Housing Resources

Housing and Urban Development (HUD) www.hud.gov New Federal programs and grants available to help homeowners avoid foreclosure (enacted as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009).

Down Payment Assistance Program https://www.michigan.gov/downpayment Funds (up to $7,500) available to qualifying low to moderate income home-buyers to help purchase a home.

MSHDA Graduate Purchase Assistance Program http://www.michigan.gov/mshda/0,4641,7-141-59976_41342_42028-153333–,00.html A new state program that helps recent college graduates buy homes in Michigan at reduced interest rates and with zero interest down payment assistance.

Property Improvement Program Low interest home improvement loans (up to $50,000) available to eligible single-family homeowners of low-to-moderate income (up to $65,000, or $74,750 in certain areas). Home equity is not required for loans $25,000 and under. Eligible landlords can borrow up to $25,000 per unit, with a maximum outstanding limit of $100,000 per borrower. Eligible properties cannot have more than 11 units. There are no income requirements for landlords, but the rental units must meet MSHDA rental limit guidelines. Loans can be used to improve furnaces, insulation, siding and many more permanent home improvements. For more information and how to apply visit: http://www.michigan.gov/mshda/0,1607,7-141-49317—,00.html When you are ready to apply for the loan contact your county agent and lender.

Capital Area Housing Partnership—East Lansing Capital Area Housing Partnership develops strong, diverse neighborhoods with a focus on affordable housing, home ownership, and financial security in mid-Michigan. Visit https://www.capitalareahousing.org/

Meridian Township Community Resources Commission 5151 Marsh Rd. Okemos, MI 48864 517-853-4000 http://www.meridian.mi.us/government/boards-and-commissions/community-resources-commission Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday Specialist: Darla Jackson (517) 853-4204 Jackson@meridian.mi.us. Provides information and assistance and offers some direct services such as tax hardship representation and tax assistance, holiday food baskets, last resort emergency needs funds. Deals with any problem. Accessible on bus line. Appointments are available on a walk-in basis. Eligibility: Meridian Township residents of any age Cost: None

Lansing Housing Commission 419 Cherry Street Lansing, MI 48933 (517) 487-6550 http://www.lanshc.org/ The Lansing Housing Commission is the Public Housing Authority in Lansing, MI. Through its public housing and home ownership programs, the Lansing Housing Commission provides families, senior citizens, and disabled individuals the ability to seek and retain decent, safe, affordable housing.

Financial Resources

Greenpath Debt Solutions 2035 Asher Ct. East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 336-9400 http://www.greenpath.com/ Provides financial counseling in a confidential and dignified manner by trained counselors. They help families work out an orderly debt repayment program and provide sound money management information on budgeting and the wise use of credit. They may also pull credit reports. Anyone seeking services is eligible. The initial interview is free.

MSU Federal Credit Union 3777 W. Rd. Lansing, MI 48823 1-800-MSU-4YOU www.msufcu.org Provides services for debt and loan consolidation and classes on financial management. Call for more information.

MSU Employee Discounts Discounts for MSU staff and faculty on retail purchases, entertainment, travel and much more. https://www.hr.msu.edu/benefits/discounts/index.html

MSU Extension 5303 S. Cedar Lansing, MI 48911 517-887-4588 121 E. Maple St. P.O. Box 319 (517)676-7207 https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/ Resources below compiled by the Family Economics and Consumerism Team of MSU Extension

Personal Finance A helpful guide to managing your money and saving during this tough economic time. Tips for managing stress and stretching your dollar at the gas pump, the grocery store and on family activities. http://msue.anr.msu.edu/resources/extension_personal_finance

Free Annual Credit Reports www.annualcreditreport.com This website offers a free credit report once per year from each of the nationwide credit reporting companies; Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

Debt Management Resources Power Pay—https://powerpay.org/ Online resource to help individuals in debt learn how to create a spending plan and a saving plan to get out of debt.

• 40 Money Management Tips Every College Student Should Know www.smartaboutmoney.org/40moneytips
• Financial Security for All—http://articles.extension.org/personal_finance

Earned Income Tax Credits and Other Tax Credits www.michiganeic.org/  Who qualifies for the Federal EITC? Below are links to YouTube broadcasts that outline the EITC here in Michigan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?hl=en-GB&gl=GB&v=fX5HHrMyi_I (short version)    https://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=GB&hl=en-GB&v=y3y6qxfQkp8(long version)

Planning for Retirement

Financial Security in Later Life National Resources www.extension.org/pages/Financial_Security:_Retirement_Planning

Ballpark Estimate An easy to use online worksheet that helps you figure out how much you need to save for retirement. http://www.choosetosave.org/ballpark/

Social Security Online www.socialsecurity.gov Social Security has developed a Retirement Benefit Application Portal. The site offers information on how to apply for retirement benefits, how to estimate your benefits online, and when you will start receiving benefits.

Investing For Your Future http://www.extension.org/pages/Investing_for_Your_Future Eleven‐unit home‐study course was developed by the Cooperative Extension system for beginning investors with small dollar amounts to invest at any one time.

Food & Emergency Assistance

Michigan Department of Health & Human Services 5303 S. Cedar, Building 4 Lansing, MI 48911-3800 http://www.michigan.gov/dhs Ingham County: 517-887-9400 Eaton County: 517-543-0860 Clinton County: 989-224-5500 Shiawasee County: 989-725-3200 Hours: 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Call in hours are 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Child and Adult Protective Services available 24 hours. Offers a variety of services for low-income individuals. Handles applications and assistance for Medicaid, food stamps, State Emergency Relief (SER) for utilities, rent, home repair and back taxes, Family Independence Program (FIP), State Disability Assistance (SDA), Employment Support services, Child Day Care and Welfare services and adult services (home help services, protective services, adult foster care, etc.). Volunteers may be available for filling out applications. Child and Adult Protective Services also handles calls (can be anonymous) regarding abuse, neglect or exploitation of vulnerable children and adults. The agency investigates these situations and takes necessary action if needed, utilizing the least restrictive procedures to provide these services including social and legal intervention.

South Side Community Coalition 2101 W. Holmes Rd Lansing, MI 48910 (517) 394-3217 https://www.southsidecommunitycoalition.com/ The South Side Community Coalition Center provides services to the community. There is a food closet and clothes closet, and an updated list of job offers from the local community for those seeking employment. There are computers with internet access available for increasing job skills, after school homework, and tutoring. There are programs for youth and seniors, as well as an outreach specialist who can help you sign up for health insurance and assistance.

Greater Lansing Food Bank http://greaterlansingfoodbank.org GLFB feeds people. They make certain that everyone in our community has access to nutritious food because no one should ever go hungry. GLFB gets its food from retailers, the USDA, food producers, purchased goods, and from food drive donations. GLFB serves everyone at risk, because hunger does not discriminate. They provide emergency food to families and children; retirees; and veterans who have served our country. They serve people who look just like you and me. GLFB helps people to perform better at work and school and at home, because food is a basic need. Remember, no one ever plans to be hungry.

St. John’s Student Parish Food Bank 327 M.A.C. E. Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 337-9778 The food bank is open each Saturday morning during the academic school year from 9:00-11:00 AM, and one Saturday a month in the summer. No referral is needed. MSU students, East Lansing residents, and parish members are eligible.

Michigan 211 https://www.mi211.org/ Michigan 2-1-1 is an easy way to connect with help of all kinds, right in your community. Need help with food, housing, or paying bills? Need support in a family crisis or community disaster? We’re here for you. Any time. All the time. Just call, text, or search online and we’ll get you connected.

MSU Student Food Bank http://foodbank.msu.edu The MSU Student Food Bank provides free food and related items to students facing food insecurity or in need of assistance. The Student Food Bank provides supplemental support; they do not supply all the food you will need for two weeks. Their goal is to cut your grocery bill, at least, in half. They always have vegetables, fruits, soups, pasta or rice, and at least one protein. Cereal and other items available for your selection at a distribution. Additionally, they almost always have fresh produce, bread, and MSU Dairy Store cheese available at distributions. If you need additional food they can help by referring you to other food programs in the East Lansing area. The MSU Student Food Bank is a welcoming and supportive student community. MSU undergraduate and graduate students (and their families) who do not have an on-campus meal plan are eligible for this service.