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COVID-19 Rental Assistance

Having trouble paying or receiving rent? MSHDA has federal funds available to help tenants facing pandemic-related hardships avoid eviction while also ensuring landlords can recoup owed rent through the COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) program. MSHDA administers CERA through its statewide network of local nonprofit agencies. We encourage everyone who is eligible to apply today and take advantage of a program that can help restore housing stability.

CERA ONLINE APPLICATION NOW AVAILABLE!!

The tenant or landlord can initiate the online application process. The tenant or landlord will need to enter the tenant's name, address and email address, and the landlord's email address. This will initiate emails to both the tenant and landlord for them to complete their portion of the application. Service agencies will communicate via email with the tenant and landlord if additional information is needed. The tenant and landlord will receive notice via email when the case is processed and how much funding has been approved.

In a few weeks, the application will be updated so the landlord can complete all "Tenant" and "Landlord" application fields and uploads, and the tenant will receive an email to confirm the application is true and correct.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

CERA serves renter households that have incomes less than 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) who meet the following conditions:

  • Individual(s) in the household has qualified for unemployment benefits or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or has experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to the coronavirus outbreak; and
  • Individual(s) in the household can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability evidenced by a past due utility or rent notice.

FOR FULL REQUIREMENTS SEE CERA RESOURCES at https://ceraapp.michigan.gov/

CERA FAQ's
CERA Landlord Application
CERA Tenant Application, English
CERA Tenant Application, Spanish
CERA Tenant Application, Arabic
CERA Landlord Application, Spanish
CERA Landlord Application, Arabic
CERA Income Limits

To print off a paper application, Landlords click here CERA Owner-Landlord Application 03.05.21

Tenant Applications, click here CERA_Tenant_Application_03.05.21_002_719190_7

Forms may be dropped off to the MAP office. Need additional help? Contact our MAP Staff Specialist at:

Kristen Turgeon, CERA Intake Specialist

Mission for Area People

2500 Jefferson Ave, Muskegon Hts., MI 49444

P: 231-733-9672, extension 105

kristen@missionforareapeople.org

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The Faith of a Mustard Seed

For a small nonprofit located in Muskegon Heights Michigan, Mission for Area People (MAP) has been able to do big things. Did you know that in 2020, MAP provided almost 4,000 services (3,992) to neighbors in need. Services that fill gaps with food assistance, clothing, personal care items like soaps and detergent, medical copays and prescriptions, utility and rental assistance, and even help with transportation were provided. 

“To anyone in a crisis situation, we are a Godsend,” said Diana Wright-Stubbs, Executive Director of MAP. “We have been able to move mountains with a tiny staff and the faith of a mustard seed.”

Throughout COVID-19's pandemic, MAP kept operations going. Based on a Monday through Friday workweek, the numbers served averaged as many as 30 emergencies a day that we tried to handle with compassion and care.

“We really do care about our community,” said Diana. “Many of our Muskegon County neighbors are like family to us. We want to give a hand up and not a hand out where we can. We want to improve lives for the better.”

Together, a tiny mustard seed agency, (MAP) and your continued support, will leave a big Impact for future services, not only during Lenten Season, but all year long for Muskegon County residents.

To see our Annual Report Things You Need To Know 2020 open link here Things to Know 2020 final

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Happy St. Patrick's Day

Are you in need of assistance? Our office is open Monday - Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Current services available are:

  • Health Food Pantry and Personal Care - open Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays with curbside pickup available between 10 am and 11 am. Appointments should be scheduled by calling 231-733-9672.
  • Transportation assistance - ALICE grant funds are available for those that need to get back and forth to work. You must work at least 20 hours a week and show proof of employment, ID, a DHHS denial letter, car registration, and proof of car insurance. Gas cards, payment assistance, and car repairs may be provided to those that qualify.
  • Rental and lodging assistance are provided when funds are available.
  • Utility assistance is provided when funds are available.
  • Medical assistance - co-pays, prescriptions, and medical equipment.
  • Our Clothing Pantry is open Mondays and Wednesday from 1 pm to 2:30 pm. No appointment is necessary. You must show ID at the door and have a face mask.
  • We are taking COVID-19 precautions seriously in our facility with disinfectants and staff vaccinations.

We appreciate all our volunteers and donors that help support our operations. We wish everyone a healthy 2021!