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Blog Post

BIG Changes for TheRide!

by Sunny29

TheRide is getting ready for the largest expansion of bus service in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area since 1979!

Please sign up for one of the following workshops to learn about new route names and numbers; new routes to serve more places; new service in Scio and Pittsfield Township; more frequent service and more direct routes in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti.

- Wed, March 23rd, 10 a.m. -
United Way
2305 Platt Rd., Ann Arbor
Reigster here

- Tue, March 29th, 10 a.m. -
WCC Morris Lawrence Bldg
4800 E. Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor
Register here

- Wed, March 30th, 6 p.m. -
Ann Arbor Dist. Library, Main Branch
343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor
Register here

- Mon, April 4th, 5:30 p.m. -
Peace Neigh. Center
1111 N. Maple Rd., Ann Arbor
Register here

- Mon, April 11th, 6:30 p.m. -
Spark East
215 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti
Register here

If you are unable to make any of these workshops, you can catch a presentation at any one of the following public meetings:

- Mon, Mar 21st, 7 p.m. -
Superior Twp. Board Meeting
3040 N. Prospect, Ypsilanti

- Tue, April 12th, 7 p.m. -
Scio Twp. board Meeting
825 N. Zeeb Rd., Ann Arbor

- Tue, April 19th, 7 p.m. -
Ypsilanti City Council Meeting
1 Huron Street, Ypsilanti

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Blog Post

Community Resource Fair @ Washtenaw Community College

by Sunny29

On Tuesday, March 29th, service providers will gather at WCC for a resource fair. Attendees will have a chance to meet with service providers in the following areas:

- Housing and shelter information
- Food assistance
- Clothing and basic supplies
- Health care, insurance and immunization information
- Free tax assistance
- Financial coaching
- Fitness and nutrition coaching
- Mental health counseling and substance use
- Education and mentorship programs
- Employment and vocational services
- Vehicle repair, furniture resources, and utility and rental assistance
- Disability services and assistance

This free event will be held over two similar sessions. Free parking is also available.

Session A: 11:30-2:00 p.m.
WCC Student Center building, second floor lobby

Session B: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Morris Lawrence building, main lobby

For more information, contact the Career Services department at 734.677.5155

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Blog Post

Supportive Technology E-Cafe

by Sunny29

On Tuesday, March 29th, students from Eastern Michigan University’s Therapeutic Recreation program will present iOS (Apple) apps centered around recreation and social supports for people with Intellectual and Developmental disabilities. Attendees will have the opportunity to try out the apps at various learning stations.

This hands-on learning event will be in the EMU Student Center, room 352, located at 900 Oakwood St, Ypsilanti. If you have any questions or would like to RSVP, please call 734-680-5255

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Blog Post

Free Workshop Series for Seniors, People with Disabilities, and Advocates

by Sunny29

Together the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living (CIL) and Partners in Personal Assistance (PPA) have compiled a series of free workshops for seniors, people with disabilities and their advocates.

All of the workshops are free, but it is recommended you call ahead to either the CIL, (734) 971-0277, or PPA, (734) 214-3890, to reserve a spot as there is limited seating. Free parking is also available to attendees, as well as light refreshments.

The following workshops will take place from 3:00-4:30 p.m. at the Ann Arbor CIL at 3941 Research Park Drive:

- Thursday April 7, 2016 -
What Happens If I Can’t Live on My Own Any More?
Experts will let you know about independent, assisted and other living options.

- Thursday May 5, 2016 -
Menu Planning and Cooking for Health
Anna Dusbiber-Gossage will provide a workshop based on her experience with cooking classes.

- Thursday June 2, 2016 -
Preparing for End of Life
An attorney will address legal matters such as advance directives and durable power of attorney for health care and a social worker will address funeral planning and other steps to make the dying process a little easier for grieving families.

The following workshops will take place from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Washtenaw Community College, 4800 E. Huron River Drive, RM 150 in the Liberal Arts and Science Building:

- Wednesday March 16, 2016 -
Self-Advocacy for Government Benefits
Bring your frustrations and we’ll troubleshoot!

- Thursday April 14, 2016 -
What Happens If I Can’t Live on My Own Any More?
Experts will let you know about independent, assisted and other living options.

- Thursday May 12, 2016 -
Preventing Abuse and Exploitation
Learn how to prevent physical and other abuse of elders and people with disabilities.

- Thursday June 9, 2016 -
Preparing for End of Life
An attorney will address legal matters such as advance directives and durable power of attorney for health care and a social worker will address funeral planning and other steps to make the dying process a little easier for grieving families.

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Blog Post

Furnace Test and Tune Program

by monkk

Thanks to Habitat for Humanity, you may qualify for a free tune-up of your furnace and free installation of energy saving measures. If your furnace is unsafe or un-repairable, you may qualify for a replacement furnace at a significantly reduced cost. You can find the eligibility requirements here. Following verification of eligibility, Habitat will have an approved HVAC contractor schedule a tune-up of your furnace. Pending appropriate analysis by the HVAC contractor, repairs exceeding the scope of a normal diagnostic tune-up may be eligible. Click here to enroll. If you have questions, please call 734-730-9441 or email furnace@h4h.org.

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Blog Post

Healthcare Marketplace Enrollment Assistance

by monkk

Thanks to the Washtenaw Health Initiative and the United Way of Wasthenaw County you can get help applying for 2016 health insurance on Saturday, January 30th from 9am to 3pm at the United Way of Washtenaw County office. No appointment is necessary and walk-ins are welcome. If you want to enroll in health insurance, you must bring the following with you:

* Social Security numbers (and immigration documents for legal immigrants) for everyone applying for coverage

* Employer and income information for every member of your household (for example, pay stubs or W2 forms)

* Policy information on health insurance if you or someone in your household have it from a job or another source

* Your best estimate of what your 2016 household income will be in 2016

Failure to get coverage may result in a 2016 tax penalty of $695 per person or 2.5% of your yearly income, whichever is higher. For additional information contact Krista Nordberg at 734-544-6778.

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Blog Post

Money Smart Classes for Adults

by monkk

Through partnership with United Way, Washtenaw Literacy is offering free classes that include financial literacy curriculum professionally prepared by FDIC and presented by a staff member from United Way of Washtenaw County. Sessions will be 1-2:30 on Wednesdays, February 3 through April 6 at the Community Opportunity Center Computer Lab (1301 S. Harris in Ypsilanti). The curriculum will be presented 1-1:45, then, tutors will be available to help folks review materials, complete graphic organizers, and more. This is a great opportunity to improve your Money Smart knowledge! To register, or for more information, call 734-879-1320.

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Blog Post

PIT Count 2016

by Sunny29

Every January, Washtenaw County takes part in the Point-in-Time count, as required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Point-in-Time count, or PIT count, is the night when homeless service provider staff and volunteers will canvass the streets of Washtenaw County to count the number of persons who are unsheltered on one night in our community. Our community's 2016 unsheltered PIT count will occur between 4 a.m.- 8 a.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2016. If you are interested in volunteering as part of a street canvassing team, please complete this form.

*For social service providers: if you know of someone who is currently sleeping in an unsheltered situation (on the streets, in car, etc.), please contact Heather Nash, the Washtenaw Housing Alliance’s Communications & Administrative Assistant as soon as possible, at nashh@ewashtenaw.org or (734) 222-6544. Include the number of people, and details about their location.

If you or someone you know is in an unstable housing situation, please contact Housing Access of Washtenaw County at (734) 761-1999 to speak with a housing specialist.

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Blog Post

University of Michigan Housing Bureau for Seniors Tax Preparation Assistance

by monkk

The University of Michigan Housing Bureau for Seniors is offering assistance with federal and state tax returns, back taxes, property tax concerns, and poverty exemption applications to lower property tax bills. There are no age limits for these services. Assistance will be available on Fridays from February 6 to April 8 and on Wednesdays February 10, March 9 & and March 30. There is limited walk-in availability, and appointments are preferred. To make an appointment, call Dare Adewole at 734-998-9341.

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Blog Post

Want to Save Yourself Money This Tax Season?

by monkk

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is a nationwide program sponsored by the IRS that is available during tax season. Volunteers provide basic tax preparation assistance to individuals and families with a household income of approximately $53,000 a year or less. An alternative program helps you prepare your own taxes if your income is below $60,000 a year.

This service allows low-income families to file their taxes for free - without expensive tax prep services or predatory refund-anticipation loans. The United Way of Washtenaw County VITA program also helps you receive valuable tax credits or programs that you may be eligible for, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and Home Heating Credit.

The VITA Program ensures that low-income individuals receive the maximum refund possible, to meet their own pressing basic needs or save for the future. In 2015, the United Way of Washtenaw County VITA Program returned approximately $375,000 to the community.

The United Way of Washtenaw County VITA Program offers a few services:

* Full-service tax preparation: Available by appointment only, February 4-April 6. Schedule your appointment now by calling 734-677-7235 or email vita@uwwashtenaw.org.

* Onsite or At-Home Self-Preparation: For taxpayers that do not qualify for full-service tax prep or those who prefer to do their own taxes with a "coach" available. Tax coach assistance is available over the phone or onsite if you have questions or need help. Free help is available from 1-855-698-9435. MyFreeTaxes.com is a free service for individuals with a combined income of $62,000 or less in 2015. Access from any computer with internet access and file your taxes for free.

* Scan & Go: For qualifying tax clients at select locations. Have your documents scanned and your tax return will be prepared off-site to be picked up by you in one or two weeks.