Athens
Ask about Athens
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for Athens and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in Athens
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
Local office · Regional office
Gryphon Place 2-1-1
Help here
- Community resource referralsCall 2-1-1 to find local help with basic needs such as food, housing, work, and childcare.
Checked on October 9, 2026 · Found on gryphon.org
Local office · City office
Village of Athens Office
129 E Burr Oak, Athens, MI 49011
Help here
- Village government servicesContact the village office for help with village government matters.
Checked on October 9, 2026 · Found on athensarea.org
Library · Regional office
Athens Community Library
106 E Burr Oak St, Athens, MI 49011
Help here
- Library servicesVisit the library to borrow books and other materials or use its public services.Read more
Checked on October 9, 2026 · Found on athenscommunitylibrary.org
Checked on October 9, 2026
Nonprofits that serve Athens
Each one serves this area. Call before you go, since services and hours change.
Food bank
Food banks supply the food pantries and meal sites near you. Call or check the website to find one close by.
Nonprofit
South Michigan Food Bank
5451 Wayne Road, Battle Creek, MI 49037
Listed on feedingamerica.org, checked on October 10, 2026
Free legal help
Free help with civil legal problems, like eviction, benefits and family law, for people with low incomes. Funded by the Legal Services Corporation.
Nonprofit
Michigan Advocacy Program
Listed on lsc.gov, checked on October 10, 2026
Community action
Local nonprofits that help people with low incomes. Many help with energy bills, rent, jobs and taxes. Call to ask what they offer now.
Nonprofit
Community Action Agency of South Central Michigan, The
175 Main St, Battle Creek, MI 49014-4153
Listed on nascsp.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Offices for all of Calhoun County
Athens is in Calhoun County. These county and state offices serve people there too.
State office · State office
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Calhoun County Office
190 E. Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49016
Help here
- State benefits and family servicesVisit the local MDHHS office for help with state assistance programs and family services.Apply online
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on michigan.gov
Local office · Regional office
Michigan 211, Gryphon Place
Help here
- Community resource referralsCall for information about local help with basic needs and other services.
Checked on October 9, 2026 · Found on mi211.org
Public health · County office
Calhoun County Public Health Department
190 E. Michigan Avenue, Suite A-100, Battle Creek, MI 49014
Help here
- Public health servicesGet public health information and services, including health clinics and environmental health help.
- WICWIC helps eligible families get healthy food, nutrition advice, and breastfeeding support.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on calhouncountymi.gov
Older adults · Regional office
CareWell Services Southwest
200 W. Michigan Avenue, Suite 102, Battle Creek, MI 49017
Help here
- Aging and caregiver supportGet information about local services and support for older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on carewellservices.org
Emergency help · County office
Calhoun County Office of Emergency Management
161 E. Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49014
Help here
- Emergency preparedness and recoveryGet information about preparing for and recovering from emergencies and disasters.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on calhouncountymi.gov
Jobs and training · Regional office
Michigan Works! Southwest Calhoun County Service Center
200 W. Van Buren Street, Battle Creek, MI 49017
Help here
- Job search and employment helpGet help looking for work, building job skills, and connecting with employers.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on michiganworkssouthwest.org
Michigan programs by kind of help
These are run by Michigan and work the same everywhere in the state. Each page lists the programs and how to apply.
- FoodFood benefits, WIC, school meals and food banks.
- HousingRent help, shelter, and help with heat and power bills.
- GoodsClothing, diapers, furniture, a phone and other things for home.
- TransitBus fares, rides and getting to appointments.
- HealthHealth coverage, Medicare, mental health care and help with drug costs.
- MoneyCash help, disability, retirement and veterans payments, and tax help.
- CareChild care, help for older adults and disability support.
- EducationHelp paying for college and training, and free preschool.
- WorkJobs, unemployment, and the IDs and papers you need for work.
- LegalFree legal help, and help staying safe.
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help anyone can use
These come from the federal government, so they work the same in every state.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security retirement benefits
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Medicare
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.
Call 1-800-633-4227 - Extra Help with Medicare drug costs
Social Security Administration. Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - VA health care
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.
Call 1-877-222-8387 - VA disability compensation and benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.
Call 1-800-827-1000 - FAFSA, the federal student aid form
U.S. Department of Education. One free form that opens federal grants, work-study and loans for college or trade school. Many states and schools use it for their own aid too.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Federal Pell Grant
U.S. Department of Education. Money for college or trade school that usually does not have to be paid back, for students with financial need.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - HealthCare.gov
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.
Call 1-800-318-2596 - Lifeline phone and internet discount
Federal Communications Commission. A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.
Call 1-800-234-9473 - Head Start and Early Head Start
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.
Call 1-866-763-6481 - IRS Free File
Internal Revenue Service. File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.
- VITA and TCE free tax help
Internal Revenue Service. IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.
Call 1-800-906-9887 - Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Internal Revenue Service. A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.
Call 1-800-829-1040 - Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.
- Replace a Social Security card
Social Security Administration. Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - FEMA disaster assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency. Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.
Call 1-800-621-3362
Checked on October 9, 2026
Talk to a person
- Gryphon Place 2-1-1
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 800-250-5628 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988