OUR MISSION

It is the commitment of the Community Services Department to assist and advocate for communities and individuals working toward an improved quality of life. To meet this mission NMHSA staff deliver the following federal, state and local funded programs, in coordination with other services offered in each community.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES

• INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNTS (IDAs): The IDA Program was established to help limited income families build financial assets. Qualifying participants can open an IDA, and every $1 they save will be matched with $2 or $3, to go toward the purchase of an asset (home, business, or post-secondary education).
• BUDGET COUNSELING: FMS staff offers Financial Management workshops and individual counseling which help participants learn basic household budgeting, debt management, and credit repair with follow-up assistance.
• HOME-OWNERSHIP COUNSELING: FMS provides pre-purchase classes for those interested in buying a home, LINKS to Home Ownership home purchase education, and counseling for both home retention and reverse mortgages for seniors (HECM)..
• View our calendar for our FREE Financial Fitness Workshops.

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

Emergency assistance is provided to low-income individuals and families for housing/shelter, heat, utilities, household contents, medication etc., as funds are available.

INFORMATION & REFERRAL

Information is given to guide individuals to appropriate services within the community, including follow-up and advocacy as needed.

WALK FOR WARMTH

NMHSA hosts an annual Walk for Warmth fund-raiser. This event raises local awareness and funds to help residents with heat related emergencies.

FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS

• CSFP or The Commodity Supplemental Food Program is a USDA program that targets nutritionally at risk mothers, infants, children and senior citizens. A monthly food package ensures a nutritionally balanced diet.
• TEFAP or The Emergency Food Assistance Program provides USDA food to low income households through a quarterly distribution.

• Homeowners: counseling and a one time cash assistance, when available, can be provided to homeowners to prevent mortgage foreclosure. Reverse mortgage counseling for seniors is also available.
• Home Repair and Replacement: Programs aimed at low-mod income homeowners in Benzie, Missaukee and Wexford Counties are administered. Information and referral can be given on similar programs in other counties.
• Renters: Guidance and onetime cash assistance can be offered to renters facing eviction. Guidance is also available for landlord tenant disputes.
• Homeless and Potential Renters: Staff provide guidance and one-time cash assistance, when available, to help establish permanent housing for those without a home. Counselors can provide information packets on low-income rental housing, landlords, and budget analysis for individuals seeking a place to rent.
• Housing Development: NMHSA works within partner communities to develop new housing opportunities for renters and homebuyers.
Weatherization: Provides free energy conservation measures to assist low income homeowners and renters in reducing their home heating costs.