Livability Lab PSA Service/Resource Spots
Access to Healthcare:
Physical Health
If you are looking for a family doctor or other services, please contact Hackley Community Care Center for
- Medical Services
- OB/Womens Health
- Dental Services
- Pharmacy
Phone: (231) 737-1335
http://www.hackleycommunitycare.org/
If you are looking for a family doctor or other services, please contact Muskegon Family Care
- Medical Services
- Dental Services
- Women’s Health
- Pharmacy
Phone: (231) 733-4800
Behavioral Health
HealthWest of Muskegon County is providing services during this time
- Behavioral Health and Substance Use Services
- Virtual Support Groups; HealthWest.net/virtual-groups
Phone: (231) 724-1111
24-Hour Mental Health Crisis Line: (231) 722-HELP (4357)
Email: community.relations@healthwest.net
https://healthwest.net/for-clients/coronavirusresponse/
https://www.facebook.com/HealthWestMuskegon/
Health Insurance
If you need help or have questions about medical insurance contact MI Bridges
- Health Care Coverage
Phone: (844)799-9876
If you need help or have questions about medical insurance contact The Health Project
- Health Care Coverage
Phone: 231-672-3201
Dependent Care:
Education:
Boys & Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore is providing online, interactive services for kids
- O.I.C.E (Virtual Online Interactive Club Experience); Mentoring, Character Development & Academic Enrichment
Krystle Hunter
Email: Info@BGClubMuskegon.com
Phone:231-375-5576
Employment & Income Needs:
West Michigan Works!
- Employment Needs;Offering Virtual Services Only
Phone: 231-724-6381
New classification of workers to be able to file for unemployment:
Financial Risk:
Contac Muskegon-Oceana Community Action Partnership (MOCAP) if you need help or have questions about financial assistance programs
- Financial Assistance Programs; Offering Services Virtually
Phone: 231-725-9499
All local businesses are encouraged to reach out to the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce with questions or for resources available to businesses during this time.
- COVID19 Business Resources
Phone: (231) 722-3751
Email: mlcc@muskegon.org
www.muskegon.org/covid-19-outbreak-business-resources/
Food Insecurity, Access, & Nutrition:
Food Pantries
Catholic Charities of West Michigan, Muskegon – 1095 Third Street, Muskegon
- Food Pantry Services; pre-packaged food boxes Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30a – 12:15pm; Muskegon, Norton Shores, or Roosevelt Park Residents Only; Must have ID (For All Household Members) or Utility Bill
Phone: 231-726-4735
Salvation Army Muskegon – 1221 Shonat Street, Muskegon
- Food Pantry Services; By Appointment Only
Phone: 231-773-3284
https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/Muskegon/
Mission for Area People – 2500 Jefferson Street, Muskegon Heights
- Food Pantry Services; Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m – Must Call Ahead to Schedule Curbside Pickup
Phone: 231-733-9672
https://missionforareapeople.org/
Muskegon Rescue Mission – 400 West Laketon Avenue, Muskegon
- Food Pantry Services, Thursdays from 9:30-10:30 a.m
- For immediate needs or unable to make Thursday, call Erica at 231-727-6085
Phone: (231) 727-6085
Senior Food Services
AgeWell Services of West Michigan – Muskegon and Ottawa Counties
- Curbside (Drive-through) Meal Pick-up for Adults Ages 60 and Older
Stephanie Stewart – Outreach Manager
Phone: (231) 559-0476
Phone: 1-800-442-6769
Health Literacy:
Public Health Muskegon County
- Covid-19 News Related to Muskegon County
Phone: 231-724-6246
Email: PublicHealth.COVID-19@co.muskegon.mi.us
www.co.muskegon.mi.us/793/Public-Health
City of Muskegon
- Covid-19 News Related to the City of Muskegon
Phone: (231) 724-4100
Muskegon County
Household Supplies:
Call 2-1-1 to speak with a Call Specialist 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Cell Phone users dial 231.733.1155
or text your zip code to 898211
(211 is a general helpline – people can call for any reason – here an example of our SM post:
Housing Instability:
Muskegon Housing Commission
- Housing Services
Phone: 231-722-2647
http://www.muskegonhousing.org/
Community enCompass
- Housing Services; Offering Virtual Services
- Laundromat Voucher Program
- Phone: 231-728-3117
http://www.communityencompass.org/our-work
Muskegon County Department of Veterans Affairs
- All Services for Veterans
hatcherde@co.muskegon.mi.us
baauwmi@co.muskegon.mi.us
Phone: 231-724-7143
Phone: 231-724-6121
Muskegon Men’s Rescue Mission
400 W. Laketon Ave
Muskegon, MI 49441
231-727-6085
Muskegon Women’s Rescue Mission
1715 Peck St
Muskegon, MI 49441
231-727-6090
Family Promise
2160 Crozier Ave
Muskegon, MI 49441
231-747-8855
Legal Assistance:
Legal Aid of West Michigan
450 Morris Ave
Muskegon, MI 49440
231-726-4887
Personal & Environmental Safety:
Every Woman’s Place
- Domestic Violence Services; Essential Services Available by Appointment
Phone for an appointment: (231) 468-6060; Crisis Line: (231) 722-3333
https://www.everywomansplace.org/
Disability Network West Michigan
All services provided to those with disabilities in Muskegon, Oceana, Newaygo, Mason & Lake Counties
- Information & Referrals
- Peer Support
- Advocacy – System & Self
- Independent Living Skills
- Transition Services – Youth and Nursing Home/Rehabilitation
- Transportation Voucher Program – Newaygo & Oceana County
- Senior Transportation Voucher Program – Muskegon County
Phone: 231-722-0088 Messages monitored daily
Email: info@disabilitynetworkwm.org
Website: www.disabilitynetworkwm.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/disabilitynetworkwm/
Social Isolation:
Muskegon County Department of Veterans Affairs (for any services or supports for veterans)
- All Services for Veterans
hatcherde@co.muskegon.mi.us
baauwmi@co.muskegon.mi.us
Phone: 231-724-7143
Phone: 231-724-6121
HealthWest Muskegon County
- Virtual Support Groups; HealthWest.net/virtual-groups
Phone: (231) 724-1111
24-Hour Mental Health Crisis Line: (231) 722-HELP (4357)
Email: community.relations@healthwest.net
https://healthwest.net/for-clients/coronavirusresponse/
https://www.facebook.com/HealthWestMuskegon/
AgeWell Services of West Michigan – Muskegon and Ottawa Counties
- Curbside (Drive-through) Meal Pick-up for Adults Ages 60 and Older
Stephanie Stewart – Outreach Manager
Phone: (231) 559-0476
Phone: 1-800-442-6769
Senior Resources
- MI Choice Waiver program
- Options Counselors; Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (231) 733-3585
Phone: (231) 739-5858
www.facebook.com/Senior-Resources-of-West-Michigan-461906317225005/
Transportation Availability:
Muskegon Area Transit System
- Service runs Monday through Saturday, 9:30a – 5:30p
- 6 routes
- 2 GoBuses
Phone: 231-724-6420
Disability Network West Michigan
All services provided to those with disabilities in Muskegon, Oceana, Newaygo, Mason & Lake Counties
- Transportation Voucher Program – Newaygo & Oceana County
- Senior Transportation Voucher Program – Muskegon County
Phone: 231-722-0088 Messages monitored daily
Email: info@disabilitynetworkwm.org
Website: www.disabilitynetworkwm.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/disabilitynetworkwm/
Twitter: @disNetworkWM
Muskegon County Department of Veterans Affairs
- All Services for Veterans
hatcherde@co.muskegon.mi.us
baauwmi@co.muskegon.mi.us
Phone: 231-724-7143
Phone: 231-724-6121
Wheels to Work
- Transportation To Work
Utility Assistance:
Consumers Energy
- Suspending Shutoffs for Non-pay for Low-income and Senior Customers Through April 30 2020
- Senior Citizens and Qualified Customers Already Enrolled in Winter Protection Program Have Automatic Extension Through May 3 2020 Without Additional Actions Required
- Customer Who Need Help Paying Their Energy Bill to Call To Discuss Their Assistance Options Phone: (800) 477-5050
www.consumersenergy.com/company/media/news-and-information/emergency-response
DTE Energy
- Suspended Shutoffs for Customers Meeting Income Criteria; Effective Until April 30 2020
- Shutoff Protection for Customers Enrolled in Senior Winter Protection Program Extended Through May 3 2020; Customers of Record 62 and Older are Automatically Included in the Winter Protection Program
Phone: 800.477.4747
www.consumersenergy.com/company/media/news-and-information/emergency-response
Muskegon-Oceana Community Action Partnership (MOCAP)
- Financial Assistance Programs; Offering Services Virtually
Phone: 231-725-9499
Paycheck Protection Program
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) authorizes up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis.
- Starting April 3, 2020, small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply for and receive loans to cover their payroll and other certain expenses through existing SBA lenders.
- Starting April 10, 2020, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply for and receive loans to cover their payroll and other certain expenses through existing SBA lenders.
Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans as soon as they are approved and enrolled in the program.
AgeWell Services Extends Plans for Senior Curbside Meal Distribution Amid COVID-19 Crisis
MUSKEGON, Mich. – AgeWell Services of West Michigan and Grand Rapids YMCA’s Veggie Van continue to provide Senior Curbside Meal Distribution During COVID-19 Outbreak with support from Senior Resources and Muskegon County Senior Millage.
AgeWell Services of West Michigan and Grand Rapids YMCA’s Veggie Van are continuing their work together along with various community partner locations to provide meals to seniors aged 60 and over in Muskegon and Ottawa Counties. Various dates and locations from April 7 through April 17 from 12:00 to 2:00 pm.
Meals will be served to adults 60 and over in Muskegon and Ottawa Counties. Meals will be available for curbside pickup at various locations. The curbside pickup offers a quick, drive-through option to keep seniors and volunteers safely separated during the COVID-19 outbreak. Seniors that cannot drive or get out of the house can send someone to “proxy” for their meal.
WHEN & WHERE:
| Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Muskegon Heights City Market 99 E. Center St., Muskegon Heights, MI 12:00 – 2:00pm |
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
Fruitport Congregational Church 9 S. 8th Ave., Fruitport, MI 12:00 – 2:00pm |
| Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Ravenna First Reformed Church 3327 Mortimer St., Ravenna, MI 12:00 – 2:00pm |
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Coopersville Reformed Church 423 W. Randall St., Coopersville, MI 12:00 – 2:00pm |
| Thursday, April 9, 2020
Georgetown Connections 7100 8th Ave., Jenison, MI 12:00 – 2:00pm |
Thursday, April 16, 2020
Orchard View Community Education 1765 Ada Ave., Muskegon, MI 12:00 – 2:00pm |
| Friday, April 10, 2020
Community United Methodist Church 1614 Ruddiman Dr., North Muskegon, MI 12:00 – 2:00pm |
Friday, April 17, 2020
Evergreen Commons 480 State St., Holland, MI 12:00 – 2:00pm |
Donations for these meals are accepted and appreciated. Without community support we would not be able to continue serving and giving; without your contributions, our seniors would be isolated, unhealthy and malnourished. Please consider giving to our COVID-19 Emergency Fund to keep these wheels moving. Visit www.agewellservices.org or, if you need help making arrangements, please contact us at 231-412-7966.
Lakeshore Museum Center Offers Family-Friendly Resources for At-Home Educational Fun
MUSKEGON, MI – As communities continue to comply with staying safe at home, families everywhere cite an increasing need for at-home activities that provide both entertainment and education. Lakeshore Museum Center has addressed this growing need by making many resources available for family members of all ages.
“This is definitely a difficult time,” stated Jackie Huss, Program Manager at the museum. “But while we may not be able to offer our traditional programming, we are continuing to find ways to serve and support the community.”
From the comfort and safety of home, patrons can enjoy a virtual historic visit by browsing and viewing the museum’s collection at //lakeshoremuseum.org/our-collection. In addition, the museum has made it easy to find an activity for each member of the family, all in one place.
“We have created a page on our website dedicated to fun and educational resources and activities that can be done at-home,” shared Huss. “Just like at the museum, there’s something for everyone!”
From science and other videos to podcasts and downloadable activity booklets, links to crafts for young kids, the mini mastodon scavenger hunt map and more, multiple resources are waiting to be discovered and enjoyed, all made available by the museum, free of charge.
Families are encouraged to check the webpage often as the museum is continually updating it with new information and fun ideas. Adults can also join in by sharing their experiences during this difficult time to be submitted in a social diary for the museum archives.
Said Huss, “Just because we are all having to stay at home, doesn’t mean we can’t still learn and have fun.”
The full list of resources can be found at lakeshoremuseum.org/museum-at-home
District Health Department #10 continues to warn of Scams relating to CoVID-19
March 31, 2020 – District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) is urging residents to again be wary of scams related to the COVID-19 pandemic happening throughout the country.
Earlier this month, DHD#10 reported scammers attempting to sell fake products and calling individuals posing as health officials and providing false information on testing and treatments.
Scammers are now claiming to be from local health departments and offering medication and at home COVID-19 tests, meanwhile asking for Medicaid and Medicare numbers to bill.
“Please, please, please, verify that the person you are talking to is who they say they are before giving out any kind of personal information over the phone,” said Jeannine Taylor, Public Health Information Officer for DHD#10. “Continue to be cautious when answering calls, texts, emails and social media messages.”
If an individual believes they are the target of a scam, they may file a scam complaint with the Attorney General’s office. The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection webpage is available as a resource as well as the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team at 877-765-8388.
DHD#10 staff are working constantly to monitor this evolving situation and will continue to provide new information to the community as things change. More information can be found at www.dhd10.org, www.michigan.gov/coronavirus, or www.cdc.com/coronavirus
HealthWest to offer free virtual groups to support mental wellbeing during governor’s stay-at-home order 24-Hour Mental Health Crisis Line: 231-722-HELP (4357)
HealthWest will begin hosting free daily virtual groups to help individuals stay connected and healthy during the governor’s stay-at-home order.
Individuals in services at HealthWest and the general public will be able to participate in these daily online groups, which will promote mental wellbeing and support those living with substance use issues, beginning Wednesday, April 1.
“Social isolation can impact your mental health and lead some individuals to cope through use of drugs and alcohol,” said HealthWest Executive Director Julia Rupp. “These groups will help people stay connected and encourage healthy habits during this crisis.”
Groups will include Smart Recovery substance use recovery meetings, daily talk sessions where individuals can connect directly with mental health professionals, discussions on skills to help cope with the stress and anxiety related to the COVID-19 crisis, and fun activities to allow participants to engage with others.
“Many people in our community live by themselves, including some of those we serve at HealthWest,” said Rupp. “We want to make sure they know that they are not alone even when they are physically isolated.”
HealthWest serves as a vital part of Muskegon County’s public health safety net and is responsible for promoting mental wellbeing throughout the community.
The groups will be hosted virtually on Zoom and Facebook Live. You can follow HealthWest on Facebook @HealthWestMuskegon.
The groups are open to everyone in the community at no charge.
Visit www.HealthWest.net/virtual-groups for a full schedule of available groups, instructions on how to join, and other mental health resources.
Former MCC Students May be Eligible for Debt Forgiveness Program
Former Muskegon Community College students, who have financial holds up to $1,200 with MCC and who have not been enrolled at MCC for three academic years, are being encouraged to re-enroll under an initiative called the MCC Debt Forgiveness Program.
Qualified students may be eligible to have their debt forgiven. In addition to the above requirements, students must also possess and maintain a 2.0 GPA and commit to ongoing support services designed to help them achieve their academic goals.
“The main goal of this debt forgiveness initiative is to get former MCC students, who have left because of a debt owed to the college, to return so that they can graduate with a credential,” added MCC Provost/Executive Vice President John Selmon.
Eligible students for the MCC Debt Forgiveness Program, once approved, must sign a contract for reenrollment and maintain a 2.0 GPA. Students must have a completed FAFSA on file and a means to pay current charges. They will be required to participate in a program geared to provide a wide range of support services. Students who agree to this contract and fulfill it will have their past due balance reduced incrementally over three semesters.
To apply for the MCC Debt Forgiveness Program, one must complete and submit the online application form available at www.muskegoncc.edu/debtforgiveness. The application submission does not guarantee acceptance into the MCC Debt Forgiveness Program. The MCC Care Team will review the request and contact the applicant.
New Filing Schedule
The new system uses alphabetical order to manage web visits and calls. It is being implemented as UIA has moved nearly all of its staff members to customer service positions in order to faster assist Michiganders in filing for benefits. At the same time, the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget is working to expand capacity and infrastructure of the State’s online systems. Potential benefit recipients can help alleviate the system overload by following a few simple steps:
- If you have a computer and the internet, please use the website, not the phone system, to apply for benefits: Michigan.gov/UIA.
- Log onto the website during off-hours for better access – late at night or very early in the morning.
- Please be patient. If the page is loading slowly, DO NOT refresh. Give it a few minutes to load.
- View the online tool kit and frequently asked questions before you apply to ensure that you have the appropriate information and documents you will need on hand.
- If you must use the Call Center, please observe the alphabetical system outlined below beginning this Sunday to help ease the burden.
Online Filing Schedule – Michigan.gov/UIA
- Last names beginning with letters A-L are asked to file claims on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
- Last names beginning with letters M-Z are asked to file claims on Sundays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays.
- Saturdays will be available for anyone who could not file during their allotted window.
Call Center Filing Schedule – 866-500-0017:
- Last names beginning with the letters A-L are asked to call on Mondays and Wednesdays between 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Last names beginning with the letters M-Z are asked to call on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Fridays (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) will be available for anyone who could not file during their allotted window.
When you file will NOT affect whether you are approved for benefits or the amount of payment. You will be compensated from the date you were laid-off or released from your employment. You have 28 days from your last day of work to apply for benefits. UIA understands the urgency that benefit recipients are experiencing, but the fastest way to secure benefits is to follow the UIA guidelines.
The current situation is unprecedented, and UIA is doing everything in its power to ensure that those who are eligible for benefits receive them. Our team is working as quickly as possible to process applications and approve benefits. Your assistance is essential to maximizing our efficiency as we work to help all Michiganders get the financial support they have earned.
For additional resources visit Michigan.gov/UIA.
MICHIGAN SMALL BUSINESS FUNDING
Applications for the Michigan Small Business Relief Program are now open. The MEDC received Michigan Strategic Fund Board approval last week for a $20 million program statewide. Half of the funds will go to grants and other half of the funds will go to loans. Read the grant and loan application fact sheet here.
Muskegon County contact:
Morgan Carroll, Muskegon Area First/Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce
231-286-9497
More resources for Michigan businesses during COVID-19 can be found here.
