Southwest
Michigan
Community
Action
Agency
Helping People. Changing Lives.
SMCAA is dedicated to empowering diverse people in need and supporting their journey towards economic security. Our vision is to be a beacon of support in a strong, thriving community by helping people and changing lives.
Community Action changes peoples lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.
About SMCAA
In 2022, our Agency is celebrating 40 years of assisting the State of Michigan's Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties.
Programs & Services
SMCAA provides a unique combination of programming to meet locally-determined needs and goals.
Volunteer Opportunities
Looking for volunteer opportunities? SMCAA offers volunteering events at our warehouse each month.
Advocacy Efforts
SMCAA helps advocate for community resiliency, solutions to address poverty, and enhance financial stability.
Notice of Public Comment
SMCAA is allowing for a period of public comment on its FY2023 Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Plan as required by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services CSBG State Plan. CSBG funding is planned to be utilized in the Counties of Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren for the general purpose of delivering a variety of housing assistance, emergency assistance, and self-sufficiency programs for low-income residents.
Those who would like to review SMCAA's CSBG Plan may request an available version by emailing Ashley Slack, Operations Manager. You may click HERE to email her.
Public comment regarding this Plan may be made between 8:00am on Monday, August 15, 2022 through 4:30pm on Friday, August 19, 2022 and may be received:
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IN-WRITING
Drop-off at Main Office
185 E. Main St., Ste 303
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
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BY TELEPHONE
Call Ashley Slack
269-925-9077 x 864
Find SMCAA
SMCAA serves the communities of Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties.
Our Agency offers local services for people facing poverty.
Requests for Proposal
SMCAA is seeking contractors for our Weatherization Assistance Program.
View the RFP for Mechanical here.
View the RFP for General here.
For questions or more information on this program, call Sandy Klank: 269-925-9077 x 867.
Community Highlights
COMMUNITY ACTION SERVES
Benton Harbor Water Response
Since September 30, 2021, SMCAA has been offering bottled water to the residents of the City of Benton Harbor following reports of elevated levels of lead in the city-supplied water. It is SMCAA’s belief that clean water is vital to the health of communities and that everyone has the right to safe, clean water.
COMMUNITY ACTION WORKS
40 Years in Southwest Michigan
In 2022, SMCAA celebrates forty years of service to Southwest Michigan. Did you know that Community Action dates back to Present Johnson's War on Poverty in 1964 though? Read more about the Community Action Movement and how almost 1,000 Community Action agencies help people and change lives across the nation.
COMMUNITY ACTION SUPPORTS
SMCAA's Volunteer of the Year!
Marletta Seats was recognized as a Volunteer of the Year at Michigan Community Action Association's Day at the Capitol on May 19, 2022. For over a decade, Marletta has been an active volunteer of SMCAA, offering food commodities at her church in Benton Harbor, and, most recently, acting as a bottled water distribution host site.
Awarded to SMCAA
