July District 6 Resources

Dear Neighbor,

As your State Senator, I am continuously honored to serve the communities of Northwest Detroit, Redford Township, Livonia, Farmington, and Farmington Hills, in part by connecting you with resources available to you as well as with upcoming events in our community.

As always, please feel free to reach out to my office if I may ever be of assistance to you. You can email us at senmcavanagh@senate.michigan.gov or by calling 517-373-7748.

In service,

Mary Cavanagh
State Senator
District 6

Featured in This Newsletter

Resources
Upcoming Community Events
Additional Helplines and Resources

Resources

State of Michigan Achievement Scholarship

The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is designed to help recent high school graduates in Michigan receive funds for continuing education. Eligible students could receive financial aid to attend a college or university with the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, or for a career training program with the Michigan Achievement Skills Scholarship.

Wayne County Cooling Centers

As temperatures rise throughout the summer season, the need for cooling centers also grows. There are a number of cooling centers available in Wayne County that provide resources like cold air, water bottles, and charging stations for electronic devices. Here is a link to the official Wayne County website and list of currently open cooling centers.

To stay healthy when it is hot, residents are encouraged to:

Drink more fluids and avoid liquids with large amounts of sugar or alcohol.
Limit outdoor activities to when it is coolest in the morning and evening.
Spend time indoors in air conditioning.
Check to make sure your air conditioner filters are clean and the unit is working properly.
Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing.
Wear sunscreen, as sunburn affects a body’s ability to cool down.
Check on neighbors and relatives to determine if they need assistance.
Never leave children or pets unattended in cars, even with the windows cracked.

For more information, please visit the MIOSHA Heat Illness Awareness website, this heat awareness and safety fact sheet from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), and this extreme heat prevention guide from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

AG Nessel Issues Consumer Alert on Alternative Gas Suppliers

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is issuing a Consumer Alert regarding Alternative Gas Suppliers (AGSs) following numerous complaints about deceptive practices. Since the beginning of 2024, over 125 complaints have been filed with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) concerning AGSs.

AGSs are third-party companies authorized to sell natural gas to residents in the Consumers Energy, DTE, SEMCO, or Michigan Gas Utilities service territories. While these suppliers can offer competitive rates, AGS rates are not regulated by the MPSC, unlike rates from local utility companies.

All AGSs must be licensed by the MPSC. If a consumer encounters a company that is not licensed, the Attorney General advises them not to engage their services and to file a complaint with the MPSC.

Consumers interested in AGS services should:

Ask AGS representatives to include details on how savings are calculated, the contract length, the per unit rate, and any associated fees;
Understand the duration of any promotional pricing, the process, and fees for switching AGSs or returning to the local utility, and contract terms after promotional periods expire;
Be aware of any cancellation fees and how the process works; and
Check eligibility for budget plan customers and those with past due balances.

If a consumer believes an AGS has engaged in a misleading or deceptive promotion leading them to sign a contract, the Attorney General encourages them to file a complaint with the MPSC online or by calling 1-800-292-9555.

Consumers considering an AGS can learn more at the MPSC’s Natural Gas Customer Choice webpage, which includes information on licensed suppliers in each utility’s service territory. The Attorney General also encourages consumers to visit the MPSC’s Compare MI Gas website, which has answers to frequently asked questions about gas customer choice.

Storm Damage Resources

Many have been affected by the storms that swept across Michigan recently. Below are hyperlinked resources from the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) that you may find useful as you work with your insurance company to file a claim and repair damages

Additional information regarding severe weather preparedness is available on the DIFS website. Consumers having issues with their insurer or claims process may file a complaint with DIFS at Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints.

Please feel free to contact the Office of Consumer Services toll free at (877) 999-6442 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with any questions you or your constituents may have. DIFS can help answer questions regarding what an insurer must do and help explain policy language.

Free Resources from Wayne County Commissioner Alisha Bell

Tips to Help Protect Your Animals Over the Summer

Summer can be an especially dangerous time for not only our families and communities, but also our pets and animals. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has coordinated helpful tips to help keep your pets safe and cool over the warm summer months:

Provide unlimited, cool, clean, fresh water.

Just like people, animals can quickly become parched in high temperatures. No matter the species, animals should always have access to unlimited cool, clean, fresh water to prevent dehydration. If you bring your pet in public, be sure to bring along hydration options and avoid using communal water bowls.

Know your animal’s limits and ability to tolerate heat.

An animal’s age, breed, type of coat, and health history — among other factors — can all play a role in their ability to tolerate heat. Keep an eye out for signs of heat stress, including increased panting or drooling and being more lethargic. If they are displaying any signs of heat stress, immediately move your animal to a cooler area.

Test surfaces to ensure they won’t burn paws.

Surfaces like asphalt, concrete, and sand can really heat up in the sun, which can burn paws or make a walk extremely uncomfortable for your pets. To test if a surface is too hot, touch it with the palm of your hand. If the surface is too hot for you, it means that it’s too hot for your pet as well. Consider taking a different route that is mostly grass or waiting until the evening when everything has had a chance to cool down.

Avoid harmful algal blooms (HABs) in bodies of water.

HABs form due to a rapid growth of cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae, which are naturally found in lakes, rivers, and ponds. To prevent illness in your pets, keep them out of areas with scum or discolored water, rinse them off after contact with any lake water, and bring clean, fresh water for them to drink.
If your animal becomes sick after contact with a suspected HAB, please call your veterinarian immediately.
Animal illnesses due to HABs are also reportable to MDARD. To report cases, submit a Reportable Disease Form or call 800-292-3939. In addition, to report any suspicious looking algae, please email algaebloom@michigan.gov.

Do not leave animals in parked vehicles.

Even when temperatures outside feel more moderate, vehicles often heat up very quickly, creating unsafe conditions for animals left inside. Leaving windows cracked open and/or parking in the shade do little to improve the situation. In these conditions, it is best to leave pets at home when you need to go out and about.

Ensure animals have a place to cool down.

Animals know when they are too hot and will usually try to seek out a place where they can safely cool down. Make sure your pets have access to shades, fans, misters, pools, cooling mats, and/or air-conditioned spaces to help them stay comfortable and healthy.

Upcoming Community Events

Coffee and Conversation

WHEN: Tuesday, August 27, 2024, from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: North Rosedale Park Community House, 18455 Scarsdale St., Detroit, MI 48223

I hope to see you there!

Calling Business Owners! Learn How to Get Funded with Making Money Moves Series

Grandmont Rosedale Community has partnered with the Detroit Neighborhood Entrepreneur Project and LISC Detroit to bring entrepreneurs a series on how to create or improve business financial documents on paper and apply for funding to scale!

Grant Writing Training in Detroit

SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments and Grant Writing USA will present a two-day grant writing workshop in Detroit from September 5-6, 2024. This training is for grant seekers across all disciplines. Attend this class to learn how to find funding sources and write winning grant proposals. For event details, visit grantstraining.com/dt0924.

Northwest Detroit Farmers Market

WHEN: Every Thursday from June 6-October 10, 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: North Rosedale Park Community House, 18445 Scarsdale Detroit, MI 48223

Grandmont Garden Tour

Free Estate Planning Workshop in Detroit

Get your questions answered by attorneys and plans legally set up at the Estate Planning Workshop on July 31 at the North Rosedale Community House from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.!

Longacre Street Party

WHEN: Saturday, August 3 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Posted by the Grandmont Community Association: “Mark your calendars for the Longacre Street Party happening on August 3rd from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.! It’s sure to be a blast with plenty of food, fun, and dancing. The event will take place on Longacre Street from Schoolcraft to Grand River. This is a great opportunity to mingle with your neighbors and have a fantastic time. We can’t wait to see you there!”

Reading in Ramsay Park

Detroit Summer Music Event Schedule

Recurring Community Meetings:

Grandmont Community Association Board Meeting: Saturday, August 3 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Grandmont Rosedale Development Center, 19800 Grand River Avenue, Detroit, MI 48223
Farmington City Council Meeting: 1st and 3rd Mondays of the Month from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m., Farmington City Hall, 23600 Liberty St, Farmington, MI 48335
College Park Neighborhood Meeting: 1st Monday of the Month from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., Detroit Police 8th Precinct, 21555 W McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI 48219
Charter Township of Redford Board Meeting: 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Redford Township Board Room – Township Hall, 15145 Beech Daly Road, Redford, MI 48239
Livonia City Council Meeting Wednesday, August 7 from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m., Livonia City Hall, 33000 Civic Center Dr, Livonia, MI 48154, USA
Detroit Chapter Families Against Narcotics Monthly Meeting: 2nd Monday of the Month from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Sheffield Center Complex, 12000 W. Grand River Ave., Detroit, MI 48204

Additional Helplines and Resources Crisis Lines

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 is a 24/7 toll-free nationwide hotline that provides confidential and compassionate care for anyone struggling with behavioral health issues, emotional distress or substance use crisis. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit their Lifeline Chat to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Veterans Crisis Line: The Veterans Crisis line provides veterans and their family members with 24/7, confidential support. To connect, call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 or text 838-255. You do not have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to call.
Trevor Lifeline: The Trevor Project has trained counselors who understand the challenges young people in the LGBTQ community face and are available for support 24/7. Call 1-866-488-7386, text 678-678, or click here to speak with a crisis counselor.

Call Michigan 2-1-1

Michigan 2-1-1 is a toll-free service that provides residents with information. Specialists trained to assist community members will connect you with the proper resources. From utility payment assistance to household needs, 2-1-1 is a great tool for you and your loved ones to use.
Though based in Lansing, Michigan 2-1-1 supports about seven regions in the state of Michigan. You can text, email or call for help. For more information, click here.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Visit FindTreatment.gov, a confidential and anonymous resource, to locate treatment facilities for mental and substance use disorders near you.

Michigan Community Mental Health Services Programs

CMHSPs provide a comprehensive range of services and support to children, adolescents and adults with mental illnesses, developmental disabilities and substance use disorders in all 83 Michigan counties. Find your local program here.

City of Detroit Health Department Resources:

A list of programs offered by the City of Detroit Health Department can be found here or call (313)-876-4000.

Elder Abuse and Fraud:

Office of the Attorney General at (800) 242-2873
Michigan Department of Health & Human Services Adult Protective Services: (855) 444-3911

Food Pantries:

CARES Food Pantry: 27835 Shiawassee Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48336, Monday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Redford Interfaith Relief: 18499 Beech Daly Road, Redford, Michigan 48240-1804, Wednesday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Redford Township Public Services Department: