Emergency Services Initiative

This program is designed to assist low-income households that are normally able to meet their needs, but may need a hand up when unexpected emergencies arise. This program also targets those individuals who continue to fall into crises because of their low-income status. By stabilizing the emergencies, the initiative seeks to prevent a short-term situation for the members-in-need from snowballing into a long-term crisis. This is a one time award program with a maximum grant amount of up to $400.

Emergency situations impacting families that may be covered include, but are not limited to, the following circumstances:

• Housing (substandard structure, threat of loss)
• Transportation (light car repair or insurance needed to find or keep employment. Applicant will need to be enrolled in work related program)
• Major appliance repair
• Utilities (threatened shut-off)  

Members seeking assistance through this program must fall within the household composition and income guidelines listed below.

Eligible households must be no more than 200% of poverty income requirements based on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services poverty guidelines.

Income Guidelines

To apply, download the form, call or come into the Social Services Department at 58620 Sink Road, Dowagiac. Phone number (269) 782-8998 or 1-800-517-0777 or you may fax information to (269) 782-4295. The following items will need to be provided;

• Proof of all household income is needed:
  1. Most recent income tax return and/or
  2. Proof of last 30 days of income, including Per Capita, and/or
  3. Award letters from (SSI, RSDI, Elder’s Stipend, VA, etc…), and/or
  4. Child Support received or paid, or
  5. Completion of Zero Income Form if those above do not apply.
   
• Proof of emergency
• Tribal identification is also needed

The applicant shall have the sole burden of proving his or her eligibility under this program.