Granholm Says New State Resource Offers a Helping Hand

LANSING, MI - Sunday, August 30, 2009 - In this week's radio address, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm Friday said people can easily find information about jobs and training, unemployment benefits, food assistance, health care, and housing at Helping Hand, a new state Web site.

"You can file for unemployment benefits online," Granholm said. "If you're facing foreclosure, you can contact a homeownership counselor for assistance. You can apply for food assistance online - you don't have to visit a Department of Human Services office. By answering a few questions, you can determine if you qualify for other assistance such as Medicaid."

"Part of our effort to streamline government is the use of technology," Granholm continued. "So if somebody is seeking service, it is much easier to access it online."

Granholm said while Helping Hand covers many programs and services, it doesn't include every available resource in every Michigan community.

"This is why our partnerships with groups like United Way and the community action agencies are so important," Granholm said. "Helping Hand provides links to 2-1-1, the United Way system that connects people with local information and resources. Community action agencies are also pitching in. Staff at both those agencies and United Way's 2-1-1 also can help people fill out forms for the assistance they're seeking."

"Helping Hand is part of our effort to streamline state government and better serve and protect people," Granholm said. "During these tough times, we don't want to make it tough to get assistance. So when you or someone you know needs help, visit the Helping Hand Web site at www.michigan.gov/helpinghand."