← Resources

Family Support

You do not have to figure everything out at once. Choose the kind of help you need and start with one trusted local contact.

Food & meals

Big Rapids · Food pantry

Manna Pantry

Emergency and supplemental food assistance. Call or check current instructions before visiting; service days and documentation can change.

Current pantry information ↗
Mecosta County · Food assistance

Project Starburst

Local food distribution and support. Verify current hours, service area and pickup process.

Project Starburst ↗
Children · Weekend food

Angels of Action

Works to address childhood hunger through school/community food programs. Program access may run through participating schools.

Programs and contact ↗
Benefits

Food Assistance Program & WIC

Apply for SNAP/FAP through MI Bridges. Pregnant people and families with young children can also check WIC eligibility.

MI Bridges ↗ · Michigan WIC ↗

Housing, utilities & essentials

Regional community action

Mid Michigan Community Action

May offer or coordinate help with housing stability, energy, weatherization, early childhood and other basic needs. Eligibility varies.

Programs and service area ↗
State benefits · Local office

Michigan DHHS / MI Bridges

Apply for food, health coverage, child-care assistance and emergency relief. Online applications can be paired with local-office support.

Apply through MI Bridges ↗
Diapers & child essentials

Call 211 for the current local provider

Diaper closets and material-assistance schedules can change quickly. Ask 211 for the nearest active program and what identification to bring.

Search Michigan 211 ↗
Big Rapids · Free children’s clothing

Angels of Action Give Shop

Free coats, shoes, boots and everyday clothing for preschool through high school. Private shopping is available by appointment.

Give Shop details and appointments ↗
Morley · Free clothing and shoes

Morley Community Center Closet

Free clothing and shoes for people in need. Contact the center at 231-660-1555 before visiting.

Community Center information ↗
Morley · Elementary students

Morley Stanwood Emergency Clothes Closet

Emergency and seasonal clothing for enrolled elementary students. Contact the school office or social worker for help.

School contacts ↗
Remus · Clothing and essentials

God’s Helping Hands

Community assistance, clothing and household essentials. Call 989-967-8581 for current availability and hours.

Current updates ↗
Housing crisis

Coordinated entry and shelter referral

Call 211 for current Mecosta County shelter, motel, prevention and coordinated-entry options. If fleeing violence, contact WISE directly.

Call 211

Physical & mental health

Public health

District Health Department No. 10

Local public-health services may include immunizations, WIC, reproductive health, hearing/vision and community programs.

Services and Mecosta office ↗
Primary and dental care

Family Health Care

Community health services with locations and programs in the region. Confirm insurance, sliding-fee options and appointment availability.

Find care ↗
Community mental health

Community Mental Health for Central Michigan

Assessment and behavioral-health services for eligible residents, including children and families. Crisis support is available through official channels.

Services and access ↗
National crisis line

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 for immediate emotional-crisis support. Call 911 for imminent physical danger.

988 information ↗

Safety, violence & legal help

Confidential advocacy

WISE

Support for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and related abuse. Use a safer device if someone monitors your internet activity.

WISE services ↗
Civil legal help

Legal Services of Northern Michigan

Free civil legal help may be available based on issue, income and service area.

Eligibility and intake ↗

Children, development & parenting

Birth to age 3

Early On through MOISD

Families concerned about development can request information or evaluation; no diagnosis is required to make the first call.

Early-childhood services ↗
Preschool & family connection

Great Start Collaborative

Connects families with early-childhood resources, developmental information and local programs.

MOISD early childhood ↗
Specialized education

MOISD Education Center and transition programs

Regional programs support eligible students and families in partnership with resident districts.

View MOISD programs →
Child-care search

Great Start to Quality

Search care and preschool options, then verify licensing and quality information.

Childcare guide →