Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency serves 10 counties in the northwestern part of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. The award winning organization has offices in Traverse City, Cadillac and Petoskey and works to help people by “linking services, resources and opportunities”.

The Agency is involved in many aspects of housing, education and community services. They offer nutritional programs for seniors including Meals on Wheels and Senior Luncheons. For the younger residents of the communities the agency offers numerous Child Development and HeadStart programs that fit the needs of the parent and bring them into the educational planning process.  NMCAA’s Weatherization program makes homes more energy efficient while saving precious resources for the resident.

NMCAA was the recipient of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority’s 2010 “Housing Counseling Agency of the Year” award in April. This award reflects their comprehensive services to a variety of members in the community. The Agency offers first time home buyer education and counseling, Earned Income Tax Credit education and preparation and Individual Development Accounts for buying a home, starting a business or continuing education. They also have HUD and MSHDA certified Foreclosure Counselors and act as an administrator of MSHDA’s Community Services Block Grants and the Homebuyer Purchase Rehabilitation Program. Throughout its service area, NMCAA serves as lead agency for homeless prevention providing thousands of hours of homeless prevention case management and direct assistance.

The NMCAA also coordinates emergency programs within the community including the annual Walk for Warmth that helps raise funds for families with heating emergencies during the cold months, food distributions and a new concept in Time Banking, where residents strengthen their communities by lending their time and skills.