Who to call when you need help in Manistee County - Manistee News Advocate

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MANISTEE COUNTY — For many, December is a special time of year, but the start of winter can also bring additional challenges for residents and their loved ones.

Thankfully, there are plenty of resources available in Manistee County for those who may be struggling.

Rose Fosdick, coordinator for the Manistee County Human Services Collaborative Body recommends that people dial 211 as a first step toward seeking help.

The dialing code 211 can help provide information and referrals to health and human services and other social assistance programs.

“It is such an awesome, free, 24/7 resource for people to call and find what is in their area,” Fosdick said. “The staff is great at meeting people where they are at and helping strategize options.”

The Manistee County Human Services Collaborative Body also maintains a list of local organizations that people can turn to for assistance. This is not a complete list of available resources, and Fosdick notes that this information is subject to change and says it often does.

FOR BASIC NEEDS

• Manistee County Department of Health and Human Services
Michigan.gov/mdhhs
231-723-8375

The Department of Health and Human Services offers “a number of programs to help you and your family with temporary assistance when times are tough,” according to its website. This includes things like food assistance, housing and homeless services and child care assistance through the MI Bridges program.

• Benzie Area Christian Neighbors
Benziebacn.org
231-882-9544

“Benzie Area Christian Neighbors strives to improve the quality of life for people with limited resources in our community by providing food, clothing, financial assistance, education and social support in collaboration with area resources,” reads part of the BACN website.

• ECHO His Love
Echohislove.org
231-723-6613
According to its mission statement, “ECHO His Love exists to mobilize area churches to transform lives by meeting physical and spiritual needs with the love of Jesus.”

To achieve this mission, the 501(c)3 organization has created a number of ministries aimed at meeting the various needs present in the community. These ministries include the MANNA Food Pantry, The Essential Needs in Temporary Shelter Ministry and Safe Harbor homeless shelters in winter.

• FiveCAP, Inc.
Fivecap.org
231-723-6613
“The purpose of FiveCAP, Inc. is to motivate the poor through public and private resources to achieve economical and social independence through the provision of a wide range of services ... and to provide decent housing that is affordable to low and moderate income persons in the FiveCAP, Inc. service area,” reads part of the FiveCAP, Inc. website.

FiveCAP, Inc. administers over 40 programs to promote individual and family self-sufficiency utilizing federal, state and local resources. These programs include head start for early childhood development, housing resources such as home weatherization and home energy assistance, nutrition and other emergency services aimed at income eligible families.

• Habitat for Humanity of Manistee County
Habitatmanistee.org
231-723-7458

Manistee County Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that builds and rehabilitates homes along with partner families. New houses are sold to partner families with affordable interest mortgages.

Habitat also provides critical home repairs including wheelchair ramp construction and handicap accessible bathrooms to qualifying individuals and families.

• Northwest Michigan Coalition to End Homelessness
Endhomelessnessnmi.org/help
844-900-0500

If you are an individual or family that is currently experiencing homelessness, call the central intake line at 844-900-0500 for assistance.

• Manistee County Council on Aging
manisteecountycoa.com
231-723-6477

“The Manistee County Council on Aging provides a variety of programs and activities that offer assistance and social interaction to Manistee County residents over the age of 60,” states part of the senior center website.

Programs and activities are held at the Wagoner Community Center and alternative sites around Manistee County. Programs include regular health and wellness clinics, grocery assistance, meals on wheels senior nutrition, legal consultation, income tax preparation and home health services.

• Staircase Youth Services
Staircaseyouthservices.org
231-843-3200
Crisis line: 888-267-6086

Staircase Youth Services is an outreach that provides youth and family intervention services in Lake, Manistee, Mason, Missaukee, Oceana and Wexford counties.

Contact Staircase Youth Services if you are a youth in crisis, a family member, a friend, teacher or anyone with a genuine concern for an at-risk youth.

“With early intervention, the staff at Staircase Youth Services can help youth and their parents prevent the trauma that a crisis situation creates. Personal problems can be prevented from becoming legal or possibly life-threatening. We can help to counsel youth, develop effective coping skills, and offer a safe place to discuss problems in confidence. We are LGTBQ-friendly and will not discriminate those who come through our doors,” reads part of the Staircase website.

• United Way of Manistee County
Uwmanistee.org
231-723-2331

Manistee County United Way works to assist families struggling to meet their basic needs. United Way utilizes its network of partners, donors and volunteers to help these households.

United Way programs focus on education, health and wellness and financial stability.

• TrueNorth Community Services
Truenorthservices.org
231-924-0641

TrueNorth Community Services offers around 80 programs to help those in need.

Through its housing and homelessness prevention program, TrueNorth provides rent and mortgage assistance and can help secure housing for those in crisis.

Older adults can receive assistance through a number of programs include a medical equipment loan. It’s children services include Christmas programs, tools for schools, coats for kids and other services.

Case workers provide family support through long-term case management, goal setting and evaluation and referrals.

Its Center for Nonprofit Housing “is committed to assuring all members of our community have access to safe affordable housing, through foreclosure prevention, financial and homeowner education and home buying assistance,” the TrueNorth website states.

• Manistee County Veteran’s Affairs
Manisteecountymi.gov/280/Veterans-Affairs
231-299-1414

Veteran’s Affairs is a “one-stop shop” for “meeting the emergent needs of our veterans,” according to director Eric Sullivan.

The VA can help local veterans file for benefits and identify sources of assistance.

FOOD ASSISTANCE
For the most recent list of available food pantries in Manistee County, email manisteehomegrown@gmail.com.

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Who to call when you need help in Manistee County - Manistee News Advocate

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