2025 Houghton County Elder Nutrition Services Millage Proposal
Bring Meals on Wheels to all of Houghton County
The Need
Approximately one in five Houghton County residents are over the age of 65, and that number is growing. Seniors often face unique challenges related to health, mobility and access to essential services. These risk factors are magnified by limited or nonexistent public transportation, limited grocery stores within the county’s 1,500 square miles and constraints of individual financial means.
Houghton County is one of only five counties in Michigan that does not have a millage to support elder nutrition services.
We've reached current organizational capacity. With that said, we know there are many more seniors in need as we've had a waiting list for more than a year and we consistently hear from people outside of our current service areas.
"I have to choose between food or paying for my electric bill so that I can breathe. To balance this, I keep my oxygen on a lower level so I use less electricity and this allows me to still have some money to buy food."
Robert J.Meals on Wheels participant
"We live south of Houghton in a rural area and I can no longer drive or get around very well as I’m in a wheelchair and on oxygen. My husband goes to town once a week to pick up our meals and I’m grateful he can still get around."
Helen K.Meals on Wheels participant
"My father’s dementia and deteriorating vision has impacted his ability to drive and leave the house. The home delivered meals are essential in helping him continue to live at home."
Laura T.Child of Meals on Wheels participant
"Attending the Meet & Eat meal site has helped me out of my depression. I’ve made new friends and enjoy getting out of my house each day. It’s been such a help to have something to look forward to each day."
John P.Meals on Wheels participant
"I look forward to seeing my meal delivery driver each day. I often have a cup of coffee waiting for them as I enjoy the 5-10 minutes they spend talking with me. I don’t feel so forgotten."
Mark L.Meals on Wheels participant
"I used to cook the home delivered meals for this area years ago and WOW - the meals have changed! They are so fresh, colorful, and varied. I love these meals and I tell everyone about them!"
Angela K.Meals on Wheels participant
"My father lives alone and I live in another state and it’s reassuring to know that he’s getting a nutritious meal everyday and being checked on by a trusting individual. Because of this service, he’s able to continue living at home for longer than we anticipated."
Allison J.Child of Meals on Wheels participant
The Solution
An Elder Nutrition Services millage for Houghton County would:
1
Immediately address the current waiting list in Houghton County and eliminate the likelihood of a waiting list in the future.
2
Ensure the continuation of existing services and expand similar service to additional Houghton County service areas.
3
Ensure every senior in Houghton County has the opportunity for at least a weekly nutritious meal delivery and a friendly personal contact.
4
Enhance and increase the number of Meet & Eat and meal pick-up locations throughout Houghton County.
Public Information Sessions
To ensure every Houghton County resident can learn about the 2025 Elder Nutrition Millage Proposal, we're hosting 17 public information sessions across the county. We invite all interested community members to join us at one of these open and honest conversations to explore the community's needs, understand the proposed solutions and ask any questions you may have.
Shall the limitation on the total taxes which may be assessed against all property in the County of Houghton, Michigan, thus creating a new Elder Nutrition millage, be limited for the period of four (4) years (2025, 2026, 2027 and inclusive of 2028) and shall not exceed 1.0 mills which will result in an estimated tax revenue collection of $1,237,399.25 in the first year the millage is levied for a period of four (4) years?
Said revenue, of which will be specifically allocated to the Copper Shores Meals on Wheels program, will be used exclusively to support elder nutrition services including food purchases, meal preparation, delivery and established congregate meal sites serving elderly residents age sixty (60) years and older residing in Houghton County.
The Cost for Voters
If your property’s taxable value is $100,000, you would pay $100 per year. If you want to see what your home's taxable value is, Houghton County recommends using BS&A Online.
Our Budget Overview
Based on 2023 numbers
The $685,121 shortfall is currently 100% covered by Copper Shores.
*Meals on Wheels annual program expenses do not include any capital investments such as kitchen equipment, upgrades to the buildings, etc. or administrative support provided by Copper Shores, including expenses related to marketing, finances, grant acquisition, human resources, fundraising, etc. Copper Shores Community Health Foundation has committed to covering those expenses now and into the future.
Copper Shores' Commitment to Seniors
Copper Shores Meals on Wheels is committed to alleviating senior hunger and providing social connections that help seniors age in place. Meals on Wheels plays a vital role in supporting senior nutrition, mental health, and mitigating chronic and acute illnesses.
Together, it is possible to create a healthier, more secure future for the seniors of Houghton County.
By collaboratively investing in the senior population, community members can make a difference in seniors' lives and contribute to the health of the community for everyone. Seniors deserve to live with dignity and be supported by a community that is grateful for their contributions - without going to bed hungry every night.
A millage passage will not excuse Copper Shores from providing appropriate funding support for elder programming. In addition to continued financial support for the meals program, capital investments in needed facilities, staffing and other services will remain an organizational priority. Copper Shores is committed to the creation of a sustainable future that ensures all Houghton County seniors are able to age in place, while having access to nutritious meals, social connections and wellness checks.
How to Support
Copper Shores Meals on Wheels' 2025 Elder Nutrition Services millage proposal for Houghton County is on the August 5 ballot. Be sure to cast your vote on August 5!
More Information
To receive notifications on millage updates, subscribe to Copper Shores' free monthly newsletter at coppershores.org/newsletter.
