For decades, community action agencies have continued to uplift families across the U.S. by strategically using federal resources to meet local needs, and our ability to adapt to changing times over the past 60 years has made us one of the most valuable service networks across the nation.
Here in Southwest Michigan, we see the impact community action has had in the lives of countless families, especially in our tri-county area of Berrien, Van Buren and Cass counties, a section of Michigan that often gets overlooked. Like our sister organizations around the state, the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency (SMCAA) has a mission: to work as a hand up, not a handout, to our community members in need.
SMCAA’s programs are often the lifeline required to keep a family from going hungry, losing their home, or not having heat in the dead of winter. Many members of the community – your friends, family members, or neighbors – are often one emergency away from tragedy. SMCAA exists to assist low-income individuals and families in their moments of biggest need.
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For example, when it was discovered that the city of Benton Harbor had elevated lead levels in their water in 2021, the state of Michigan contacted SMCAA to take action. State departments assisted SMCAA in setting up water distribution sites, meeting with local partners and triaging logistics for water delivery. SMCAA distributed more than 600,000 bottles of water for almost two and a half years.
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When families can count on safe water, help with utilities, or rent support, they can focus their limited resources on medications, car repairs and other critical needs. Our programs are designed to help those struggling from falling into further financial distress or to provide a necessary bridge out of the cycle of poverty. In 2024 alone, SMCAA distributed nearly 49,000 USDA food boxes, served more than 5,100 food pantry clients, helped 543 households with utility and water bills, supported 254 households with rent, and sheltered 45 families experiencing homelessness.
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SMCAA also provides stability and hope for thousands of senior citizens living on the brink of poverty. These core programs are designed to assist low-income adults over 65 with alleviating the financial strain of making ends meet, like providing options to weatherize homes so that utilities operate more efficiently in Michigan winters or receiving a monthly CSFP food box to help with food insecurities. When elderly citizens are dependent on monthly support from Social Security checks to survive, these offerings can make all the difference.
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Despite budget cuts and shrinking resources competing with increased demand and higher need, SMCAA has been successful in serving the citizens of Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties. But SMCAA, like the other 27 CAAs across Michigan, faces real threats. The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), a core funder of CAAs, is at risk of elimination. CSBG is the most accountable, performance-driven block grant in existence. Community action agencies can leverage approximately $17 for every $1 provided from CSBG funding – difficult work that is rigorously audited by the government to ensure agencies are operating with efficiency and transparency.
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For SMCAA in particular, federal funding supports our programs and allows us to maintain a family homeless shelter, a food pantry and to employ 20 staff members to meet the needs of those who use our services in all three of our counties. Already in 2025, SMCAA is on track to double food assistance from 2024, which speaks to the high volume of need in Southwest Michigan.
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If this funding disappears, permanently reducing the capability of SMCAA and CAAs everywhere, thousands will feel the loss. The result would be fewer services, staff and lifelines for families facing hardship.
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As residents struggle with rising costs, shrinking resources and increased demand, the need for SMCAA and our sister agencies across the state and nation has never been greater. We hope our fellow Southwest Michiganders will join us in calling upon federal colleagues to support these valuable services.
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SMCAA staff is committed to the tri-county community and we will carry on serving as long as we are able. Our vision is to be a beacon of support in a strong, thriving community by helping people and changing lives. We know in our hearts and minds that to love and aid our neighbors is right, wise and valuable, and we are proud to assist those in need with respect and grace.
Kim Smith Oldham is Executive Director of the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency, which was established in 1982 and has been serving Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties since 1992. Learn more about SMCAA at www.smcaa.com.
SMCAA is the Lifeline We Can't Lose
SMCAA SEEKS COMMUNITY INPUT TO SHAPE FUTURE ANTI-POVERTY EFFORTS
https://www.moodyonthemarket.com/smcaa-seeks-community-input-to-shape-future-anti-poverty-efforts/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook
The Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency (SMCAA) is asking for your input to help it do an even better job of fighting poverty in the region. Since 1982, SMCAA has served Southwest Michigan with programs dedicated to helping end the cycle of poverty for those in its service area.
SMCAA explained the process in a statement:
As an agency operating under the national Community Action Agency umbrella, SMCAA is required to conduct a survey every three years as a part of maintaining eligibility for Community Services Block Grant federal funding. The Community Needs Assessment (CNA) will be available to the public for three months. After which, SMCAA will analyze the results and data accumulated within a comprehensive publicly available report.
This information is vital to the organization, as it not only helps ensure continued funding, but it shapes SMCAA’s strategic planning, programs, development, funding allocations, and more. The collected information is used to assist SMCAA in determining the underlying causes and conditions of local poverty, identifying vulnerable or underserved demographics, and noting gaps in programmatic coverage.
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The wider the reach of the CNA, the better the understanding of the needs of the community, and the more impact it will have on SMCAA’s future endeavors and goals. All residents of Berrien, Cass, or Van Buren counties are asked to participate in this survey. Public input is greatly appreciated by SMCAA, and will help shape the future of Southwest Michigan.
The survey takes an average of five minutes, and the answers and opinions provided go far in continuing SMCAA’s work of empowering diverse people in need.
The Community Needs Survey can currently be accessed on SMCAA’s website – www.smcaa.com – as a pop-up option, or under the Get Involved tab. It’s also available on the SMCAA Facebook page.
United Way of Southwest Michigan offering "Volunteer Tax Income Assistance" to qualifying individuals
The tax preparation service is free to residents making $60,000 or less and need assistance in preparing their tax returns. You must make an appointment and VITA will begin taking appointments on January 23.
Contact and details of what’s needed at an appointment listed below. VITA organizers say their services are by appointment only — no walk-in visits.
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Berrien & Cass counties:
By appointment ONLY for all qualifying residents of Berrien and Cass counties. VITA will begin taking appointments for these counties starting January 23. VITA will offer tax preparation in locations in Benton Harbor, Niles, Cassopolis, and Dowagiac. The address for the location will be given when making the appointment. Clients must remain at the location during tax preparation—no drop-offs.
To make an appointment, call 269.934.3717.
Van Buren County:
By appointment ONLY for all qualifying residents of Van Buren County.
• South Haven – VITA will begin taking appointments for this location starting January 15. Appointments at Senior Services, 8337 M-140 Street, will be held on Wednesdays only from February 7 to March 20. To make an appointment, call 269.468.9410. Hours to call 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Paw Paw – VITA will begin to take appointments for this location starting January 23. The address for the location will be given when making the appointment. Drop-off only, return in two weeks to review and pick up. Drop-offs will be Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-6 p.m. February 1 to March 28. No walk-ins this year. To make an appointment, call 269.934.3717.
All Appointments — WHAT TO BRING:
• Valid picture ID, such as Drivers License, Michigan State ID, Military.
• A copy of last year’s tax return (2022), if you have one.
• Social Security cards for ALL persons listed on the return.
• W-2 and/or 1099 forms from all 2023 jobs.
• 1099-G form, if you or anyone in your household received unemployment Insurance benefits at any time in 2023.
• 1099-INT form, if you received bank interest income in 2023.
• Any statements received from a mortgage company during 2023 or name and address of landlord and amount of rent paid.
• Property tax receipts or bills for taxes paid in 2023.
• IRS notices or letters sent to you or someone in your household during 2023.
• Heating bills from 11/01/22–10/31/23 or contact your utility provider for your 2023 allowable heat credit deduction.
• If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITINs), please bring your ITIN card that was sent to you from the IRS.
• You will need a Social Security number in order to claim the Child Tax Credit.
• Routing number and account number from your bank for your refund to be directly and quickly deposited. You may still receive a paper check.
• If you have received assistance from Department of Health & Human Services in 2023, bring your annual statement.
• Receipts for childcare expenses, including provider’s name, address, and EIN/Social Security number.
• Invoices and/or receipts for residential energy credit.
• Healthy Michigan Marketplace Insurance Information Form 1095-A for 2023.
• If married filing jointly, both spouses must sign the intake form.