BARRYTON HELPS
Resident Resource Guide • Barryton, Michigan • Verified October 18, 2026
Need help and not sure where to start?
Call 2-1-1 or use Michigan 211 for local food, housing, utility, transportation, and other assistance. You can also use MI Bridges to apply for Michigan assistance programs such as food, healthcare, child care, and emergency relief.
START HERE
MI Bridges
What: Online application portal for Michigan assistance programs, including food assistance, healthcare, child care, and State Emergency Relief.
Who may qualify: Eligibility varies by program.
Contact: Apply online
Website: https://newmibridges.michigan.gov/
Michigan 211
What: Connects residents with local food, housing, utility, transportation, crisis, and other services.
Who may qualify: Anyone looking for help.Contact: Dial 2-1-1
Website: https://mi211.org/
Mid Michigan Community Action – Mecosta County
What: Local Resource Navigator plus weatherization, water/sewer assistance, HUD-certified housing counseling, homeless assistance, USDA senior food boxes, Early Head Start, Senior housing, WIC, tax prep, homeownership support, and food pantry info.
Who may qualify: Varies by program.
Contact: 706 Maple Street, Big Rapids
Phone: 231-660-0271
Email: contactus@mmcaa.org
Hours: Mon – Thu 8 am – 4:30 pm
Friday 8 am – 4 pm
Closed 12 pm – 1 pm for lunch
Website: https://www.mmcaa.org/
FAMILIES, CHILDREN & CHILD CARE
Angels of Action
What: Food and essential-needs support for children and families in Mecosta/Osceola counties.
Who may qualify: Program-specific.
Contact: 200 S. Stewart, PO Box 1020, Big Rapids
Phone: 231-629-8140
Email: info@angelsofaction.org
Website: https://www.angelsofaction.org/
Child Development and Care (CDC)
What: Michigan child-care subsidy for eligible families.
Who may qualify: Income and activity rules apply.
Contact: Apply through MI Bridges.
Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/assistance-programs/child-care-assistance
Early Head Start – Mid Michigan Community Action
What: Early childhood and family services for eligible infants/toddlers and families.
Who may qualify: Program rules apply.
Contact: 706 Maple Street, Big Rapids
Phone: 231-660-0271
Website: https://www.mmcaa.org/
Project Starburst Diaper Bank
What: Diaper assistance is available for qualified children through Project Starburst.
Who may qualify: Qualification required.
Contact: 231-796-5342
Website: https://www.projectstarburst.org/
FOOD & BASIC NEEDS
Angels of Action
What: Free food, children’s books, clothing, shoes, essential-needs, and family-support programs for children and families in Mecosta and Osceola counties.
Who may qualify: Program-specific. Barryton-area school children are among those served by Angels programs.
Contact: 200 S. Stewart, PO Box 1020, Big Rapids
Phone: 231-629-8140
Email: info@angelsofaction.org
Website: https://www.angelsofaction.org/
Barryton Area Mobile Food Pantry
What: Local mobile food distribution in the Barryton area.
Who may qualify: Contact pantry for current requirements.
Contact: Fork Township Community Center, 3265 20 Mile Road, Barryton • 2nd Saturday of each month at 2 p.m. Line-up begins at 11 am. Volunteers arrive by 1 pm
Website: https://bamfp.org/
Email: contact@bamfp.org
Mailing address: PO Box 64, Barryton, MI 49305
Note: Schedule can change; verify before traveling.
God’s Helping Hands
What: thrift store and food pantry
Address: 8560 50th Ave., Remus
Phone: 989-967-8581
Website: https://godshelpinghandsmc.org
Hours: Tues & Fri 9 am to noon
Manna Pantry of Big Rapids
What: Food and essentials; client-choice style pantry.
Who may qualify: The pantry states the only required qualification is a need for food.
Contact: 315B S. State Street, Big Rapids. Located in the annex of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
Phone: 231-408-2940
Email: 1mannapantry@gmail.com
Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri noon-4 p.m.
Website: https://mannapantry.org/
Project Starburst
What: Monthly groceries, hygiene products, and other essential support for people experiencing temporary hardship.
Who may qualify: Residents of Mecosta and Osceola counties; in-person registration required.
Contact: 120 S. State Street, Big Rapids
Phone: 231-796-5342
Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Website: https://www.projectstarburst.org/get-help
Email: br@projectstarburst.org
Note: contact form can be found at www.projectstarburst.org/contact
Salvation Army
What: Clothing, utility assistance, holiday giving, homelessness, senior services, thrift stores, food pantry’s, youth services, family counseling, etc.
Address: 325 Linden St., Big Rapids
Phone: 231-796-5597
SNAP / Food Assistance
What: Monthly grocery benefits through Michigan’s Food Assistance Program.
Who may qualify: Income and household rules apply.
Contact: Apply through MI Bridges.
Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/assistance-programs/food
St. Mary Church
What: Clothing
Address: 1009 Marion Ave., Big Rapids
Phone: 231-796-5202
HEALTH, DENTAL & BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Family Health Care – Big Rapids
What: Medical, dental, behavioral health, substance-use treatment, and pharmacy services; financial-assistance and enrollment staff are available.
Who may qualify: Open to community patients; financial assistance depends on eligibility.
Contact: 730 Water Tower Rd., Big Rapids
Phone: Medical 231-527-7150 ~ M-F 8 am to 5 pm
Dental 231-527-7264 ~ M-F 8 am to 4:30 pm
Behavioral 231-527-7150 ~ M-F 8 am to 5 pm
Pharmacy 231-527-7160 ~ M-F 9 am to 6 pm
Website: https://www.familyhealthcare.org/big-rapids/
Hope House Free Medical Clinic
What: Free basic medical care, lab testing, Medicaid application help, X-rays, mental-health counseling, and referrals for dental/vision services.
Who may qualify: Primarily serves adults without health insurance who lack resources for care.
Contact: 405 S. 3rd Ave., Suite B, Big Rapids
Phone: 231-598-9500
Hours: 1st Wed 10 am – 2 pm, 2nd Tue 6 pm – 8 pm, 3rd and 4th Wed 10 am – 2 pm
Website: https://www.hopehouseclinic.org/
Medicaid / Healthy Michigan / Children’s coverage
What: Michigan health coverage programs for eligible adults, children, and families.
Who may qualify: Eligibility depends on age, income, and other factors.
Contact: Apply through MI Bridges.
Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/assistance-programs/medicaid/portalhome/beneficiaries/apply
HOME REPAIR, SAFETY & WEATHERIZATION
Mecosta County Habitat for Humanity – Critical Home Repair
What: Critical exterior repairs, weatherization, wheelchair ramps, and other urgent home repairs.
Who may qualify: Must own and live full-time in a home in Mecosta County. Very-low-income households below 30% AMI may have repair debt forgiven; other households may have affordable repayment obligations.
Contact: 15200 220th Ave., Big Rapids
Hours: Tue-Fri 10 am to 5 pm Sat. 10 am to 2 pm
Phone: 231-629-8700
Website: https://mecostahabitat.org/critical-home-repair
Note: Contact form on website
Mid Michigan Community Action – Home Ramp Up
What: Ramps, safer steps, grab bars, handrails, minor bathroom changes, and other small accessibility improvements.
Who may qualify: Adults age 62+ in Mecosta County whose homes need safety/accessibility updates; program rules apply.
Contact: 231-660-0271 (Big Rapids)
Website: https://www.mmcaa.org/home-ramp-up.html
Mid Michigan Community Action – Weatherization
What: No-cost energy-saving home improvements such as insulation, air sealing, and furnace work based on an energy assessment.
Who may qualify: Eligible households in Mecosta County; homeowners, renters with landlord permission, mobile homes, and some land-contract homes may qualify.
Contact: 231-660-0271 (Big Rapids)
Website: https://www.mmcaa.org/weatherization.html
State Emergency Relief (SER)
What: Emergency financial help that may include energy-related home repairs, utility emergencies, and other urgent needs.
Who may qualify: Income/assets and emergency rules apply.
Contact: Apply through MI Bridges.
Website: https://newmibridges.michigan.gov/
HOUSING & HOMELESSNESS
Michigan 211 Housing Assistance
What: Searchable referrals for shelter, rent help, mortgage help, eviction prevention, repairs, and other housing assistance.
Who may qualify: Varies by program.
Contact: Dial 2-1-1
Website: https://mi211.org/housing-assistance
Mid Michigan Community Action – Housing Help
What: HUD-certified housing counseling, homeless assistance, and housing-stability resources.
Who may qualify: Program-specific.
Contact: 706 Maple Street, Big Rapids
Phone: 231-660-0271
Website: https://www.mmcaa.org/
Our Brother’s Keeper
What: Year-round temporary emergency shelter for men, women, and children; case coordination helps guests work toward stable housing and employment.
Who may qualify: People/families experiencing homelessness; space may be limited, and a waitlist may apply.
Contact: 405 S. Third Ave., Big Rapids
Email: office@obkshelter.org
Phone: Main 231-629-8033 • Waitlist 231-629-8160
Website: https://www.obkshelter.org/
LEGAL, SAFETY & CRISIS HELP
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
What: 24/7 crisis support by phone/text.
Who may qualify: Anyone in crisis or worried about someone else.
Contact: Call or text 988
Website: https://988lifeline.org/
Legal Aid of Western Michigan – Mecosta County
What: Civil legal help for eligible low-income people and seniors; housing, family law, public benefits defense, consumer cases, and education; some matters can be handled by phone.
Who may qualify: Low-income persons and seniors; case-type and financial screening apply.
Contact: Counsel and Advocacy Call Line: 1-888-783-8190
Website: https://michiganlegalhelp.org/find-lawyer/legal-aid-of-western-michigan-grand-rapids
Mecosta County Mental Health
Address: 500 S. 3rd Ave., Big Rapids
Phone: 231-796-5825
Website: www.cmhcm.org/locations/mecosta-county.html
Michigan Crisis Text Line
Contact: Text the keyword RESTORE to 741741
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Contact: 800-273-8255 available 24/7
TTY users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 and then 800-273-8255
Veterans Crisis Line
What: 24/7 crisis support for veterans and people concerned about a veteran.
Who may qualify: Veterans and their supporters.
Contact: Call 988, then press 1.
Website: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
Women’s Information Service (WISE)
What: Domestic violence and related support services, support advocacy, and support classes.
Who may qualify: Contact WISE for current services.
Contact: 231-796-6600 24 hr crisis line
Website: https://www.wiseagainstviolence.org/
SENIORS
Home Ramp Up
What: Accessibility/safety improvements for older adults who want to remain safely in their homes.
Who may qualify: Age 62+ and other program rules.
Contact: Mid Michigan Community Action
Website: https://www.mmcaa.org/home-ramp-up.html
Mecosta County Commission on Aging
What: Senior meals, Meals on Wheels/home-delivered meals, homemaker aide, specialized respite care, equipment loan closet, home maintenance program, activities, and other aging services. Barryton has a satellite senior location (71 Northern Ave., Barryton, 989-382-7217 Mon & Tue 11 am to 1 pm), Meals 60+ $3 donation requested. Under 60 – $6.
Who may qualify: Many programs are for age 60+; individual rules vary.
Contact: 12954 80th Ave., Mecosta. Mon – Fri 8:30 am to 5 pm
Phone: 231-972-2884
Website: https://www.mecostacounty.org/
S.O.A.R. Senior Transportation / Recreation
What: Transportation support designed to help Mecosta County seniors who no longer drive participate in Senior Center meals, activities, and programs.
Who may qualify: Mecosta County resident, age 60+, no longer able to drive yourself.
Contact: Call the Senior Center and ask for transportation.
Website: https://www.mecostacounty.org/COA/SOAR.pdf
TRANSPORTATION
Mecosta Osceola Transit Authority (MOTA)
What: Demand-response public transportation throughout Mecosta and Osceola counties. Same-day and same-week bookings are available, subject to capacity.
Who may qualify: Open to the public. Reduced fares are available for seniors, qualifying riders with disabilities, and veterans. Reduced fare applications are available at https://motaonline.net/fares and must be filled out with medical provider. Applications can be returned to the office.
Contact: Dispatch 231-796-4896, press 1
Address: 18710 16 Mile Rd., Big Rapids
Hours: Dispatch: Mon – Fri 5 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Office: Mon – Fri 8 am – 4 pm
Website: https://motaonline.net/
Note: cash, check, or tokens. Tokens available at the office. Exact amount is required at the office and bus, no change can be made.
Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
What: Transportation to covered medical appointments for eligible Medicaid members.
Who may qualify: Michigan Medicaid member; arrangements vary by health plan or coverage type.
Contact: Call the transportation/member-services number on your Medicaid plan card, or ask MDHHS.
Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/assistance-programs/medicaid
MOTA Fares
What: Adult (16-59) fare $2 per ride; ages 60-79 $1; qualifying disabled riders $1; veterans $1; children 6-15 $1; children 5 and under free with paying adult; age 80+ free.
Who may qualify: Eligibility verification required for reduced fares. Reduced fare applications are available at https://motaonline.net/fares and must be filled out with medical provider. Applications can be returned to the office.
Contact: 231-796-4896
Website: https://motaonline.net/fares
Note: cash, check, or tokens. Tokens available at the office. Exact amount is required at the office and bus, no change can be made.
MOTA Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
What: Non-Emergency transportation to and from health appointments available Mon – Fri 6 am – 6 pm
Non-veteran status fares: inner county – $15 per one-way trip
Outer county – $45 per hour per trip
Who may qualify: Open to public.
Contact: 231-796-4896
Website: https://motaonline.net/fares
Note: cash, check, or tokens. Tokens available at the office. Exact amount is required at the office and bus, no change can be made.
UTILITIES, HEAT & WATER
Lifeline
What: State & Federal discount for eligible phone or broadband service. State landline: Under 65 – $8.25 to $10.25. 65+ – $12.35 minimum. Federal cellular voice only – $5.25, broadband – $9.25, voice and broadband bundle -$9.25
Who may qualify: Income-based or participation in qualifying programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or certain veteran benefits.
Contact: See Michigan Public Service Commission information.
Phone: 800-234-9473
Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/consumer/telecommunications/lifeline
www.lifelinesupport.org/get-started
Michigan Energy Assistance / State Emergency Relief (SER)
What: Help with heat, electricity, and utility emergencies; 2-1-1 can identify current local providers.
Who may qualify: Income and program rules apply.
Contact: Dial 2-1-1 or apply through MI Bridges.
Website: https://www.michigan.gov/energyassistance
Mid Michigan Community Action – Utility / Water & Sewer Help
What: Can help eligible residents explore energy and water/sewer assistance and connect them to other programs.
Who may qualify: Program-specific.
Contact: 231-660-0271 (Big Rapids)
Website: https://www.mmcaa.org/utilities.html
VETERANS
Mecosta County Habitat for Humanity – Veterans Program
What: Homeownership and home-repair assistance with special provisions for veterans.
Who may qualify: Veterans in Mecosta County; program requirements apply.
Contact: 231-629-8700
Website: https://mecostahabitat.org/veteran-program
Mecosta County Veterans Services
What: Assists in filing claims for federal, state, and county veterans benefits, Veterans Benefits, Survivors/Dependents Benefits
Address: 14330 Northland Dr., Big Rapids
Phone: 231-679-8774
Website: mecostacounty.org/government/veterans
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency
What: Statewide benefits navigation, emergency assistance referrals, and help connecting to earned veteran benefits.
Who may qualify: Veterans and eligible family members.
Contact: 1-800-MICH-VET (1-800-642-4838)
Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mvaa
Military One Service
Website: www.mmilitaryonesource.mil
Phone: 800-342-9647
MOTA Veteran Fare
What: Reduced $1 public-transit fare for veterans.
Who may qualify: Veteran status verification required.
Contact: 231-796-4896
Website: https://motaonline.net/fares
Social Security for Veterans
Website: www.ssa.gov/people/veterans
Veterans Rides to Wellness
What: Rides to any authorized VA medical facility $7.50 for inner county facilities per one way trip. $25.50 per hour for outer county rides. Available Mon – Fri 6 am to 6 pm
Who may qualify: Veteran status verification required
Contact: 231-796-4896
Address: 18710 16 Mile Rd., Big Rapids
Hours: Dispatch Hours: Mon – Fri 5 am – 7 pm, Sat 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8 am – 4 pm
Website: https://motaonline.net/fares
VFW Homes
Website: vfwnationalhome.org
Phone: 800-424-8360
West Michigan Veterans Coalition
Website: westmichiganveterans.org
Phone: 231-259-8642
IMPORTANT: Programs, funding, and eligibility can change. Call the organization before traveling or relying on a benefit. This guide is an information resource, not a guarantee of eligibility.