Benton Harbor, MI
Community Resources

Description: 

TCATA provides affordable public transportation for Benton Harbor residents who need access to work, medical appointments, grocery stores, and other essential services. It includes fixed-route, on-demand, and paratransit transportation.

What It Offers: 

Fixed-route bus service, Dial-A-Ride transportation, TCATA Go on-demand rides, paratransit services, and reduced fares for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

How to Apply: 

Visit https://www.tcata.info/ or call (269) 927-4461.

Documents Needed: 

No documents are required for regular services. Reduced fare programs may require proof of age or disability.

Description: 

Tri-County Head Start provides free early childhood education and family support services for low-income families in Benton Harbor and throughout Berrien County.

What It Offers: 

Head Start, Early Head Start, school readiness programs, family services, health screenings, meals, and developmental support for children ages 0-5.

How to Apply: 

Visit https://flowersearlylearning.org/ or call (800) 792-0366.

Documents Needed: 

Proof of income, birth certificate, immunization records, and household information may be required.

Description: 

Feeding America West Michigan helps individuals and families facing food insecurity by providing access to mobile food pantries and partner food distributions throughout Ionia County.

What It Offers: 

Mobile food pantries, fresh produce, dairy products, emergency food assistance, and referrals to local food resources.

How to Apply: 

Visit https://www.feedwm.org/findfood/ or call (269) 926-2646

Documents Needed: 

Most distributions do not require extensive documentation. Requirements may vary by location.

Description: 

SMCAA assists individuals and families facing financial hardship, housing instability, eviction, or homelessness throughout Berrien County.

What It Offers: 

Rent assistance, mortgage assistance, supportive housing, housing counseling, emergency assistance, utility assistance, and homelessness prevention services.

How to Apply: 

Visit https://www.smcaa.com/ or call (269) 925-9077.

Documents Needed: 

Photo ID, proof of income, lease or mortgage information, utility bills, and documentation of financial hardship may be required.

Description:  

SMCAA provides supportive housing and housing stabilization services for eligible households experiencing homelessness or facing a housing crisis.

What It Offers:  

Permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, housing voucher assistance, case management, and supportive services.

How to Apply:  

Call (269) 925-9077 or visit https://www.smcaa.com/

Documents Needed:  

Identification, proof of income, and housing-related documentation may be required based on program eligibility.

Description:

SHARE Mobility offers customized transportation solutions, assisting companies and job

seekers by addressing commuting challenges for shift and remote workers. This service helps

with transportation to work.

What It Offers:

Commuter shuttles, ride services, fleet optimization, and route planning for teams of all sizes.

How to Apply:

Visit the SHARE Mobility website to explore options and request information.

Documents Needed:

Contact SHARE Mobility to confirm specific requirements.

Description:

MI 211 is a statewide resource network that connects Michigan residents with essential

community services and support, from food and housing assistance to mental health and

employment services. Available 24/7, this helpline offers personalized guidance to help

individuals and families meet their immediate needs and achieve long-term stability.

What It Offers: 

Information and referrals to local services, including housing assistance, food

programs, utility help, employment resources, mental health support, and more.

How to Apply:

Dial 2-1-1 from any phone in Michigan or visit the MI 211 website to search for resources online.

Documents Needed: 

Varies by service; a 211 representative can advise on any necessary

documentation for specific assistance programs.

Description:

Healthy Michigan Plan (Medicaid) provides healthcare coverage to low-income individuals and

families, including essential services like doctor visits, prescriptions, and preventive care. This employment resource in Michigan supports job seekers by ensuring access to health services.

What It Offers:

Medical services include doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and preventive care.

How to Apply:

● Online: Via MI Medicaid

● Phone: Call Michigan Enrolls at 1-888-367-6557

● In-Person: At an MDHHS office

Documents Needed: 

Proof of identity, residency, income, and household size.

Description:

WIC offers nutrition education and food vouchers to pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and

young children, promoting family health and supporting Michigan’s workforce. As part of

Michigan’s job readiness resources, this program helps young families access nutritious food

and healthcare referrals.

What It Offers: Vouchers for nutritious foods, nutrition advice, and health care referrals.

How to Apply:

● Online: Apply via MI WIC

● Phone: Contact a local WIC agency office

● In-Person: Schedule an appointment at a WIC clinic

Documents Needed: 

Proof of identity, residency, income, and medical or health information as

required.

Description:

The CDC Program helps families with childcare costs, which may include transportation needs

related to childcare, making it easier for Michigan job seekers to attend work or training.

What It Offers:

Financial support for childcare services and may also help cover transportation

needs related to childcare.

How to Apply:

● Step to Apply: CDC

● Apply Online: Child Development of Care

● Apply through the MDHHS portal or at a local MDHHS office.

Documents Needed: 

Proof of income, residency, and childcare needs.

Description:

YMCA locations across Michigan provide affordable daycare, preschool, and after-school

programs, often with scholarships or financial aid. YMCA services contribute to Michigan’s

resources for job seekers by offering childcare solutions.

What It Offers: 

Affordable daycare, preschool, and after-school care programs.

How to Apply:

● Apply Online: YMCA

● Contact your local YMCA branch for program details and financial assistance options.

Documents Needed: 

Documents may vary based on location; contact your local YMCA for

specifics.

Description:

These federal programs offer early childhood education and nutrition services, supporting

low-income families in Michigan as they work toward employment readiness.

What It Offers:

Preschool and childcare programs, along with health and nutrition support.

How to Apply:

Locate a nearby program via the Head Start Locator and contact them directly.

Documents Needed:

Proof of income, residency, and child’s age.

Description:

The Child Care Assistance Program, offered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human

Services (MDHHS), provides financial support for child care to low-income families, helping

parents access affordable care while they work, attend school, or complete job training.

What It Offers: 

Financial assistance to cover partial or full child care costs at approved

providers, including licensed child care centers, group homes, family homes, and relative care

providers.

How to Apply:

Apply online through the MDHHS Child Care Assistance website or visit a local MDHHS office

for in-person assistance.

Documents Needed: 

Proof of income, residency, employment or school enrollment, and details

about the child care provider.

Description:

Michigan’s Food Assistance Program (FAP), part of the federal Supplemental Nutrition

Assistance Program (SNAP), provides food resources for low-income households, supporting

their nutritional needs as they work toward job readiness. This state support program offers an

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to help individuals purchase food at participating stores. 

What It Offers:

An EBT card to purchase approved food items, providing direct support for household food

needs.

How to Apply:

● Online: Visit the MI Bridges portal.

● In-Person: Go to your local Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

(MDHHS) office.

Documents Needed:

Applicants must provide proof of identity, income, expenses, and Michigan residency.

Description:

The Food Assistance Employment and Training (FAE&T) Program, offered by Michigan’s

Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), provides employment and training

services to individuals receiving food assistance, supporting them in gaining skills to enter the

workforce and achieve self-sufficiency.

What It Offers: 

The program offers career counseling, job search assistance, training

programs, and educational resources for eligible food assistance recipients, helping them build

employable skills and secure job placements.

How to Apply:

Visit the Michigan FAE&T Program website for more details on eligibility and to apply.

Alternatively, inquire at your local Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

(MDHHS) office for assistance.

Documents Needed: 

Proof of eligibility for food assistance, identification, and any relevant

documents required by MDHHS.

Description:

SER offers financial help for households facing emergencies, such as utility shutoffs or eviction.

As a vital workforce assistance program in Michigan, SER helps job seekers and workers stay

secure and stable in times of crisis.

What It Offers:

Aid for utilities, housing, and home repairs.

How to Apply:

● Online: Through MI SER

● In-Person: Visit an MDHHS office

Documents Needed: 

Proof of emergency situation, income, and household expenses.

Description:

MI 211 is a statewide resource network that connects Michigan residents with essential

community services and support, from food and housing assistance to mental health and

employment services. Available 24/7, this helpline offers personalized guidance to help

individuals and families meet their immediate needs and achieve long-term stability.

What It Offers: 

Information and referrals to local services, including housing assistance, food

programs, utility help, employment resources, mental health support, and more.

How to Apply:

Dial 2-1-1 from any phone in Michigan or visit the MI 211 website to search for resources online.

Documents Needed: 

Varies by service; a 211 representative can advise on any necessary

documentation for specific assistance programs.