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Assistance Available for Low-Income Residents Impacted by Lower Michigan Flooding

Posted on March 9, 2018 by Dene Westbrook

The State has announced that low-income residents affected by the flooding that began in late February in lower Michigan may be eligible for emergency relief assistance through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

The State Emergency Relief program provides immediate help to individuals and families facing conditions of extreme hardship or for emergencies that threaten health and safety. It is available to eligible residents that need help with home repairs necessary to correct unsafe conditions and restore essential services. Applicants must be the owner or purchaser of the home and meet other eligibility requirements to qualify.

Any individuals who would like to contact their local Michigan Department of Health and Human Services office to ask about eligibility for State Emergency Relief for flood-related home repairs can go to www.michigan.gov/mdhhs and click on Contact Us to find a map of local county offices.

For information about State Emergency Relief for home repairs, go to www.michigan.gov/mdhhs , then select the “Assistance Programs” tab, the “Emergency Relief: Home Utilities & Burial” tab and then the “Home Repairs” tab.

The lifetime maximum amount of funds available for non-energy related home repairs is $1,500 per household. State Emergency Relief Program assistance is available for repairs not covered by homeowner’s insurance for the basic house structure, hot water heater, septic/waste disposal system, doors/windows, extermination services, electrical, plumbing, roofs and wells.

Other Assistance Resources:

The Michigan Community Service Commission is supporting coordination efforts in the aftermath of the flooding. Residents can call 211 to request assistance. Callers will be referred to volunteer organizations, should they be available, that may be able to assist with relief activities.

Farmers with questions about possible relief programs can contact their county United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency office. A list of county offices can be found at Fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/Michigan/index.

John LaMacchia is the Assistant Director of State and Federal Affairs for the League handling transportation, infrastructure, energy and environment issues. He can be reached at [email protected] or 517-908-0303.

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