 W Kearsley St.
           Flint, MI 48502
           810-232-2196 

      Flint Nipp Inc
      At Flint Nipp Inc we genuinely care about our customers and are dedicated to serving them well. We understand their specific goals and objectives, and develop solutions that deliver optimal value on a consistent basis.
           505 W Court St.
           Flint, MI 48503 
           810-766-7212
      _________________________________________________________________________________

      PROPERTY TAX ASSISTANCE

      Genesee County - Call the treasurer's office
      (810) 257-3054

      Step Forward Michigan
      All it takes is a big unexpected expense or a few months of unemployment, and you’re behind on your mortgage or tax payments. Before you know it, you’re facing foreclosure. But you don’t have to let your home get away from you. The Step Forward Michigan program can help you catch up.

      Go to their website to find out if you may be eligible for assistance through Step Forward Michigan and to apply for their assistance. 
      AVAILABLE TO ALL MICHIGAN RESIDENTS



      Step Forward Michigan
      George W. Romney Building – 8th Floor
      111 S. Capitol Ave.
      Lansing, MI 48933-1555
      Phone: (866) 946-7432
      Fax: (517) 636-6170
      StepForward@michigan.gov
      _________________________________________________________________________ 

      SENIOR SUBSIDIZED HOUSING OPTIONS

      Michigan Housing Council
      This site is really good. If you sort by "last updated" it will tell you for each apartment, when they last updated their stats.

      The ones with the bold green dollar sign $ base the rent on a percentage of the income. For example, McDonnell Tower in Southfield has minimum age of 62 and charges 30% of the income.


       Flint Housing Commission
           3820 Richfield Rd
           Flint, MI 48506
           810-736-3050
       ________________________________________________________________


      SUBSIDIZED HOUSING (SECTION 8)


      Flint Housing Commission
      Unfortunately public housing is very limited. It takes years to get in section 8 housing. You must complete and submit an application when the waiting list is open. All up-to-date applications are kept on an active waiting list until program eligibility is determined. Applications are for the waiting list only, not for immediate assistance. This list is open approximately once every two to four years. Applications are only available immediately prior to the list's opening. 

      Check out the Housing Commission website for more information
      updated Dec 2017



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