Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency

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.

Our agency was founded in 1982 when we began servicing Van Buren County. In 1986, SMCAA was incorporated and began providing human services to both Cass and Van Buren Counties.  In 1992, Berrien County was officially added to our service delivery area.

At SMCAA, we bring together federal and state grant funds and donated dollars from local, private, and public sources. Our core funding is the U.S. Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), and we must fulfill a total of 58 Organizational Standards in order to meet funding requirements. This funding, as well as all additional grants and donations, is then directed to a number of core and special programs and services that aid low-income, vulnerable, and otherwise disadvantaged individuals and households residing in Southwest Michigan.

In order to accomplish our mission and reach our vision, SMCAA will establish, coordinate and carry out programs to promote the health, education and welfare of low-income individuals and families in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties.

These programs include, but are not limited to; monthly Commodity Surplus Food Program for seniors, Quarterly Temporary Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and food pantries for Families and individuals. Utility Assistance, Rental Assistance, Rental Education, Housing Rehab programs, Weatherization, Homeless Shelter, Homebuyer Education and additional programs that are designed to provide for the health, education and self-sufficiency of the population we service.

All programs have eligibility requirements that SMCAA adhere to. Operating programs requires us to apply for, receive, administer and disburse federal, state, local and private funds as well as form partnership with government and private entities sharing our purpose.