Dear Neighbors and Friends,

Happy June! I hope you’ve been able to enjoy some of the wonderful weather we’ve had recently — time outdoors is essential to our health and wellbeing.

My office is constantly looking for new opportunities for assistance. If you work with a group that could help us out, reach out to my office and send us the relevant information so we can share it. Even if you are not in need of all of the contacts contained in this email, you may know someone who does. Please share this list with your neighbors, friends, family and professional networks.

If you are in need of assistance and don’t know where to begin, send us an email at MaryCavanagh@house.mi.gov or call us at (517) 373-0857.

Stay safe and healthy,

State Representative Mary Cavanagh

House District 10

Rep. Cavanagh’s Office Resources

  • Booklets: My office has TONS of booklets with a vast amount of information and resources. Below please find a list of all of the booklets that are available.
    • Veterans – Benefits and Services
    •  A Practical Guide for Tenants and Landlords
    • Services for Seniors
    • Crime Victims – Rights Act & Constitutional Amendment
    • A Student’s Guide to the Legislative Process in MI
    • Ask Yourself – A Domestic & Sexual Violence Prevention & Resource Guide
    •  2021–2022 Michigan Citizen’s Guide to State Government 101st Legislature
    • Portraits of MI – History & Facts on Michigan
    • How State & Local Government Operate
    • Getting to Know Michigan (Coloring book)
    • Child Safety (Coloring & Activity Book)
    • MI Recycles! (Coloring & Activity Book)

Legal Assistance

  • Expungement Clinic and Resource Fair: On Saturday, June 25, there will be an expungement clinic for criminal convictions held at 24760 W. 7 Mile Road. Walk-ins are welcome to attend from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The clinic will feature free attorney consultation, ICHAT and fingerprinting. Individuals who wish to receive an expungement must meet the following eligibility requirements:
    • Maximum three felonies.
    • Unlimited misdemeanors.
    • Maximum two assaultive crimes.
    • Maximum one DUI.
    • State of Michigan Criminal Convictions only (no federal convictions).
  • Parent Education Program – Understanding Friend of the Court and Mediation: Anyone who has a Friend of the Court case and wants to learn more about the procedures, processes and mediation of Friend of the Court cases should attend these virtual seminars hosted by the Wayne County Dispute Resolution Center. The seminars are held every other Tuesday at 6 p.m. Join online at www.zoom.us/join, Meeting ID 848 9315 7647.

 

Detroit Cooling Centers & Extreme Heat Safety Info

  • Temperatures are expected to remain high for much of the upcoming weeks, which may pose a risk to people’s health and safety. In response, the city of Detroit has opened seven cooling centers. PPE and bottled water will also be provided. Visitors are required to wear masks and observe social distancing.
    • Adams Butzel Complex, 10500 Lyndon (M-F, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
    • Farwell Recreation Center, 2711 E. Outer Drive (M-F, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; not open Saturdays)
    • Lasky Recreation Center, 13200 Fenelon (M-F, 1-9 p.m.; not open Saturdays)
    • Patton Recreation Center, 2301 Woodmere (M-F, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
    • Kemeny Recreation Center, 2260 S. Fort (M-F, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.)
    • Crowell Recreation Center, 16630 Lahser (M-F, 1- 9 p.m.; not open Saturdays)
    • Heilmann Recreation Center, 19601 Crusade (M-F, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.)
  • The Detroit Public Library’s seven branch locations are also offering relief from the heat. All branches are open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday. Capacity is limited to 50% and visitors are limited to two hours to slow the spread of COVID-19.
    • Main Library, 5201 Woodward Ave.
    • Campbell Branch, 8733 W. Vernor Highway
    • Edison Branch, 18400 Joy Road
    • Jefferson Branch, 12350 E. Outer Drive
    • Parkman Branch, 1766 Oakman Blvd.
    • Redford Branch, 21200 W. Grand River Ave.
    • Wilder Branch, 7140 E. Seven Mile Road
  • With extreme heat comes an elevated risk of heat-related illness. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, confusion, and pale or flushed skin. The CDC recommends the following tips to help prevent illness:
    • Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible — don’t rely on fans as the only cooling source during times of extreme heat.
    • Stay hydrated by drinking water or sports drinks. Avoid drinks with caffeine and alcohol and don’t wait until feeling thirsty before beginning hydration.
    • Drink more water than you usually would.
    • Limit use of the stove or oven to cook during times of extreme heat.
    • Wear loose, lightweight and light-colored clothing.
    • Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
    • Limit strenuous outdoor activities and get plenty of rest.
  • As older adults and people with disabilities are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, please check in on any high-risk neighbors to ensure everyone is managing.

COVID-19 Vaccines, Boosters & Tests

  • Free COVID-19 At-home Tests: Everyone is eligible for 12 FREE, at-home, rapid COVID-19 tests. Submit your order with your residential address at www.covidtests.gov.
  • COVID-19 Vaccines: Visit www.michigan.gov/covidvaccine to find a vaccine site near you or schedule an appointment with your local pharmacy.
  • Wayne County Health Department is offering COVID-19 vaccines, boosters and tests at the Livonia Senior Center (15218 Farmington Road, Livonia).
    • Tuesday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Friday, noon – 4 p.m.

Support for Businesses

  • MEDC (Michigan Economic Development Corporation) has a comprehensive list of opportunities on its website: www.michiganbusiness.org/covid19/. Deadlines vary by program.
    • Programs include tax credits to employers who kept their employees on the payroll throughout the pandemic, a program that helps businesses fill vacancies with qualified candidates, grants for businesses rehabilitating blighted or underutilized buildings, and loan forgiveness.
  • MEDC International Trade Program has an upcoming allocation of State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) funds available for eligible small business concerns. MI-STEP applications are accepted annually Oct. 1 through Sept. 15.
  • The Amber Grant and the SoGal Black Founder Startup Grant provide small business grants to women and Black women/nonbinary people, respectively. Apply by June 30, to be considered.

Mental Health Resources

  • Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network has a 24/7 helpline, (800) 241-4949.
    • They also offer a wide range of services, including substance abuse prevention, treatment and recovery, guidance for parents with struggling kids, and grief support. Check out all that is available to any Wayne County resident at www.dwihn.org/programs-and-services.
  • Growth Works is a nonprofit at work across Wayne County that works with juvenile delinquents and those struggling with substance abuse. They offer peer coaching, family services and much more. Learn more at gwcares.org/.

 

Employment Opportunities

  • SEMCA Michigan Works! assists workers during every step of the hiring process, from resume building to interview preparation and much more. Visit their website to make an appointment or call the location nearest to you: https://www.semcamiworks.org/job-seekers/ajc_appointment/
    • Livonia – (734) 513-4900
    • Dearborn – (313) 203-3366
    • Highland Park – (313) 826-0299
    • Grosse Pointe – (313) 343-5617
    • Monroe – (734) 240-7950
    • Southgate – (734) 362-3466
    • Wayne – (734) 858-4284
  • Learn to Earn is designed to help remove barriers that prevent people from entering their chosen training or career. Detroiters can earn their diploma or GED while receiving a stipend and explore their options for training or new job opportunities immediately after graduating. Learn more at: detroitatwork.com/adult-education-gedhigh-school-completion.
  • Detroit at Work is an online program that connects people to jobs in the city of Detroit. Their Skills for Life program that includes job training and career coaching. Learn more at www.DetroitAtWork.com.
  • Rapid Jobs is a city of Detroit program that aims to quickly match people struggling to pay rent and/or facing eviction with job openings. Detroiters can go to cloud.jobs.detroitatwork.com/rapid-jobs or call (313) 962-9675 to be matched with these job opportunities.
  • The city of Detroit has “Ready to Hire” positions in a variety of fields. A full list is available at detroitatwork.com/readytohire.
  • Wayne County has dozens of open positions available: www.waynecounty.com/departments/phr/job-postings.aspx.

Rental Assistance, Homeowner Help & Property Tax Relief

  • Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MIHAF) is for homeowners with financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It can help pay delinquent mortgage/escrow, condo/homeowners’ fees, property taxes, utilities and internet: (844) 756-4423 or Michigan.gov/MIHAF.
  • The City of Detroit Eviction Assistance and Prevention program includes lawyers to be present at your court dates, financial assistance for back paid rent and utility costs, direct payments for landlords whose tenants are behind on rent, and a rapid jobs program for people facing eviction. www.detroitevictionhelp.org.
  • There are also resources from the Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency:
    • Detroit, Highland Park, Hamtramck: (866) 313-2520
    • Other Wayne County neighborhoods: (734) 284-6999 or waynemetro.org/cera7
  • Emergency shelter assistance: The Coordinated Assistance Model (CAM Detroit) provides those experiencing homelessness with access to shelter and housing resources. Each household that is placed in a shelter will be connected with a specialist to assess their needs and help them get the support and housing they need. Anyone, whether an individual or an entire family, who needs a safe place to sleep should either visit CAM’s offices in person (1600 Porter St. in Corktown) or leave a message at (313) 305-0311.
  • If you are interested in using the Homeowners Property Exemption (HOPE) to reduce or eliminate this year’s property tax obligation, there is an informational webinar on Wednesday, June 22 from 6–8 p.m. The webinar will cover the HOPE application process and what you need to provide, and the Board of Review Members will be present to answer questions. Join online at www.zoom.us/join (Meeting ID 848 576 01540) or call (312) 626-6799 (access code 84857601459#).

Utility and Water Assistance

  • The Water Residential Assistance Program (WRAP) is a two-year program that provides funding to eligible, low-income homeowners to assist with water bills, water conservation and self-sufficiency initiatives. Apply today at www.waynemetro.org/wrap/.
  • The State of Michigan offers several programs for low-income residents who need assistance paying for energy and weatherization efforts. Visit the website for information on the Home Heating Credit, State Emergency Relief and Weatherization Assistance Program.

Food and Clothing

  • Eagles Helping Hands is a food rescue in Redford that distributes healthy foods with no proof of income or residence required. Because of the donation-nature of their supply, it’s easiest to monitor when there is a distribution occurring on their Facebook page: eagleshelpinghands.org/.
  • Forgotten Harvest also offers food assistance across SE Michigan and posts distribution times and locations on their website each week. Find a distribution near you at: www.forgottenharvest.org/find-food/.
  • Redford Interfaith Relief offers food assistance and a closet/clothing program that requires a scheduled drive-up appointment. To learn more and make an appointment, visit: www.redfordinterfaithrelief.org/client-services.html.
  • Jackets for Jobs is a nonprofit with 2 locations in Detroit that provides professional attire and job training for those seeking employment! Learn more at jacketsforjobs.org/.

That’s it for our June resource newsletter! As always, if you need assistance with anything, don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at (517) 373-0857 or MaryCavanagh@house.mi.gov. Stay safe!