Meridian Cares

The Ambulance Waiver is a program that helps eligible Meridian Township residents reduce or eliminate ambulance service fees. To qualify, applicants must meet specific requirements, including income and asset limits. Applications are reviewed using the Township’s established policies and guidelines, which are applied equally to all applicants upon application.

The Meridian Township Community Resources Commission is responsible for granting or denying waivers in line with program requirements and eligibility information provided by the resident.

You can find the application at the link below:

Ambulance Waiver Program Guidelines and Application

Michigan 2-1-1 is an easy way to connect with help of all kinds, right in your community. Need help with food, housing, or paying bills? Need support in a family crisis or community disaster? We’re here for you. Any time. All the time. Just call, text, or search online and we’ll get you connected.

Call 2-1-1 for community assistance resources as well as volunteer opportunities.

Local Hunger Resources 

For a quick overview of food assistance resources available in Meridian Township, review the following flyer: Meridian Cares Hunger Resources Handout.

Food Pantries

All of the food pantries that serve Meridian Township require an appointment.

Those who need food should contact the site for their ZIP code to request food:

• 48823:
  • St. Paul Lutheran Church – 517.351.8541
  • St. John Student Parish – 517.432.5136
• 48840: Haslett Community Church – 517.339.8430
• 48864: Okemos Community Church – 517.349.4220

State Food Assistance

Residents can apply for food assistance through the state at www.michigan.gov/mibridges. If a resident has zero income, they can report that on an application, and the state will expedite the application. For the application, you can take pictures of your documents, then upload and attach them to your online application electronically, so you don’t have to set foot inside their office. If you need to apply for utility assistance or Medicaid, it’s all on the same application for assistance – all you have to do is check the appropriate box. 

Meridian Cares is currently accepting donations for this year’s Holiday Food Assistance Fundraiser.  

Each year Meridian Cares connects local businesses, churches, organizations and community members to provide residents in need with food for the holiday season. Food baskets or food-only gift cards are delivered ahead of the Thanksgiving and December holidays.

Residents in need can complete a Meridian Cares food program request form that are available through local food pantries, churches, apartment complexes, local libraries, the Meridian Cares office and more.

**Please note that all Food Basket Program request forms collected after 10/28/25 will be on a waiting list.**

Last year this program assisted a total of 572 families over the Thanksgiving and December holidays.

Donations can be made at: 2025 Holiday Food Assistance Donation Link

Any questions can be directed to Katie Love at klove@meridian.mi.us or 517.853.4204.

Micro Food Pantry Locations:

• Capital Area District Libraries (CADL) Haslett Branch (1590 Franklin St. Haslett MI) 

• CADL Okemos Branch (4321 Okemos Rd. Okemos MI)

• Faith Lutheran Church (4515 Dobie Rd. Okemos)

They also serve as a drop-off point for those who wish to donate items. Sponsors are responsible for the maintenance, operation and final removal of the Micro Food Pantry. Those interested in becoming a Micro Food Pantry sponsor can contact the Township Planning Division at 517.853.4560.

Emergency Regulation Micro Food Pantries

Micro Food Pantry Sponsor Application

Residents in need of emergency assistance can call 517.853.4204 for a confidential intake and assessment. The Human Services Specialist will recommend to the resident that they apply for food and financial assistance through the Michigan Department of Human Services.

Once this is complete, the specialist may refer them to other local organizations, including Salvation Army, Capital Area Community Services, and several others.

If no other funding is available or if funding is insufficient, the specialist may partner with an organization and make a recommendation to the Community Resources Commission to provide financial assistance to the resident. Upon Commission approval, Meridian Township will use the Meridian Cares Emergency Needs Fund to issue a check directly to the landlord or utility company.

Meridian Township hosts the Marianne Deschaine Memorial Fund, which benefits those struggling to avoid homelessness. This fund was created in response to the passing of Marianne Deschaine, the daughter of former Meridian Township Treasurer Phil Deschaine. 

Marianne was passionate about her work with the homeless. She worked tirelessly with challenging populations, and this fund is a fitting way to continue her legacy of service. 

Those wanting to contribute to the Marianne Deschaine Memorial Fund can send a check or donate online via PayPal at https://bit.ly/MCPayPal, with “Marianne Deschaine Memorial Fund” in the subject line or the instructions field.

Meridian Township hosts the Ron Styka Memorial Fund, which benefits community members in need. This fund was created in response to the passing of former Meridian Township Supervisor Ron Styka.   

As a member of the Okemos Board of Education, Meridian Township Trustee, and Supervisor, Ron Styka served the community through public service since 1990. 

Those wanting to contribute to the Ron Styka Memorial Fund can send a check or donate online via PayPal at https://bit.ly/MCPayPal, with “Ron Styka Memorial Fund” in the subject line or the instructions field.