Program areas at MVAC
Low-income energy assistance - this program was established to combat the continuing hardship brought upon low-income households by rising energy costs. Its purpose is to assist eligible households with their heating bills. Assistance is in the form of a direct payment to a fuel/utility vendor on behalf of the household. Served were 9,220 households. Additionally, 1,141 housholds were helped with past due water bills.
Head start - 570 low-income children participated in quality preschool. Hearing and vision screenings were provided to 513 children. 327 children received dental exams, some for the very first time. Provided 197 pregnant women, infants and toddles with quality home visiting services. 668 volunteers contributed their time to enhance the service provided to families.
Housing - Minnesota housing finance agency (mhfa) money is available to make energy-saving and general home improvements for homeowners of all income levels. Mhfa subsidizes loans to encourage homeowners to make home improvements to help maintain the image of clean, well-run rural communities. Loan programs include fix-up loan, community fix-up rehabilitation loan, and rental rehabilitation loan programs. We assisted 30 people to secure low interest loans so they could make needed improvements to their homes. Mhfa also provides funding for homeless prevention to help households from either becoming homeless because of an eviction, or if they are currently homeless, (by hud's definition) get them into permanent housing. Facilitated 9 homelessness response teams. Assisted 312 households with services that prevented them from joining the ranks of homeless statistics. Weatherization assistance - this program is available to both low-income homeowners and renters in the nine-county area. It is designed to provide energy conservation service such as furnace modifications, caulking, weatherstripping, attic insulation, repair of primary windows, storm windows, minor foundation repairs and insulation, hot water heater and pipe insulation and furnace maintenance. The primary purpose of the program is to prevent heat loss in the home and thus reduce energy consumption for low-income households. Served were 288 households and replaced or repaired 222 faulty furnaces. Low-income housing assistance - under the hud section 8 voucher choice program rent subsidy payments are provided for qualified low-income families and elderly, disabled or handicapped persons renting from private landlords. The participants pay up to 30% of their income towards rent and utilities and the balance is paid directly to the landlord through hud funding. Approximately 370 households were served. Community development block grant - this program provides funds for housing rehabilitation with deferred loan repayment over an extended period of time. Currently, mvac operates the cdbg program in the cities of mankato, st peter, winnebago, kasota, vernon center, montgomery, fairmont, mapleton, trimont, waterville, and belle plaine. Served were over 15 households or commercial buildings.
Employment and training - 274 adults gained employment with our workforce development training and assistance. Provided training to 23 individuals who lost their jobs due to business/plant closing or downsizing. 232 at-risk teenagers had the opportunity to learn and earn through paid work experience, planning for careers and achieving success in their education and training. Provided services through Minnesota family investment program (mfip) in the counties of lesueur, nicollet, brown, sibley, and waseca. These services are designed to decrease long-term welfare dependency. Served were approximately 657 individuals. Supplemental nutrition assistance program (snap) - employment and training - participants take steps to improve skills that can lead to a career and financial independence. Approximately 93 households were served.
Other programs - car donation program provides vehicles to struggling low-wage workers so they can maintain jobs and care fortheir families. Approximately 45 families were assisted. Mvac fielded 3,173 inquiries for car information and assistance. 11 individualsparticipated in the new-lease car program. Our vita tax site completed 1,302 tax returns resulting in $1,455,208 tax refunds or creditsfor low income individuals. We have provided 8 people the opportunity to save for the purchase of a home, money for post secondarytraining or starting up a small business through the faim initiative (family assets for independence in mn). Assisted 87,233 callers and10,773 visits to our offices.