Muskegon/Whitehall, MI
Community Resources

Description: 

MATS is the primary public transportation provider in Muskegon County, offering fixed-route buses, ADA paratransit, and on-demand transportation services.

What It Offers: 

Fixed-route bus service

Go2 Micro Transit on-demand rides

ADA paratransit transportation

Transportation to work, school, medical appointments, and shopping

How to Apply: 

Visit https://matsbus.com or call (231) 724-6420.

Documents Needed: 

No documentation required for regular routes. ADA services require an eligibility application and approval.

Description:

Provides transportation assistance for seniors age 60+ and individuals with disabilities in Muskegon County, including Whitehall.

What It Offers:

Medical appointment transportation

Grocery shopping transportation

Senior transportation services

Mobility support services

How to Apply:

Call (231) 773-8060.

https://pioneerresources.org/transportation-services/

Description: 

Head Start is a free preschool program serving income-eligible children ages 3-4 throughout Muskegon and Oceana Counties.

What It Offers: 

Free preschool education

School readiness programs

Health and dental referrals

Family support services

Nutrition assistance

How to Apply: 

Call (231) 767-8300 or complete the preschool interest form through Muskegon Area ISD.

Documents Needed: 

Immunization records

Health and dental records

Proof of income

Child identification documents

Description:

Michigan's Child Development and Care (CDC) Program helps eligible families pay for child care costs.

How to Apply:

Apply through MI Bridges at Michigan.gov or contact MDHHS.

https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/assistance-programs/child-care-assistance

Description:

Whitehall-area Head Start program serving eligible families in Whitehall, Montague, Holton, North Muskegon, and Reeths-Puffer school districts.

What It Offers:

Free preschool for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds

School readiness education

Parent involvement opportunities

Family support services

How to Apply:

Call(231) 893-1091 or(231) 766-3443.

Documents Needed:

Birth certificate

Proof of income (W-2 or tax return)

Immunization records

Residency documentation

Description: 

Provides food pantry referrals, mobile food pantry distributions, and emergency food assistance throughout Muskegon County.

What It Offers: 

Mobile food pantries

Food pantry locator

Emergency food assistance

Senior nutrition programs

How to Apply: 

Visit https://www.feedwm.org/findfood/.

Description:  

Local food pantry serving Muskegon residents experiencing food insecurity.

What It Offers:  

Emergency groceries

Food assistance for qualifying families

How to Apply:  

Call (231) 722-7608.

Documents Needed: 

Photo ID

Social Security numbers for household members

Proof of income

Description:

The primary food pantry serving Whitehall and the surrounding White Lake area. Located at Lebanon Lutheran Church.

What It Offers:

Weekly food distribution

Emergency groceries

Food assistance for individuals and families in need

Location:

1101 S. Mears Avenue, Whitehall, MI 49461

Phone:

(231) 893-5745

Documents Needed:

Driver's license or photo ID on first visit.

Description: 

The primary Housing Assessment and Resource Agency (HARA) for Muskegon County, helping residents facing homelessness or housing instability.

What It Offers: 

Housing assessments

Homelessness prevention

Rent assistance referrals

Housing placement assistance

Housing crisis support

How to Apply: 

Call 1-877-446-8730.

Description:  

Provides affordable housing and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) programs for eligible Muskegon residents.

What It Offers:  

Public housing

Family public housing

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program

Affordable rental housing

How to Apply:  

Call (231) 722-2647 or visit 1080 Terrace Street, Muskegon, MI 49442.

Description:  

Domestic violence shelter and housing support

What It Offers:  

housing Support

How to Apply:  

24-hour Crisis Line:(231) 722-3333

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.