Early Childhood Housing Incentive Program

Purpose: Support critical early childhood workforce by providing financial assistance for housing and healthcare to make these jobs more attractive and provide retention opportunities.

Housing Incentive Requirements

• Work Location: Must work and live in Battle Creek
• Commitment: Must remain working in Early Childhood in Battle Creek for 3 years
• Eligible Employers: Community Action, Take-A-Break, Garden of Dreams, or Stars & Stripes (may expand in future years)
• Landlord Agreement: Landlord must agree to be paid directly from both Community Action and tenant (will receive 1099 from Community Action)

Housing Incentive Guidelines

• Maximum Assistance: $500/month up to $6,000 total over 1 year
• Repayment Requirement: If staff leave before the 3-year commitment, they must pay back assistance
• Assistance Termination: If staff leave during the year assistance is being paid, the assistance will end

Health Incentive

• HelpNet provided for all childcare centers that agree to be in the grant

Contact Information:

• Phone: 1-877-422-2726
• Email: lisaf@caascm.org
• Address: 175 Main St., Battle Creek, MI 49014