Blog Post
University of Michigan Housing Bureau for Seniors Tax Preparation Assistance
by monkk
The University of Michigan Housing Bureau for Seniors is offering assistance with federal and state tax returns, back taxes, property tax concerns, and poverty exemption applications to lower property tax bills. There are no age limits for these services. Assistance will be available on Fridays from February 6 to April 8 and on Wednesdays February 10, March 9 & and March 30. There is limited walk-in availability, and appointments are preferred. To make an appointment, call Dare Adewole at 734-998-9341.
Blog Post
Want to Save Yourself Money This Tax Season?
by monkk
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is a nationwide program sponsored by the IRS that is available during tax season. Volunteers provide basic tax preparation assistance to individuals and families with a household income of approximately $53,000 a year or less. An alternative program helps you prepare your own taxes if your income is below $60,000 a year.
This service allows low-income families to file their taxes for free - without expensive tax prep services or predatory refund-anticipation loans. The United Way of Washtenaw County VITA program also helps you receive valuable tax credits or programs that you may be eligible for, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and Home Heating Credit.
The VITA Program ensures that low-income individuals receive the maximum refund possible, to meet their own pressing basic needs or save for the future. In 2015, the United Way of Washtenaw County VITA Program returned approximately $375,000 to the community.
The United Way of Washtenaw County VITA Program offers a few services:
* Full-service tax preparation: Available by appointment only, February 4-April 6. Schedule your appointment now by calling 734-677-7235 or email vita@uwwashtenaw.org.
* Onsite or At-Home Self-Preparation: For taxpayers that do not qualify for full-service tax prep or those who prefer to do their own taxes with a "coach" available. Tax coach assistance is available over the phone or onsite if you have questions or need help. Free help is available from 1-855-698-9435. MyFreeTaxes.com is a free service for individuals with a combined income of $62,000 or less in 2015. Access from any computer with internet access and file your taxes for free.
* Scan & Go: For qualifying tax clients at select locations. Have your documents scanned and your tax return will be prepared off-site to be picked up by you in one or two weeks.
Blog Post
Leading a Self-Determined Life...
by Beth Manuel
For people with disabilities, navigating social support systems & government benefits can be an uphill climb. Listen to a couple of local self-advocates- Peg Ball and Lloyd Shelton- share their take on the best ways to engage in self-advocacy in the areas of Public Benefits, Education, Housing & Careers. Peg is a life coach,a person with a disability and has extensive experience with both Center for Independent Living and PPA. Lloyd now works for U of M after getting his MSW there, and is an organizer for students with disabilities at the University. The workshop will be held at the Center for Independent Living on Thursday, January 7th from 3:00-4:30 PM. The talk is sponsored by Partners in Personal Assistance in partnership with the CIL. Please RSVP by calling PPA, 734-214-3890 or CIL, 734-971-0277.
Blog Post
Warming Centers and Stations Up and Running for Winter
by iralax
Washtenaw County is again expanding its daytime and overnight warming to provide safe, warm spaces for individuals experiencing homelessness during severe winter weather.
To address these very real needs, the Winter Emergency Shelter/Warming Center Response work group has worked with local agency partners to provide additional beds this winter. In addition to the 50 beds at the Delonis Shelter, an Overnight Warming Center will be hosted by three congregations on a rotating basis thru March 30th of 2015 from 7pm-7am, and operated by Shelter Association of Washtenaw County (SAWC).
Overnight Warming Center participants are required to check in between 7 pm and 8 pm at Delonis Center, 312 West Huron Street. Individuals will be screened for access to housing resources, then will be bused to the offsite location. At 7:00 am each morning, participants will be transported to the Saint Andrew’s breakfast program.
The Daytime Warming Centers will be open 9 am-4 pm each day and participants will be required to give their name every day they attend to keep track of the community need. Monday-Friday daytime warming center will be at the churches on a rotation basis, with the Delonis Center operating Saturday and Sunday from 7:45 am to 7 pm.
In cases of extreme cold, when public schools are closed (20 below, with or without wind chill), additional temporary warming stations will also be available to any Washtenaw County resident. Individuals in Washtenaw County who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness can call 734-961-1999. For more information about the warming center, please contact Andrea Plevek at pleveka@ewashtenaw.org or 734-544-3039.
Crafts
Tiny Expo: Indie Art & Craft Fair
Saturday December 12, 2015: 11:00am to
5:30pm
Downtown Library Lobby
Blog Post
Free safety gear
by Sunny29
The getDowntown program and the Downtown Development Authority are looking to supply commuters with free reflective gear. Beginning this month, employees who work in Downtown Ann Arbor have access to free lights and reflective wrist and ankle bands to keep them safe on their trek to and from work. Those that are interested can stop by the getDowntown office located at the Blake Transit Center, 328 S. Fifth Ave., or email info@getdowntown.org to request delivery of an item to any downtown work place.
Ride on, and travel safe!
Exhibits
Opportunities for Veterans: A Look at Housing, Employment, and Your Rights
Tuesday February 9, 2016: 6:30pm to
8:00pm
Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room
Blog Post
Warming Center Schedule 2015-2016
by Sunny29
Thus far, Michigan has thankfully been spared from the extremely harsh weather of years past. But for those that don't have a reliable place to stay, many hours exposed to the elements can exacerbate an already difficult situation. The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County has released the following information about the Delonis Centers' Overnight Warming Center.
Please note that interested parties must have a referral from Housing Access, and need to meet the definition of "literally homeless." You can contact Housing Access at (734) 961-1999 M, W, F 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., and T-Th 8:30 a.m.- 7:00 p.m. Drug or alcohol use are not allowed on site and is grounds for trespass.
Warming Center Details:
Opens: November 16th 2015
Closes: March 28th 2016
Sign-In is at 9:00 p.m. People may stay inside at the Delonis Center beginning at dinner until sign in. Clients must leave at 7:00 a.m. Breakfast is served at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 304 N. Division St. beginning at 7:30 a.m.
If you have any questions, please contact Ellen Schulmeister at schule@ewashtenaw.org. Details about a Daytime Warming Center will be released at a later date.
Blog Post
Double Up Food Bucks Program Extended!
by Beth Manuel
If you receive Public Food Assistance, you can receive Double Up Food Bucks and buy twice the amount of goods at area Farmer's Markets. This program allows recipients to spend any amount up to $20.00 per day using your Bridge Card to purchase Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB). Double that $20 to $40 by spending it on healthy, delicious Farmers Market foods like locally-grown fruits & vegetables. What a fantastic way to stretch your food budget and how cool is it that this program was extended into Spring of 2016!
Blog Post
Foreclosure Prevention Deadline
by Sunny29
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) will close its Step Forward Michigan foreclosure prevention program website to new applicants on December 31, 2015. All homeowners in need of assistance must register with Step Forward Michigan by December 31, 2015 and submit the complete application package by January 31, 2016 in order to be considered on a first come, first serve basis. Applications already received will continue to be actively reviewed. They may also call 866-946-7432 to start a Step Forward Michigan application before the deadline.
**Last Date to Apply for Funds is December 31, 2015**
Since July 2010, Michigan’s Hardest Hit Fund program has assisted over 28,381 homeowners who were unemployed, underemployed, delinquent on their mortgage, property taxes, or condominium association dues, or owed more than the value of their home. Over $253 million has been disbursed to participating mortgage lenders, counties and condominium associations.
Step Forward has paid real property taxes to counties, schools, cities, and townships since 2013 to prevent tax foreclosure. A total of 9,434 homeowners have received property tax assistance from Step Forward Michigan with a net disbursement total of $71,541,364.13. In Washtenaw County, Step Forward has paid real property taxes in the amount of almost
$2 million to nearly 200 families, preventing tax foreclosure.
Call the County Treasurer, Catherine McClary, at 734-222-6600 or e-mail taxes@ewashtenaw.org if you would like assistance in applying.