Frequently Asked Questions

Question About

General Questions

Q. How do I contact specific CAA program services?

A. CAA program contact information is found in this website on either the specific program's page, or check the CAA staff directory page. Also, you may contact the CAA main telephone number and ask for directory assistance to CAA programs at: (209) 723-4565.

Q. How do I get my questions about CAA services answered?

A. First, see if your question is answered in this list of answers to frequently asked questions of Merced County CAA. Second, see if the answer to your question is presented in the information on this website's specific program web page. Third, use the on-line question form at the end of this list to submit your question. (An answer to your question will typically be provided you by e-mail within a few work days.)

Housing Assistance Questions

Q. Do you have low-income housing?

A. No

Q. Do you put people up in motels?

A. Rarely, and only when funding is available (next funding anticipated in 2002).

Q. How do I get into a homeless shelter?

A. Go to 1414 "R" St. in Merced, CA between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. M - F and complete an intake form. It is recommended that you call first to check on space availability and qualification requirements (209) 725-8188.

Q. Do you give out food and clothing?

A. No, we can refer you to sources for food and clothing.

Q. Are there many homeless people in Merced, CA?

A. Many more than you might think. Our counts indicate that every night in the City of Merced alone, over 120 people are sleeping outside or in shelters. The 2000 census shows a 30% increase in the number of homeless in Merced County. During the winter season of 2000 - 2001 we had over 250 different people use the CAA shelters.

Q. What can I do to help homeless people in Merced County?

A. We are always looking for donations of money and items homeless people often need, such as towels, blankets, gloves, socks, underwear, jackets and food. Charitable donations can be made for the homeless at the CAA Housing Assistance office 1723 'N' St. in the City of Merced, CA..

Energy Assistance Questions

Q. Do I qualify for home weatherization assistance?

A. The program is for qualified low-income people and the income guidelines vary with family size. You can find out what the current qualification requirements are by calling the CAA Energy Assistance Program at (209) 723-4411.

Q. Do you do plumbing repairs?

A. No

Q. Do you do major home repairs?

A. No, some minor home repair is allowed by the weatherization program policies and procedures.

Q. Where can I apply for home energy conservation assistance?

A. At the CAA Weatherization Office at 411 West Ave., in the City of Merced, or any CAA Community Service Center in Merced County.

Q. Do you assist people in rental homes?

A. Yes, if they meet the income qualifications, funds are available and the owner gives permission to do the work.

Food Assistance Questions

Child Development Assistance Questions

WIC Assistance Questions

Q. What does the acronym WIC mean?

A. Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a State funded supplemental nutrition program. For a program description visit the CAA WIC web page

Community Services Questions

Micro-Enterprise Loan Questions

Q. What Micro-Enterprise Loans are available?

A. The Merced County CAA administers revolving loans for the City of Merced low-income micro-entrepreneurs and for the Micro-Entrepreneurs Support Association (MESA). Visit www.mesa.coop and click onto members program and then select Revolving Loan Fund.

Still have an unanswered questions?

Please email your questions to the following address:

hr@mercedcaa.org