BENTON HARBOR, Mich., March 22, 2024 — Earlier this month, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) closed its Benton Harbor office with little notice or information. There was reportedly a mold issue in the building, and while local residents can still call for assistance, the nearest physical locations are now in Van Buren and Cass counties. In response, state Rep. Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph) issued the following statement:
“The bottom line is that residents of Berrien County need and deserve access to vital social services. The lack of communication from MDHHS regarding the issues that prompted the closure and when the situation will be resolved is troubling, to say the least. Department staff have been relocated to the local Michigan Works! agency, but that’s obviously a temporary solution.
“My staff and I will be working diligently with MDHHS officials to get answers about this situation. Were customers affected by this mold issue? Has the issue been resolved, and if not, when will it be? What is the timeline for reopening the local office? Rest assured, we will pass along the answers as soon as we receive them.”