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About the Human Development
Commission
HDC is one of
approximately 1,000 Community Action Agencies (CAAs) serving the
U.S., Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. CAAs were the
centerpiece of President Lyndon Johnson's "War on Poverty" and
founded as non-profit organizations that fight poverty at the
local level. Established by the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964,
CAAs cover all cities and counties in the country and are a
primary source of support for low-income individuals and seniors
who wish to become self-sufficient and/or live independently.
Since its inception in 1965 as a Michigan private, non-profit
corporation, HDC has provided human services to the communities
and residents of Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac and Tuscola, in rural
Michigan, utilizing public and private resources. Throughout its
history, HDC has operated such services as on-the-job training
programs, Legal Aid, Head Start, developed and managed senior and
low-income housing units, served as the Area Agency on Aging and
Substance Abuse Services Coordinating Agency, initiated the Meals
on Wheels Program, developed food cooperatives, the Thumb Area
Assault Crisis Center, and Adult Day Services. The agency also
developed partnerships with major utility companies for the
provision of home energy services, assisted numerous villages and
cities is solving water/wastewater issues, and developed several
economic development ventures.
HDC is governed by a 24-member Board of Directors,
comprised of equal representation from local government (public
officials), the private sector (businesses, faith-based
organizations, etc), and consumers (low-income, seniors,
handicapped). The Board receives input from six Advisory Councils
that are comprised of individuals who are interested in particular
areas of service. Based on the efforts of the Board, Councils,
staff and volunteers, HDC served 17,741 individuals in 2005.
HDC...has been administering a diverse range of human
service programs for over 35 YEARS.
HDC...ASSISTS people from all walks of life
within the counties of Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac and Tuscola, and
communities as a whole.
HDC...is ACCOUNTABLE to local Boards, i.e.,
its own Board of Directors and Advisory Councils, County
Commissioners, townships boards, etc.
HDC...has built PARTNERSHIPS and has close
working relationships with local service providers, civic
organizations and businesses.
HDC...is FLEXIBLE to address local and State
needs as they arise.
HDC...is an effective MOBILIZER of resources
and has the ability to LEVERAGE additional resources for greater
efficiency.
HDC...is an effective and successful IMPLEMENTER
of new initiatives or initiatives not pursued by others.
HDC...has VAST EXPERIENCE and
has been, or is currently involved with:
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Energy Conservation
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Cooperative
partnerships with Utility Conservation Programs
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Community Economic
Development initiatives
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Distribution of surplus
commodities/food bank networks
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Debt Management
Counseling
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Information & Referral
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Public Transportation
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Housing-Transitional/Homeless/Affordable/Rehabilitation/New
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Construction/Management
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Pre-school and Early
Head Start
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Senior Services - Case
Coordination, Congregate and Home Delivered
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Meals, Senior Housing
and Home Repair
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Literacy
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Business Management
HDC...has
BUILT a reputation of:
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