Individual Development Accounts (IDA) Program
Wayne Metro's Michigan $AVE$ Individual Development Account (IDA) Program helps people with limited income to save money and build financial assets. The Michigan $AVE$ IDA Program matches client savings to assist them with the purchase of a home, opportunity to start or expand a small business, or pursue higher education.
The Michigan $AVE$ IDA Program is designed to help families with children who are willing to commit to saving money every month for at least 6 months. To be eligible, the participant much be employed and must have been employed for the past 12 months. IDA clients must also be willing to address their credit issues, complete training on homeownership or/micro-business development and financial planning.
Financial Planning - An educational program that helps you manage your money, develop a personal savings and budget plan, manage and repair your credit, and avoid predatory lending.
Homeownership - Every $1 you save in your Michigan $AVE$ IDA account is matched up to $3. You can save $1,000 in an IDA account for a down payment on a first home and receive up to $3,000 in matching funds for a total of $4,000 in homeownership funds.
Small Business/Education - Every $1 saved in your Michigan $AVE$ IDA account is matched up to $2. You can save $1,000 in a Michigan $AVE$ IDA for capital investment and will receive up to $2,000 in matching funds for a total of $3,000 in business ownership funds or funds for educational expenses.
For more information please contact:
Miryam Lulion, Assets Program Coordinator
Wayne Metro C.A.A. Main Service Office
2121 Biddle, Suite 102
Wyandotte, MI 48192
734-284-6999
Financial Management Program
The Financial Management Program is a home purchase and retention program authorized by the State of Michigan to use federal dollars to increase home ownership opportunities for low to moderate income families.
The agency has two Certified Housing Counselors to assist clients with their needs. Services offered through the program can include down payment assistance, financial literacy training, credit repair counseling and home inspections.
Please call Wayne Metro's Main Service Office at 734-955-6752 for the date and time of Wayne Metro's next Pre-buyer Education Session.
For more information please contact:
Sylvia Garrasi, Case Manager
Wayne Metro C.A.A. Region IV Office
26650 Eureka Rd.
Taylor, MI 48180
(734) 955-6752 ext. 234
Dannielle Bills, FSS Programs Manager
Wayne Metro C.A.A. Region IV Office
26650 Eureka Rd.
Taylor, MI 48180
(734) 955-6752 ext. 235
Senior Caregiver Program
Wayne Metro's Senior Caregiver Program offers wellness opportunities to seniors residing in Out-Wayne County and their caregivers. Our new Caring for Seniors Program is especially designed to help our aging residents and those who care for them achieve a better quality of life. The Caring for Seniors Program aims to promote the highest possible level of functioning in regards to mobility, self care and relaxation. Services include:
- Assessment & Evaluation
- Education and Training in Health Maintenance
- Counseling & Referral Services
- Incontinence Supplies (when available)
- MMAP/Mi Cafe
- Support Groups for Caregivers
Services are provided for caregivers and care recipients. However, either the caregiver or the recipient must be 60 years of age or older.
Support Groups meet at various times and locations. Adult care may also be available in Westland only, call (734) 955-6752 ext. 228 for more information.
Wyandotte
Trinity Lutheran Church
465 Oak (5th & Oak)
1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the Month
10:00 am - 12:30 pm
&
Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital
2333 Biddle Ave., 48192
2nd Tuesday of the Month
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Group and Individual Counsel available until 7:00 pm as needed.
Westland
Kay Beard Building
30712 Michigan Avenue
3rd Tuesday of the Month
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Redford (2 locations, Evening Group Available)
Village of Redford
25330 Six Mile Rd.
2nd Thursday of the Month
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
&
Redford Community Center
12121 Hemingway
2nd Tuesday of the Month
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
&
1st Tuesday of the Month
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Romulus
Romulus Senior Center
36525 Bibbins St.
4th Wednesday of the Month
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Woodhaven
Applewood Nursing Home
18500 Van Horn Rd., 48183
4th Tuesday of the Month
6:00 pm -7:30 pm
Support Group Flyer - All locations
For more information, please contact:
Nancy Coman
Senior Services Case Manager/Gerontologist
Wayne Metro CAA Region IV Community Services Center
26650 Eureka Rd.
Taylor, MI 48180
(734) 955-6752 ext. 228
Money Builder Classes
Wayne Metro's Money Building Classes Program is a series of FREE trainings that empower people to take control of their financial situation. Trainings focus on building and repairing credit, getting smart about money, making your money grow and outsmarting predatory lenders. Classes are 2.5 hours long.
Each participant also receives one-on-one credit coaching on their personal credit report. This is a valuable service and it is available at various locations throughout Wayne County.
The program is for people receiving benefits from the Michigan Department of Human Services. DHS clients must complete a DHS referral form.
If you know someone who could benefit from improving their financial stability and they have an active DHS case, let them know about Money Edge. Interested persons must talk with their DHS worker to enter the program. Wayne Metro Money Edge staff can help!
Classes are scheduled regularly. Contact (734) 284-6999 for more information.
For more information please contact:
Wayne Metro C.A.A. Main Service Office
2121 Biddle, Suite 102
Wyandotte, MI 48192
734-284-6999
Foreclosure Intervention Assistance
Wayne Metro's Foreclosure Intervention Assistance Program provides assistance and support to families struggling to keep their home and avoid foreclosure. Classes are led by a MSHDA Certified Housing Counselor and individual foreclosure counseling is also available. There are no fees for counseling or classes.
Foreclosure Awareness Classes are held:
Wednesdays
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Wayne Metro - 2121 Biddle, Wyandotte 48192
- Foreclosure Timeline
- Options & Rights during the Foreclosure Process
- Redemption Period
- Sheriff Sales
- Modifications
- Short Sales
- Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Tips
There are no income guidelines for this program. Program is open to residents in the 42 communities surrounding Detroit and comprising Out-Wayne County.
If you would like to register please call 734-284-6999, ext. 227 for more information. Please click here for more information about the foreclosure intervention program.
Nutrition Programs
Wayne Metro's Nutrition Program assists low-income individuals and families to identify food resources that will help to meet their short and long-term nutritional needs. Since its creation in 1999, the Program has helped to provide information, technical assistance and referral services to more than 124 food pantries and soup kitchens in Out-Wayne County.
As the lead agency in the Food Provider Roundtable, Wayne Metro also coordinates food donations and distributes foods to soup kitchens and food pantries throughout Out-Wayne County from the following resources:
- Banquet Halls
- Business Gatherings
- Parties
- Markets
- Restaurants
- Food Distributors
Farmers Markets
Wayne Metro is experienced in working with local communities to start neighborhood Farmers Markets. Wayne Metro seeks produce vendors (all Michigan grown products) to participate in weekly Farmers Markets in various communities comprising Out-Wayne County.
Community Gardens
Wayne Metro's Community Gardening Program has coordinated the planting and harvesting of more than 61 gardens throughout our service area. These gardens planted and cared for by non-profit and civic organizations, schools, community, social and religious groups, have yielded an estimated 40,000 pounds of fresh produce that helped to feed countless people in need.
Through the Community Garden Program, Wayne Metro provides community organizations with plants and seeds for the garden as well as the expertise of a Master Gardener (as needed) and garden supplies (as available).
Community Gardeners are required to give the produce yielded from the garden to local food pantries or low-income families. Wayne Metro can also assist with referring gardens to local food pantries in need of donations.
Wayne Metro's Community Gardens vary in size and produce that is grown. However, all community gardens must have adequate space, soil and access to water to ensure that plants will thrive. Community Gardens must also have a volunteer base that will regularly care for and harvest the gardens.
For more information, please contact:
Wayne Metro C.A.A. Main Service Office
Shirley Moore, Nutrition Program Manager
2121 Biddle, Suite 102
Wyandotte, MI 48192
(734) 284-6999
Farmers Market Consortium
Wayne Metro's Farmers Market Consortium includes five local farmers markets for the 2011 season. Weekly markets are located in Brownstown, Romulus, Wyandotte, Flat Rock and Riverview.
The Consortium is a collaborative effort with local municipalities to improve access to locally grown produce and food products. Wayne Metro coordinates and oversees market operations in addition to providing technical assistance to the markets. Shoppers are able to use their bridge (EBT) Card, debit and credit cards to purchase items.
Farm Market Vendors must either grow their produce locally or use local ingredients in the creation of their products. All baked goods must be prepared in a commercial, licensed kitchen and adhere to all mandated health codes. Wayne Metro is proud to support local farmers and local businesses.
The dates and times of the 2011 Farmers Markets are:
Brownstown Farmers Market
Tuesdays, 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
June 14, 2011- September 27, 2011
23451 King Rd., Brownstown, 48134
(East of Telegraph)
Romulus Farmers Market
Wednesdays, 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
June 15, 2011- September 28, 2011
11147 Hunt, Romulus, 48174
(Between Bibbins and Goddard)
Wyandotte Farmers Market
Thursdays through October 16, 2011
12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
102 Elm St.
wyandottefarmersmarket.com
Riverview Farmers Market
Fridays, 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
July 8, 2011 – September 30, 2011
Sibley Rd. at Library Drive, Riverview, 48192
(Between Allen and Fort St.)
Flat Rock Farmers Market
Saturdays, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
June 18, 2011 – September 24, 2011
Arsenal & W. Huron River Dr., Flat Rock 48134
(Huroc Park)
Wayne Metro is seeking additional vendors for the 2011 season. For more information on becoming a vendor at any of the farmers markets in the Consortium, please contact Carol Meyers at (734) 284-6999 ext. 230.
For more information, please contact:
Wayne Metro C.A.A. Main Service Office
Carol Meyers, Stability & Life Skills Programs Director
2121 Biddle, Suite 102
Wyandotte, MI 48192
(734) 246-2280 ext. 230
Maximus - Medicaid Enrollment Program
Wayne Metro's Maximus - Medicaid Enrollment Program helps persons approved for Medicaid benefits through the State of Michigan to receive information and education regarding their benefit options. Wayne Metro employs two Counselors to enroll Medicaid participants into the Medicaid program of their choice. Most services are provided via phone.
For more information please contact:
Dearborn Service Center
7560 Littlefield Blvd
Dearborn, MI 48126
Marisela Aragon, Michigan Enrolls Counselor
(313) 933-9843
Or
Shama Mounzer, Michigan Enrolls Counselor
(313) 933-9845
Ms. Aragon speaks fluent Spanish and Ms. Mounzer speaks fluent Arabic.
MSHDA Family Self-Sufficiency Program
The MSDHA Family Self-Sufficiency Program is administered through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority's (MSHDA) Housing Choice Voucher Rental Assistance Program. Families living in assisted housing are often subject to a many personal and financial troubles and have a limited ability to change their status.
Through the F.S.S. Program, MSHDA provides housing assistance, an interest-bearing escrow account, and the general coordination of the FSS program. Program participants pay a portion of the housing costs relative to their income and MSHDA subsidizes the balance. When the family's income increases, the family pays more money monthly for rent. Under the FSS program, as the tenant pays more for rent, MSHDA makes a monthly deposit into their account based on the amount their rent changes due to change in their earned income. At the successful completion of the contract, the head of household receives escrow monies. Escrow funds can be used towards a down payment towards a home, educational expenses, or to pay off debt.
*Please Note: Participants must have a MSHDA Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8 Voucher) to participate in this program. Participants must enroll in the FSS Program by contacting their Housing Agent.
For more information contact:
Wayne Metro C.A.A. Region IV Office
26650 Eureka Rd.
Taylor, MI 48180
Sylvia Garrasi, FSS Resource Coordinator
(734) 955- 6752 ext. 234
Dannielle Bills, FSS Programs Manager
(734) 955-6752 ext. 235
Free Tax Preparation Program (EITC Program)
Wayne Metro has partnered with the Wayne County Asset Building Coalition to provide free tax preparation and wealth building classes to families making up to $50,000 throughout Wayne County.
Wayne Metro's trained tax preparers filed 3,200 returns in 2010 bringing over $1.56 million dollars in returns back to low and moderate-income families. Individuals and families earning less that $49,000 a year are eligible to receive free tax preparation services!
Wayne Metro's Free Tax Program is unique in that the program offers accessible services throughout Wayne County, with different times and locations. While appointments are encouraged, walk-ins are also accepted.
Wayne Metro's Free Tax Program is currently looking for volunteers to help prepare taxes for low-income families. Free training to become IRS certified is free. Complete the Tax Program's Volunteer Application to get started.
What you need to bring to get your taxes done:
Your Social Security Card
Social Security Cards for all claimed dependents*
Valid Picture ID
Proof of Income
- Wages (all Forms W-2)
- Social Security Disability (1099-SSDA)
- Gambling/Lottery Winnings (Form W-2G)
- Interest and Dividends (Form 1099-INT and/or 1099-DIV)
- Unemployment (Form 1099-G)
- Pension (Form 1099-R)
- Miscellaneous Income (Form 1099-Misc)
- Other relevant information about income
- Supplemental Security Income (Form 1099-SSI/Form 1099-SSD), Letter from SSA
- VA total monthly benefit or sum for the year from the Dept. of Veterans Affairs
Proof of Expenses
- Total amount paid for day care and the day care provider's tax identification number(the individual's Social Security #)
- Student Loan Interest, Tuition and Expenses.
- Total amount of Heating Costs paid in 2008.
- Bank or Credit Union name, routing number and account numbers.
- Proof of taxable value of your home and amount of property taxes paid for summer and winter.
- Mortgage Interest (Form 1098)
- Lease or rental contract for the tax year.
- Landlord's name, address & zip codes.
- Copy of last year federal and state tax returns.
For more information please contact:
Wayne Metro C.A.A. Main Service Office
2121 Biddle, Suite 102
Wyandotte, MI 48192
734-284-6999
Energy Education Program
Wayne Metro's Energy Education Program teaches individuals how to lower their energy bills using easy and low-cost tips. Suggested changes can have a big impact on a household's utility costs. Classes are typically about 2 hours and provide many tips to conserve energy.
For more information please contact:
Wayne Metro C.A.A. Main Service Office
2121 Biddle, Suite 102
Wayndotte, MI 48192
734- 284-6999
Employment Linkages
Wayne Metro's Employment & Training Program works to improve client job readiness and skill level. Employment counselors help to identify barriers that can hinder or delay employment and then develop Individualized Service Plans based on client goals. Intake Services/Service Planning begins with a one-to-one interview to determine eligibility, review applicable services, complete Service Plan and schedule participation in the E & T Program. Programs include:
Coffee Clutch Services-Employment Support Group - This employment support group meets weekly and is facilitated by Wayne Metro job placement case managers. The services provided include: pre-employability skills training, resume development, establishment of references, updated information regarding job search/follow-up techniques, counseling regarding "soft skills" necessary for success, extensive array of job leads, access to internet, e-mail service, fax, copier and mailing service. Bus tickets and gas money are available where applicable. Complete job search and career planning resources and support provided to customers. One-to one individual case manager appointments are scheduled as needed/requested.
Work Experience Program - This program is designed for up to 8 weeks of on-the-job paid work experience. It serves to enhance the customer's marketability, learn new skills or remediate old skills. Upon successful completion of the on-the-job training experience, the customer returns for job placement assistance with an upgraded resume, letter of recommendation and work references.
Support Services Program - This program is designed to help with employment maintenance while giving on-going support and counseling for customers that show progress in achieving their vocational planning and placement goals. Eligible participants include those customers that go to work, participate in a vocational/academic skills training or work experience/OJT program. Support services are individualized to customers needs and may include: uniforms/clothing for work, tools/supplies for work or training, auto repair, bus pass, driver's license restoration, certifications/licensure, text books, and other vocational needs in accordance with the customer's service plan.
Job Clubs/Pre-employability skills training/Individual career counseling - The E & T department utilizes several different service delivery formats. It is contingent upon clientele served and the individual career planning/job placement needs of the customers.
Computer Training - This is a free service to eligible customers with regularly scheduled classes that are taught by Wayne Metro case managers. The curriculum is divided into two parts that include: Basic Exposure to Computers and Using the Internet in a Job Search. This is a certificate program.
The Community Educational Program - This program helps to facilitate life-long learning and overall growth. An informational library relating to various trainings and educational opportunities including financial aid and class scheduling information is available to all E & T customers.
For more information please contact:
Tom McCollister, Employment & Training Program Director
Wayne Metro C.A.A. Main Service Office
2121 Biddle, Suite 102
Wyandotte, MI 48192
734-284-6999