Press Release 03/19/2021: Emergency Rental/Utility Assistance Program Launches in Michigan. The COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) is a new program providing rent and utility assistance to households experiencing financial hardships due to COVID-19. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), who is administering this program, began accepting applications on March 15, 2021.
CERA provides up to 12 months of past-due rental assistance, three months of which may be used for future rent. Included in the program is assistance for past-due residential utility services when they are tenant supplied, including electricity, home heating (with any type of fuel), water, sewer, and also garbage services if garbage services are billed along with another utility. CERA funds may be used towards future utility bills. Applicants may also have access to a $300 internet stipend if qualified.
The CERA program is available through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021, which provided the state of Michigan nearly $285 million in funding.
Those eligible to apply include tenants whose 2020 household income did not exceed 80% of the area's median income and meet the following conditions:
*Households where at least one individual has qualified for unemployment benefits or has experienced a reduction in household income;
*Households where at least one individual has incurred significant costs or has experienced financial hardship due directly to the coronavirus outbreak; and
*households with at least one member who can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability evidenced by a past due utility or rent notice.
To learn more about the COVID Emergency Rental Assistance program, the qualifications, and the application process, visit the CERA program's website at www.michigan.gov/cera.
Customers are encouraged to take advantage of this program to stay current with their utility bills and avoid getting to far behind on payments. Customers struggling with their bills can also log onto mi211.org or call 2-1-1 for additional funding sources.
Sebewaing Light and Water strongly encourages its customers to contact their office at 989.883.2700 for further guidance and assistance on payment options, arrangements, and community resources.
FYI: On Monday, October 19th, at the council meeting, Village of Sebewaing, Sebewaing Light and Water (SLW) Department will be presenting the findings of the water rate review required to be submitted to the State - EGLE.
SLW worked with Michigan Rural Water Association and based on the results of this review and revenue projections, certain modifications to water billings are recommended.
3/18/2020 As we navigate through the coronavirus issue, we want to assure you that we are here to help. We ask that should you need assistance in paying your utility bills to please contact our office at 989.883.2700 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We can also assist you with setting up online access to your account.
Our Office Staff and Field Personal will continue to work and remain vigilant in providing your utility services. We can be reached after hours for water and electric at 989.258.0114 or internet at 844.215.4440. Please know that we will continue to provide the service you have come to expect and appreciate your patience during this time. We pray for your good Health. Sincerely, Charlene Hudson, Superintendent, Sebewaing Light and Water.
Assistance Programs that you could contact are:
(A pdf of the assistance programs is available here.)
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS):
General Information: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs
MIBridges Assistance Programs for healthcare, food, cash, childcare: https://newmibridges.michigan.gov/s/isd-landing-page?language=en_US
Step Forward Michigan for assistance with your house or tax payments: https://www.stepforwardmichigan.org/en/
Unemployment:
State of Michigan's Unemployment Insurance Agency: https://www.michigan.gov/leo/0,5863,7-336-78421_97241---,00.html
Huron County:
Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency: https://www.nemcsa.org/counties/huron
Huron County Human Development Commission: http://www.hdc-caro.org/
Huron County Department of Human Services: 989.269.9201 https://newmibridges.michigan.gov/s/isd-landing-page?language=en_US
United Way: 2-1-1 is a free, easy-to-remember telephone number that connects people in need with people who can help - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week https://www.211nemichigan.org/
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The COVID-19 hotline is now live. You may call 7 days a week 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
1-888-535-6136
Public health & other experts will answer health related questions about COVID-19. The team can also direct residents & providers to the right resources in their local communities and in other state government departments.
For more online information click on the topics below:
What BCBSM Thinks You Need to Know
Red Cross Safety and Readiness Tips
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at michigan.gov/coronavirus and cdc.gov/coronavirus
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| We provide safe, reliable and environmentally responsible Electric, Water and Internet Utilities to our customers. By operating all three utilities, we are able to provide these services at some of the lowest costs in the area. |
SL&W has 12 generating units at 2 separate power plants to provide electric to our customer. Under normal situations, we purchase our power from the Grid, but with our power plants we are able to provide power to our customers in case of emergency. |
| The SL&W supplies water from 3 wells and 17 miles of pipe. |
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__________________________________________________ New Green Pricing Program!!! Customers can "GO GREEN" with green energy pricing. You can delegate 25%, 50% or 100% of your electric usage to use green energy at an additional rate of $0.015/kwh.
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Home Heat assistance options: United Way Call 2-1-1 The Heat and Warmth Fund (Thaw) Phone 1-800-866-THAW (8429) or visit thawfund.org True North Phone (231) 359-5880 or visit truenorthservices.org Michigan Community Action visit mcaaa.org Human Development Commission (HDC) Phone (989) 269-9502 or visit newmibridges.michigan.gov Michigan Veteran's Trust Fund Phone (517) 284-5299 or visit michiganveterans.com DHHS only April 1-Oct 31st newmibridges.michigan.gov Phone 989-269-9201 (may give water assistance Nov 1-Mar 31st) Salvation Army only April 1st-Oct 31st and you must apply through DHHS and select The Salvation Army as your referral partner on your MI Bridges application newmibridges.michigan.gov. Questions? Call 616-929-1645 or toll free 1-855-929-1640 |
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