Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency

09/03/2026

08/20/2026

We were honored to welcome Paula Kaiser VanDam, Bureau Director with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services; Kris Schoenow, Executive Director of the Bureaus of Community Action and Economic Opportunity (BCAEO); and Lynn Hendges, Director of the MDHHS Housing and Homeless Services Division, to the SMCAA Homeless Shelter.

During their visit, they toured our renovations and learned more about SMCAA’s housing and homeless programs and the services we provide to individuals and families in our community.

We are grateful for their time, partnership, and commitment to strengthening housing and homelessness services across Michigan.

Thank you for visiting SMCAA and seeing firsthand the work happening here! ❤️

08/14/2026

It's truly something special when community comes together.

We were proud to be a part of another exciting Backpacks for Good by Berrien Community Foundation. Along with BCF and other incredible partners, southwest Michigan worked together to provide backpacks, school supplies, nutritious food, and much more to send students off to a new school year with a strong start.

It's amazing to see what can be accomplished when determined forces unite. Thank you to Berrien Community Foundation for another year of your incredible hard work, to the other non-profits who participated in this great event, to all our amazing volunteers and staff who made our participation in this event possible, and to the folks of our network who care deeply about seeing the kids of community succeed and setting them up for a strong future.

Together we are !

08/11/2026

Have you been curious about SMCAA and want an easy volunteer opportunity to check us out? Get involved with our TEFAP distribution! Help out your local community for just two hours next Wednesday, meet SMCAA staff and volunteers, and do a little good. We think you'll like it... ;)

Mission: To empower diverse people in need and supporting their journey toward economic security and to be a beacon of support in a strong, thriving community by helping people and changing lives.

08/10/2026

Wow! All of our volunteers work hard but some really blow us away, like the group from AEP/Cook Nuclear Security Division - who packed over 1,400 food boxes at our warehouse!!

08/05/2026

Niles & Brandywine families — Get ready for the school year with Backpacks For Good!🎒

Join us from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, August 6 for Backpacks For Good for Students Who Attend Niles Community Schools or Brandywine Community Schools to pick up free:
🎒 Backpacks
✏️ School supplies
🥫 Food items
🤝 Community resource information

We'll see you there!
📍Niles High School (exact location TBD)
1441 Eagle Street, Niles

08/05/2026

Please note!

Starting Jan 2027, those with healthcare coverage through the Healthy Michigan Plan will be required by federal law to work (or do other approved activities) for at least 80 hours in at least one of the 6 months leading up to renewal.

Please review the 6-month renewal guidelines released by MDHHS to understand and comply with these new rules to ensure you maintain your Healthy Michigan Plan coverage.

08/04/2026

Volunteer Opportunity!