Resources
Help workers claim the tax benefits they earned
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) is providing free kits to organizations assisting the homeless and low-medium income workers. Many of these workers are not aware of the benefits they are entitled to when completing their annual income tax returns. The CBPP outreach kit titled "Money Talks! Have you heard?" is filled with strategies to reach and assist these individuals and families. Flyers and posters provided in this kit are in printed in English and Spanish. To order your free kit visit the CBPP website.
How much are the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit worth in Tax Year 2010 for the 2011 filing season? Find out here.
Energy Assistance
LIHEAP is federal money given to each state to assist low-income families with energy costs. It is designed to help eligible households meet the high cost of home heating.
In Michigan, the LIHEAP block grant is used for the following programs:
The Home Heating Credit (HHC) is designed to assist low-income families living in Michigan with the cost of heating their homes. Under provisions set forth in the State Income Tax Act, the Department of Human Services administers Michigan’s Energy Assistance programs and the Michigan Department of Treasury processes the Home Heating Credit claim and issues payments.
The State Emergency Relief (SER) Program provides immediate help to individuals and families facing conditions of extreme hardship or for emergencies that threaten health and safety.
The SER program is primarily designed to maintain low-income households who are normally able to meet their needs but occasionally need help when unexpected emergency situations arise. The SER program is not an appropriate solution to ongoing or chronic financial difficulties.
Financial assistance may be provided to low-income households who meet eligibility requirements when heating or electric service has been or will be shut off. Payments may include the amount needed to restore or continue the service for at least 30 days. Also, services may include payment of necessary charges to deliver a 30-day supply of a deliverable fuel. Online Application
Michigan's Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a federally funded, low-income residential energy conservation program. The program provides free home energy conservation services to low-income Michigan homeowners and renters. These services reduce energy use and lower utility bills, thus creating more self-sufficient households.
The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) provides bill payment assistance to low-income residents in 62 Michigan counties – including the Upper Peninsula. Your local Salvation Army or Community Action Agency may also be able to provide emergency assistance.
For More Information: Call THAW’s toll-free referral number is 1-800-866-THAW (8429) or visit their website.
The New York City Commission for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Runaway and Homeless Youth present their final report on strategies set out to promote best practices and underlying causes of homelessness among LGBTQ youth. This report offers recommendations and actionable steps that can be incorporated into Michigan's Campaign to End Homelessness.
NYC Bed Bug Advisory Board Final Report (April 2010)