SMCAA in the News

Jul 20, 2023

Congratulations MCA Leadership Development Institute Class of 2023!

Two SMCAA staff members graduate from MCA's Leadership Development Institute

Jul 6, 2023

SMCAA acquires Cass County Housing Resource Agency

The Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency (SMCAA) announced on Wednesday that they have acquired the Cass County Housing Assessment Resource Agency (HARA).

Jun 22, 2023

We got talent: South Bend Regional Chamber unveils Forty under 40 class of 2023

SMCAA Operations Manager awarded Michiana 40 Under 40.

Jun 16, 2023

EPA Lifts Drinking Water Order For Benton Harbor

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has lifted its order directing the City of Benton Harbor to correct issues at its water plant.

Feb 28, 2023

Take Additional Steps Against Sources Of Lead In Your Home

With 99.5% of lead service lines replaced in the City of Benton Harbor, the state is continuing its all hands on deck attempt to make safe drinking water available to residents in the City of Benton Harbor.

Jan 18, 2023

BH Residents Urged To Stay Vigilant Against Lead

With 99.4% of lead service lines replaced in the City of Benton Harbor, the state is continuing its all hands on deck attempt to make safe drinking water available to residents in the City of Benton Harbor.

Dec 15, 2022

State to decrease bottled water distribution in Benton Harbor

Bottled water sits outside a home along Jennings Avenue in Benton Harbor in July as crews continue lead line replacement across the city.

Dec 13, 2022

State Adjusting Benton Harbor Bottled Water Distribution Plan

With 99.4% of lead service lines now replaced in the city of Benton Harbor, the state is adjusting its bottled water distribution plan.

Dec 7, 2022

SMCAA and Whirlpool Announce 7th Annual Holiday Food Drive

In an effort to spread good tidings and holiday cheer. The Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency (SMCAA) announced today its seventh-annual Holiday Food Sharing Program, sponsored by the City of Benton Harbor, Whirlpool Corporation, and the PGA of America.

Dec 2, 2022

Homes With Children A Top Priority For BH Lead Inspection Program

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHSS) continues to remind residents in the City of Benton Harbor to take advantage of the free in-home lead inspection program. The program is offered as part of the historic Benton Harbor Water Project, which is now 99 percent complete.

Dec 1, 2022

Holiday Food Sharing Program Application Deadline Is December 16

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Nov 19, 2022

PGA and Wolf Financial jointly donate $25,000 to Stuff-A-Truck

Two big donations pushed Stuff A Truck’s 26th Annual Food Drive to a record-breaking level of donations.

Nov 18, 2022

PGA of America, Wolf Financial combine to donate $25k to Stuff-a-Truck

Two large donations have pushed the 26th annual Stuff A Truck food drive to a record-breaking level of donations.

Nov 11, 2022

Y-Country’s Stuff A Truck Starts Monday

“The Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency is basically the local food bank for Berrien, Cas County, and some of Van Buren County,” Layendecker said.

Nov 2, 2022

Cassopolis gets $300K, SMCAA $500K toward energy-efficient home upgrades

One southwest Michigan community and one local nonprofit have received a boost in government funding.

Sep 7, 2022

SMCAA Earns National Award in New York City

The National Community Action Partnership recognized SMCAA with the Promise in Action Award at a gala in NYC on September 1, 2022.

Jul 7, 2022

State updates bottled water pickup in Benton Harbor

Cases of bottled water are pictured outside a home along Territorial Road in Benton Harbor. Many residents continue to use bottled water as lead lines are replaced at homes throughout the city.

Jun 20, 2022

Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency Named to 20 Best Places to Work for 2022

Best Places to Work recognizes the type of business that everyone would like to work at – they’re the businesses that are going above and beyond for their team and the community, setting the gold standard for others to aspire to.

Jun 17, 2022

Benton Harbor recycling program brings in more than 16,000 lbs. of empty water bottles

At the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency, hundreds of thousands of water bottles are distributed every week.

Jun 16, 2022

Benton Harbor offering Summer Youth Employment Program

A summer youth employment program is being held by the city of Benton Harbor.