Michigan Community Action is a member service network dedicated to reducing poverty in Michigan by supporting Community Action Agencies in their quest to change the lives of low-income Michiganders. We invite you to learn more about Community Action, the causes we’re fighting for, and the progress we're making. FOR DETAILED INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT THE GOVERNOR’S STAY HOME, STAY SAFE ORDER ISSUED ON 3/23/20:
Please go here for more information.
COVID-19 Resources for members of Michigan Community Action, partners and volunteers
Dear Colleagues, the staff at Michigan Community Action will continue to provide updates through our website. We are monitoring this quickly evolving situation and will do our best to communicate with you regularly as conditions change. We have gathered a number of resources, links and tools that agencies can use and we will continue to update it as new resources and information are developed. We are confident that we will navigate this difficult and uncertain period together.
Please click here to access the page with these resources.
MCA's Day at the Capitol CANCELED-Awards Will Still Occur
The MCA Legislative Committee decided that given the lack of access to the Capitol due to the shutdown through May 1st, lack of a suitable nearby alternative, and in light of the current public health crisis, to cancel the MCA Day at the Capitol that was scheduled for April 30th. However, even though MCA Day at the Capitol is canceled, the recognition of Community Action Award recipients will occur using alternate means. Our agencies were given an extension on sending in nominees until close of business Weds March 25th. Please check back for updates.
Conference Registration is now OPEN!
We're busy getting everything ready for Summer Conference! Registration is now open! Please go here to check out our conference page and to register. Hope to see you there!
For sponsorship opportunities please click here for our form.
For exhibitor opportunities please click here for our form. Thank you!
Healthy Michigan Plan (HMP) Work Requirements
These requirements are starting January 1, 2020. Please click each image to enlarge.
 
Preparations for Flooding
Michigan has had record levels of rain this spring. With more rain on the way, here are some tips to prepare your home and your family.
Get a weather radio or sign up for weather alerts via text One of the first things you can do is buy a weather radio or sign up for text messages that can broadcast weather bulletins from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Research Your flood risk
Learn in advance whether your area is susceptible to flooding. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maintains online flood maps to show the locations and risk levels in specific geographic areas. You can also contact your county planning division to get an assessment of your flood risk.
Prepare emergency supply kits for your home, work, and car
Ready.gov is an excellent governmental resource for information on how to prepare for inclement weather and other disasters. Here’s a great checklist of what to pack in your emergency kits, which should be standardized for your home, workplace, and car so they can be easily accessed in the event of an emergency.
Establish your evacuation route
Knowing your way in and out of your immediate geographic vicinity and how to navigate your community when it’s flooded could save your life. You will need to keep to higher ground if you do evacuate. All family members should know where they are supposed to meet, and that information should be written down. Go over these plans with your family to ensure that everyone knows what they should do.
Have a plan for communicating with family members
During an emergency, sending texts or instant messages can be faster than a phone call. All family members also need to have a family contact that is out of the immediate geographic area, in the event information needs to be passed through a third party. If you have been evacuated, do not return until authorities broadcast that it is safe. You’ll also want to let friends and family know that you are safe. Checking in on social media or using the Safe And Well website sponsored by the American Red Cross can be a quick and useful way to broadcast that you are out of harm’s way.
Raise up appliances, other items to protect them from damage
Flooding can cause substantial damage not only to your home but also to your property, including sensitive appliances. Raising up major appliances and electrical outlets can help keep them from being flooded. You can always get inspiration from these flood-proof homes.
Save your important documents
Copy, save, or upload to the cloud important papers and documents including insurance policies, photographs of your stuff and your home, and any other important records like leases or birth certificates.
Protect your drains from increasing the damage
A house’s water and sewage systems are particularly prone to flood damage, making a big mess even harder to clean up. Installing a sump pump, which dispels water from basements and other low-lying areas, can help with this risk. You can also use backflow valves in toilets, drains, and sinks to prevent floodwaters from backing up. 
Michigan Community Action Opposes Directive No. 14 to Change the Way Official Poverty Measure is Calculated
The calculation of the Official Poverty Measure (OPM) sets guidelines for people to qualify for help with life-saving programs like food assistance, housing, health care and transportation services. The Trump Administration has proposed a change to the calculation of the OPM that would exclude more Michigan families from benefits they need to live modestly and safely in our communities. Please see our statement on Directive No. 14.
For more news click here to go to our Announcements page
Current Job Opportunities in Community Action
Capital Area Community Services is Hiring...
Capital Area Community Services is hiring a Director of Early Childhood Education Programs- Head Start/Early Head Start. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity please click this PDF.
MCA is a proud member of America’s Poverty Fighting Network, the Community Action Partnership
   
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