Hi Neighbor,

I hope you and your loved ones are staying warm during the first snowfall of the season. As we enter the colder months, I want to share information about the warming centers and home energy assistance resources available to our community.

I am honored to continue representing and advocating for our community in Lansing. Please feel free to go to my website at RepFitzgerald.com to stay up to date on our work. You can also email at [email protected] or call at (517) 373-0835 to voice your opinion, ask a question or express a concern. My dedicated staff is here to support you and answer any questions you may have.

 

Respectfully,

John Fitzgerald

Minority Floor Leader

State Representative

House District 83

 

Warming Centers in Kent County

You and your family can stay warm during the colder months by visiting one of the many warming centers near you, including libraries, churches and other community spaces.

Some warming centers in Kent County include:

  • Grand Rapids Public Library
    • Main Library: (616) 988-5400
    • All locations are open during regular business hours.
  • Kent District Library
    • (616) 784-2007
    • All locations are open during regular business hours.
  • Alano Club of Kent County
    • 1020 College Ave. NE 
    • (616) 456-5709
    • Open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Degage Ministries
    • 139 Sheldon Ave. SE
    • (616) 454-1661
    • When in Code Blue, open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    • Emergency shelter hours are 3 p.m. to 7 a.m.
  • Matthew’s House
    • 766 7th St. NW
    • (616) 233-3006
    • Open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Lotus Brew Coffee
    • 211 Diamond Ave. SE
    • (616) 419-8613
    • Open Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Mel Trotter Ministries
    • 225 Commerce Ave. SW
    • (616) 454-8249
    • When in Code Blue, open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
    • Emergency shelter hours are 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily. Curfew is 7 p.m. unless documentation of reason.
  • Exodus Place
    • 322 Front Ave.
    • (616) 242-9130 
    • Open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • West Grand Neighborhood Organization
    • 754 Leonard St. NW #2
    • (616) 451-0150
    • Open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • The Vault
    • 121 Sheldon Ave. SE
    • Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

Home Energy Assistance in Michigan

Cold weather can have a huge impact on energy bills here in Michigan. Michigan offers several assistance programs to help customers who are behind on their electric, natural gas or propane/heating fuel bills. 

A customer may be eligible for assistance if their income falls below 150% of the federal poverty level and they have:

  • Received a past due or shut off notice from their electric or natural gas utility, or
  • Have a need for home heating fuel (propane, fuel oil and wood).

Anyone who needs help paying their home heating or electric bill can reach out to 2-1-1 to find out what resources may be available to help.

 

Utility Shut Off Protections in Michigan

In addition to assistance, there are also a variety of shutoff protections customers may qualify for, including:

  • Low-Income Winter Protection Program
    • Protects income-qualified customers from utility shutoff from Nov. 1 to March 31.
  • Senior Citizen Shutoff Protection
    • Protects customers 65 years and older from utility shutoff from Nov. 1 to March 31.
  • Medical Emergency Protection
    • Provides a 21-day shutoff hold when a customer or member of their household experiences a medical condition that would be made worse by lack of utility service. This protection may be extended up to 63 days per household member and up to a total of 126 days per household.
  • Critical Care Protection
    • Provides shutoff protection when a disruption of utility service would be immediately life threatening to the customer or a member of their household.
  • Active-Duty Military Shutoff Protection
    • Provides a 90-day shutoff protection for utility customers and their spouse when either is called to full-time active military service under certain circumstances.

Go to Michigan.gov/MPSC/GetHelp to learn more.

 

Weatherization Assistance

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services also provides for some weatherization assistance to qualified Michigan homeowners or renters, covering services like:

  • Wall insulation.
  • Attic insulation and ventilation.
  • Foundation insulation.
  • Air leakage reduction.
  • Smoke detectors.
  • Dryer venting.

Services are administered by a variety of local non-profit organizations. Check out MDHHS’s weatherization webpage for more information about services and eligibility criteria.

Many utilities also offer energy efficiency and weatherization services for low-income customers. To learn more about these programs, customers should contact their utility company.

Each assistance or shutoff protection program may have different requirements and/or income qualifications. For more information on these protections, along with other assistance programs available in Michigan, visit the Get Help webpage or MDHHS’s webpage.