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According to the State of Michigan Department of Human Services for the fiscal year of 2005, $4,715,300 was spent in Huron County alone for income assistance. The fiscal year is from Oct. 1 through Sept. 30.

The income assistance program includes the Family Independence Program, State Disability Assistance Program and Supplemental Security Income.

"Here in Huron County we've fared pretty well," said DHS County Director Len Richards. "Basically what has happened with some of the programs is the state has changed the eligibility requirements."

The eligibility requirement Richards is referring to is the Direct Supportive Service and how they determine who is in the most need.

"With the Direct Supportive Services Program we would help a family or individual obtain and maintain employment," he said.

"If they needed help with purchasing work clothing or maybe car insurance, we could utilize this program to help."

In the past few years Richards said he's noticed a rise in those in need.

"It seems to be a trend lately...more people are seeking assistance."

Richards reports for the month of April there were 1,712 cases for the Food Assistance Program, 143 for the FIP, 3,642 cases with people receiving medical assistance and 122 cases for child care assistance.

While he's not sure what the numbers were previously he did say some of these cases aren't always on the assistance programs.

"We see people with emergency needs," he said. "Maybe someone was laid off or they've suffered another reason for loss of income and they just need a little help."

"We need to keep in mind that we've always tried to protect the most vulnerable people...the people most at risk...that's why we're here."

Richards adds the State Emergency Relief Fund to help people pay for heating and electricity costs was depleted in April of this year.

"But since then, as of the first of May, that program was reinstated."

Another program that had a budget cut is the Burial Program.

"We saw roughly a 25-percent reduction for an individuals' help with paying for a burial."

"The bottom line is that the budget is settled to some degree," he adds. "Hopefully we won't see further reductions...I'm hopeful we've seen the worst."

"I like to tell people and remind them the money and assistance these people receive goes right back into our community," said Richards. "So if a family is in dire straits and they apply and receive help from the Food Assistance Program then the money they're spending stays here...it helps out others."

For more information or to see if you qualify and are eligible for assistance call the Huron County DHS office at (989) 269-9201.