# Housing Search – Phase‑2 Lead Sheet (April 29 2026)

## How to Use This Report

This report compiles the most recent rental leads and assistance options uncovered on **April 29 2026**.  It is intended as a tactical guide to help a relative relocate from unsafe housing in Covert/Bangor to Paw Paw or nearby towns.  Each lead is scored using the rubric provided by the client to highlight strengths and weaknesses.  **Scores are only prioritization aids** – they are not guarantees of availability or suitability.  Listings marked **ACTIVE / HIGH CONFIDENCE** were updated within the last 14 days; anything older is labeled **STALE** and requires a call before acting.  Manufactured‑home listings are labeled with their tenure type (home + lot rental, lot‑only, for sale or rent‑to‑own).  Do not pay any fees until you have verified ownership/management, toured the property, and reviewed the lease.  Pipeline leads without visible vacancies should still be called because rural markets often rent through phone inquiries rather than online listings.

## Section 1 — Executive Summary

**Market reality.**  The Phase 1 report concluded that a **$1 000/month budget is generally not realistic** for a 2–3 bedroom house in Paw Paw.  This Phase 2 search confirmed that assessment: the only 3‑bedroom house‑like options currently visible in Paw Paw are mobile homes renting around **$950–$1 050** and a few apartments around **$995+**.  Most single‑family houses in nearby towns still ask **$1 700–$2 300**.  **Thin inventory** means opportunistic leads must be acted on quickly and many park offices and property managers must be called directly.  *The best realistic path is to pursue the one verified mobile‑home rental currently listed at $975/mo in Wolf Lake Estates and the new rental program at Country Holiday Estates, while simultaneously applying to income‑based apartments and contacting every park, property manager and housing commission in the pipeline.*

**Preferred vs backup.**  Only one **home + lot rental** under $1 000 was found that is immediately available: a 2‑bed/1‑bath mobile home in Wolf Lake Estates ($975/mo + $1 300 deposit)【78043143713866†L13-L25】【158952994657718†L75-L86】.  Country Holiday Estates advertises brand‑new 3‑bedroom rentals at **$950 including water**, but there is no posting date; the community must be called before acting【383677492238522†L41-L57】.  A 2‑bed/2‑bath mobile home in the same community rents for **$1 050/mo** and is included here as an above‑budget backup【74334271491434†L11-L33】.  A lease‑to‑own mobile home in Pine Village (Mattawan) rents for **$850/mo** with a **$2 000 upfront fee** and is flagged as rent‑to‑own【368069287916228†L67-L70】.  All other house‑like leads were either far above budget or stale.  Apartments in Paw Paw and Lawrence at **$995 and $650** provide emergency backups but lack house‑like privacy.  A small 1‑bedroom house in Bloomingdale at **$900/mo** offers a yard but is 18 miles from Paw Paw【191822443561803†L97-L108】.  **No leads for duplexes or traditional houses under $1 000 were found in this search.**

**Immediate safety path.**  If the current housing situation is unsafe and immediate relocation is necessary, the family should (1) call the **Wolf Lake Estates** property manager the same day to verify and apply for the $975 mobile home, (2) call **Country Holiday Estates** to confirm availability of their new rentals, (3) contact **Paw Paw Arms** and **Vineyard Villas** for income‑based apartment openings, and (4) engage **SMCAA**, **Michigan 2‑1‑1**, and the **Van Buren CoC** for emergency bridge assistance and rapid‑rehousing.  Do not waste time on stale listings or lot‑only mobile‑home ads.

**What not to waste time on.**  Avoid any listing that advertises only lot rent, homes for sale, or vague rent‑to‑own offers.  Many park pages on MHVillage and similar sites list 0 rentals; these are included in the pipeline only as call targets.  Skip older apartment listings that have been on Zillow for months unless they are re‑posted recently.  Do not rely on MHBO or Craigslist posts older than 30 days.

## Section 2 — Top Ranked Active / Recent Leads

The table below lists the most promising leads uncovered on April 29 2026.  Only listings that are at or near budget and appear to be true **home + lot rentals** (or emergency backup apartments) are ranked here.  Scores reflect the rubric provided by the client.  Leads above budget or with non‑standard tenure are labeled and ranked lower.  “Active/High confidence” means the listing was updated within 14 days; “Stale—call to verify” means older or undated.  Distances are approximate driving distances from downtown Paw Paw.

| Rank | Score/100 | Property/Community | Address/Area | Distance from Paw Paw | Housing type | Tenure type | Beds/Baths | Rent & costs | Listing date / recency | Estimated move‑in timeline | Assistance compatibility | Family fit | Privacy / yard | Paw Paw proximity | Availability confidence | Scam/staleness risk | Contact path | Next action | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **1** | **84** | **Wolf Lake Estates #37 (Blu Ash Properties)** | 24054 M‑43 Hwy #37, Mattawan, MI 49071 | ≈ 13 mi | Mobile home | **Home + lot rental** | 2 bd / 1 ba | **$975/mo + $1 300 deposit; tenant pays all utilities**【78043143713866†L13-L23】 | Listed 12 days ago; updated April 22 2026【158952994657718†L75-L86】 | Available now | Unknown—ask if vouchers/SER are accepted | Suitable for a small family (2 bd) | Private mobile‑home space; yard; pets allowed【78043143713866†L13-L25】 | Within 15 mi | **High confidence** (recent listing) | Low–medium (official property site) | Call Blu Ash Properties at **269‑389‑0509**【158952994657718†L133-L140】; confirm it is a true rental (not rent‑to‑own), confirm deposit and utilities, and schedule a showing. | 【78043143713866†L13-L23】【158952994657718†L75-L86】 |
| **2** | **73** | **Country Holiday Estates – New Rentals** | 43124 M‑43 Hwy, Paw Paw, MI 49079 | ≈ 3 mi | Manufactured home | **Home + lot rental (unverified)** | 3 bd / 2 ba | **$950/mo; water included**【383677492238522†L41-L56】; other utilities not specified | **Undated listing—call to verify** | Unknown; claim says “brand‑new rental homes available”【383677492238522†L41-L57】 | Unknown—call; ask about vouchers/SER | 3 bedrooms for a family | Mobile‑home community with yard; water/trash included | In Paw Paw | **Stale — call** | Medium; site cross‑posted; verify legitimacy | Call community office at **989‑704‑3454**【383677492238522†L72-L73】; ask if any 3 bd homes are currently available for rent (home + lot), confirm rent, deposits, utilities, and assistance acceptance. | 【383677492238522†L41-L57】 |
| **3** | **75** | **Bloomingdale Cottage** | 210 S Monroe St, Bloomingdale, MI 49026 | ≈ 18 mi | Single‑family house | **Home rental** | 1 bd / 1 ba | **$900/mo + $900 deposit**【191822443561803†L97-L109】; tenant pays electric, gas, sewer & garbage【191822443561803†L145-L158】 | Listed 6 days ago; active on Trulia【191822443561803†L228-L259】 | Available now; 1‑year lease【191822443561803†L156-L176】 | Unknown—ask; may accept SER but likely private | Small for a family; only 1 bedroom | House on dead‑end street with yard & two sheds【191822443561803†L145-L153】 | 18 mi (beyond preferred radius) | **High confidence** (recent) | Medium; private landlord listing; verify | Call the landlord at **269‑207‑1196**【191822443561803†L161-L164】; confirm availability, deposit, lease terms, assistance acceptance, and suitability for family. | 【191822443561803†L97-L109】【191822443561803†L145-L158】 |
| **4** | **72** | **Pine Village MHP – Lease‑to‑Own Unit** | 56289 Murray St #14, Mattawan, MI 49071 | ≈ 13 mi | Manufactured home | **Rent‑to‑own (down payment)** | 2 bd / 1 ba | **$850/mo + $2 000 upfront fee**; includes lot rent【368069287916228†L67-L69】 | Updated April 29 2026【368069287916228†L82-L85】 | Available now | Unknown; call to ask | Suitable (2 bd) but requires buy‑in | Mobile‑home park; yard likely; pets allowed【368069287916228†L67-L71】 | 13 mi | **High confidence** (recent) | **High risk:** rent‑to‑own with large down payment; background/income checks required【368069287916228†L67-L70】 | Only pursue if other leads fail; call park office (contact via Zillow) to confirm terms, ask about pure rentals without purchase requirement. | 【368069287916228†L67-L71】 |
| **5** | **57** | **Wooded 2‑Bed Apartment (Paw Paw)** | Undisclosed address, Paw Paw, MI 49079 | Paw Paw | Apartment | **Apartment (backup)** | 2 bd / 1 ba | **$995/mo**; tenant pays electric; carport included; cats OK with $300 fee【869031793021951†L45-L99】 | Posted 4 days ago (active)【869031793021951†L45-L99】 | Available now; 1‑year lease【869031793021951†L45-L99】 | Unknown—call | Adequate for small family (2 bd) | No yard; wooded complex; private entry【869031793021951†L45-L99】 | In Paw Paw | High confidence | Low–medium; property manager listing | Apply online via Zillow; verify deposit and assistance acceptance before paying fees. | 【869031793021951†L45-L99】 |
| **6** | **49** | **Downtown Lawrence Apartment** | 116 E Saint Joseph St Apt 2, Lawrence, MI 49064 | ≈ 9 mi | Apartment | **Apartment (backup)** | 1 bd / 1 ba | **$650/mo**; owner pays water/sewer/trash; tenant pays heat & electric; deposit unknown【322386623648586†screenshot】 | Listed 6 days ago (active)【117335061243519†L43-L73】 | Available now; 12‑month lease【322386623648586†screenshot】 | Unknown—call | Small; only 1 bedroom | Limited privacy; upstairs apartment | 9 mi | High confidence | Medium; private landlord; confirm | Call the number on the listing (not provided publicly) via Zillow message; confirm availability, deposit, utilities, and assistance compatibility. | 【117335061243519†L43-L73】【322386623648586†screenshot】 |

**Above‑Budget Backup** (not ranked among the main list)

| Property | Details | Reason for backup |
|---|---|---|
| **Wolf Lake Estates Lot 39** – 2 bd/2 ba mobile home, **$1 050/mo + $1 050 deposit + $30 water/sewer/trash fee**【74334271491434†L11-L33】, located in Mattawan (≈13 mi). | Recent listing on Blu Ash Properties; resident pays utilities; pets allowed. | **Above budget.** May be considered if assistance or negotiation lowers total cost. |

## Section 3 — House‑Like Pipeline Leads

These leads did not produce visible rentals under $1 000 but should be contacted to check for unlisted vacancies.  For manufactured‑home communities, use the call script in Section 10 and ask specifically if there are **park‑owned or investor‑owned 2‑ or 3‑bedroom homes for rent where rent includes both the home and the lot**.  For property managers and real estate offices, ask whether they manage any house‑like rentals near Paw Paw under $1 100.

| Pipeline lead | Why it matters | Contact / next step | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Pleasant View Estates** (7604 Red Arrow Hwy, Watervliet, MI 49098) | MHVillage shows **2 homes for rent** in this community (rents $1 219–$1 299)【31686601059313†L121-L133】【172766169851721†L169-L205】.  Though over budget, it is the only community near Paw Paw with confirmed rentals. | Call park office at **269‑350‑9883**【172766169851721†L169-L205】.  Ask whether any smaller or lower‑cost units are coming available, if rent includes home + lot, and whether assistance is accepted. | Active community‑level rentals but above budget; still worth a call. |
| **Best Value Communities** (operator for Three Mile Lake, Shady Brook, Applewood & Viking River parks) | Owns multiple parks around Paw Paw/Hartford; contact may reveal vacancies not posted online. | Call **708‑852‑5577** (office) or property managers **KC Villa (708‑515‑4134)** and **Trish Villa (708‑722‑4817)**【753143010978055†L75-L92】.  Ask if any park‑owned rentals are available at Three Mile Lake, Shady Brook, Applewood, or Viking River; confirm tenure. | No web listings; phone inquiry required. |
| **Three Mile Lake Trailer Park** (63381 41st St, Paw Paw) | Park page shows **0 homes for rent**; phone from Yellow Pages snippet (269‑657‑3636). | Call the park; verify whether any 2–3 bed rentals exist or will open soon. | Unverified; must call. |
| **Shady Brook Mobile Home Park** (43910 30th St, Paw Paw) | Park page shows **0 rentals**; phone not surfaced.  As part of Best Value Communities, call operator. | Call Best Value Communities to inquire. | Unverified. |
| **Village View Estates** (258 CR 665, Paw Paw) | MHBO/Facebook snippets advertise **rent‑to‑own options**; may have rentals or RTO units. | Call local number (269‑364‑7975 if reachable); ask about pure rentals. | Unverified; treat with caution. |
| **Prospect Manor** (Lagrave St, Paw Paw) | Sales‑focused community; site emphasises “Own a home”【102638542486142†L40-L52】. | Call the office at **269‑235‑9015**【102638542486142†L40-L52】 to ask whether any park‑owned rentals exist. | Likely sales‑only; confirm. |
| **Country Holiday Estates** – additional units | Property manage site lists **waitlist for 2 bd homes at $850–$875 + utilities**【483869780774104†L15-L19】; other units may exist. | Call **989‑704‑3454**【383677492238522†L72-L73】 and ask if any 2 bd homes are currently available without purchase, and whether waitlist applicants can secure a unit soon. | Waitlist; treat as pipeline. |
| **Fresh Start Property Management Group** | Managed the former Dwellsy listing (52959 38th Ave, Bangor, $1 000/mo)【604877932900409†L52-L79】.  They may have other mobile homes or houses. | Search for the phone number or website (Fresh Start PMG); call and ask about any units in Van Buren County under $1 000. | Stale listing; new units possible. |
| **Property managers (Zillow directory)** | Zillow’s property manager directory lists several managers in Paw Paw; they may handle private houses or duplexes. | Call or email each manager to ask about upcoming rentals under $1 100. | Secondary; time‑intensive. |
| **Paw Paw Housing Commission / Miller Court** | Public housing authority; may operate senior/disabled housing but information is unclear. | Call **269‑657‑4776**【383677492238522†L41-L57】 for confirmation. | Determine if family units or voucher programs exist. |
| **Bangor Housing Commission** (820 2nd St, Bangor) | Public housing with 1–4 bed family units; waitlist may be open. | Call **269‑427‑5535** to confirm and request an application. | Potential income‑based fallback. |
| **Covert Public Housing Commission** (73860 E Lake St, Covert) | Public housing for families and seniors. | Call **269‑764‑8881** to verify current waitlist and unit sizes. | Fallback if staying near Covert is acceptable. |

## Section 4 — Craigslist / Facebook / Private‑Landlord Findings

**Craigslist.**  Searches on kalamazoo.craigslist.org for Paw Paw, Lawton, Bangor, Mattawan and Van Buren County produced mostly above‑budget houses ($1 700–$2 800) and scattered room/apartment ads.  No active house‑like rentals under $1 000 were discovered.  Treat any Craigslist post older than 30 days as stale.  Manual verification is required.

**Facebook Marketplace.**  Public access to Facebook Marketplace was limited.  Indexed searches for “Paw Paw MI house for rent” and similar queries returned mostly generic category pages or buy/sell posts and did not surface specific rental leads.  Manual searching through a logged‑in Facebook account is still essential.  Suggested search instructions:

* On Facebook, go to Marketplace and search “Paw Paw MI house for rent”, “Paw Paw MI mobile home”, “Bangor MI trailer”, and “Lawton MI house for rent”.  Use the filter for housing, price ≤ $1 200, and distance ≤ 20 mi.  
* Join local buy/sell/trade and rental groups (e.g., “Paw Paw MI Buy Sell Trade” or “Van Buren County Housing”) if available.  Ask politely whether anyone knows of 2–3 bedroom houses or mobile homes for rent under $1 100.  
* Always verify the owner’s identity and never send money before seeing the property.  

**Private‑landlord leads.**  No direct private‑landlord listings under $1 000 were found outside of the leads already documented.  However, contacting local property managers, real estate offices, and community members via Facebook groups may surface off‑market rentals.

## Section 5 — Income‑Based / HUD / Public‑Housing Options

These properties provide income‑restricted or subsidized housing that may help the family secure a safe home quickly.  Contact each property directly to obtain current application procedures and waitlist status.

| Property / program | Type & eligibility | Contact / details | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Paw Paw Arms** (146 Lake St, Paw Paw) | Income‑based apartments; 1‑ and 2‑bed units; family‑compatible; rent based on income. | Call **269‑657‑5665** or apply via Red Oak Management【383677492238522†L41-L57】. | Waitlist likely open; backup if house‑like options fail. |
| **Vineyard Villas** (675 Hazen St, Paw Paw) | Income‑based apartments; 1‑ and 2‑bed units; playground; family friendly. | Call **269‑657‑8121**【383677492238522†L41-L57】; managed by Red Oak Management. | 2‑bed waitlist reportedly open; call quickly. |
| **Lyon Apartments** (520 River Rd, Paw Paw) | Conventional apartments; some 2‑beds around $900–$1 010; not income‑based but within budget. | Contact MRD Management via website or office; phone not listed in Phase 1. | Use as backup if other leads fail. |
| **Paw Paw Housing Commission / Miller Court** | Public housing authority; may operate senior/disabled housing but information is unclear. | Call **269‑657‑4776**【383677492238522†L41-L57】 for confirmation. | Determine if family units or voucher programs exist. |
| **Bangor Housing Commission** (820 2nd St, Bangor) | Public housing; 1–4 bed family units; secondary sources say waitlist open. | Call **269‑427‑5535** to confirm and request an application. | Good fallback if willing to live 16 mi away. |
| **Covert Public Housing Commission** (73860 E Lake St, Covert) | Public housing; families and seniors. | Call **269‑764‑8881** to verify current waitlist and unit sizes. | Useful if staying near Covert is acceptable. |
| **MSHDA Project‑Based Voucher developments** | Project‑based rental assistance attached to specific properties; lists are separate from HCV. | Visit MSHDA’s PBV list or call properties directly. | Monitor but not immediate; PBV lists may have shorter waits than HCV. |

**MSHDA Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) status.**  As of April 29 2026, the Michigan statewide HCV waitlist administered by MSHDA is **closed**【7†L7-L16】.  Applicants must monitor MSHDA’s website for reopening announcements.  Project‑based voucher lists at individual developments may still accept pre‑applications; contact each property directly.

## Section 6 — Emergency / Unsafe‑Housing Assistance Path

| Program / agency | Services | Contact & application path | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency (SMCAA)** | Serves Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties; operates rapid rehousing, eviction prevention and emergency shelter programs. | Main office **269‑925‑9077**.  Van Buren homeless family shelter line **269‑605‑4526**.  Visit [smcaa.com/supportive-housing](https://www.smcaa.com/supportive-housing?utm_source=chatgpt.com) for intake. | First call for crisis housing.  Ask for a housing navigator or coordinated entry appointment.
| **Michigan 2‑1‑1** | Central referral line for housing, shelter, utilities and emergency assistance. | Dial **211** or **844‑875‑9211** or text ZIP code to **898211**【383677492238522†L41-L57】. | Available 24/7.  They can connect to local shelters, SMCAA programs, and rent‑assistance funds.
| **Van Buren County Continuum of Care / Coordinated Entry** | Coordinates rapid rehousing and homelessness services. | Contact **Melanie Hooker** at the Domestic Violence Coalition, **269‑655‑9008**【383677492238522†L41-L57】. | Use if SMCAA cannot immediately place the family or if domestic violence is a factor.
| **MDHHS State Emergency Relief (SER)** | Provides assistance with security deposits, first month’s rent, moving expenses, rent arrears and utility arrears when housing is unsafe or at risk. | Apply through **MI Bridges** at [michigan.gov/mdhhs](https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/assistance-programs/emergency-relief/relocation?utm_source=chatgpt.com).  Local MDHHS office can assist with documentation. | Requires proof of need (unsafe conditions, income eligibility, etc.).  Prepare photos and correspondence documenting the unsafe housing.
| **Rapid Rehousing** | Short‑term rental assistance combined with case management; administered locally through SMCAA and CoC partners. | Request referral via SMCAA or Van Buren CoC. | May cover move‑in costs and rent for up to 12 months.
| **McKinney‑Vento Act – School Liaison** | Ensures children experiencing homelessness or unstable housing can remain in their school of origin and receive transportation and other support. | **Susanne Carpenter**, Homeless Liaison & Foster Student Liaison, Paw Paw Public Schools, **269‑415‑5211**【383677492238522†L41-L57】. | Contact if the children’s schooling is disrupted by the housing crisis; helps secure transportation and supplies.
| **Legal Aid / Michigan Legal Help** | Free legal advice for tenants facing unsafe conditions, repairs, eviction, or landlord harassment. | Visit [michiganlegalhelp.org](https://michiganlegalhelp.org/resources/tenants-rights?utm_source=chatgpt.com) for resources, or contact **Legal Aid of Western Michigan** at **888‑783‑8190**. | Do not rely on internet advice alone; speak with an attorney if landlord refuses repairs or threatens eviction.

## Section 7 — Call Today List

These calls should be made immediately (preferably within the next 24 hours).  Calls are prioritized by likelihood of yielding a viable housing option.

| Urgency | Who to call | Phone / contact | Purpose & questions | Expected outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| **High** | **Blu Ash Properties – Wolf Lake Estates** | **269‑389‑0509**【158952994657718†L133-L140】 | Confirm that the **$975/mo 2‑bed mobile home** is still available, verify that rent includes both home and lot, confirm deposit and utility responsibilities, ask whether assistance (SER or voucher) is accepted, schedule a viewing, and ask about any other upcoming 2–3 bed units. | Either secure an application and showing for the listed unit or be placed on a list for upcoming units. |
| **High** | **Country Holiday Estates** | **989‑704‑3454**【383677492238522†L72-L73】 | Verify whether any of the **brand‑new 3‑bedroom rentals** are actually available for **$950/mo** (home + lot).  Ask if there are smaller units closer to $850–$900.  Confirm deposits, included utilities, application requirements, and acceptance of assistance. | Confirmation of availability, timeline to view, and any waitlist process. |
| **High** | **SMCAA Housing Intake** | **269‑925‑9077** / **269‑605‑4526** | Request emergency housing assistance, rapid‑rehousing and eviction prevention services.  Explain unsafe housing situation and need for family‑appropriate housing near Paw Paw. | Assessment for crisis placement, potential hotel/shelter voucher, or rapid‑rehousing referral. |
| **Medium** | **Paw Paw Arms & Vineyard Villas** | **269‑657‑5665** and **269‑657‑8121** | Ask whether the 2‑bed income‑based units have an open waitlist, how to apply, required documents, and expected wait time. | Obtain application or be placed on waitlist; may provide stable backup. |
| **Medium** | **Best Value Communities (Three Mile Lake, Shady Brook, Applewood, Viking River)** | **708‑852‑5577** / **708‑515‑4134** / **708‑722‑4817**【753143010978055†L75-L92】 | Ask if any park‑owned or investor‑owned homes are available for rent (home + lot) in their Paw Paw and Hartford communities; confirm rents and utility responsibilities. | Determine whether previously hidden rentals exist; gain contact to be notified if one opens. |
| **Medium** | **Bangor Housing Commission & Covert Housing Commission** | **269‑427‑5535** and **269‑764‑8881** | Ask about current waitlist status for 2–3 bed family units; request application. | Gain position on waitlist or learn expected timeline. |
| **Low** | **Bloomingdale Cottage Landlord** | **269‑207‑1196**【191822443561803†L161-L164】 | If house‑like leads above fall through, call to ask whether the 1‑bed house is still available and discuss suitability for a family. | Determine if the property could serve as a temporary safe haven. |
| **Low** | **Fresh Start Property Management Group** | (Phone not found; search and call) | Ask if they have any mobile homes or small houses for rent under $1 100 in Van Buren County. | Potential new leads. |

## Section 8 — Apply / Waitlist List

These applications should be completed soon after the priority calls.  Prepare required documents (see checklist below) before submitting.

| Program / property | Application path | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| **Wolf Lake Estates #37** | Application link via Blu Ash Properties website (apply only after confirming availability). | Have ID, proof of income, and deposit funds ready. |
| **Country Holiday Estates** | Pre‑screener required before applying【383677492238522†L41-L56】.  Do not apply until after touring the home. | Make sure rent includes home + lot and water; ask about deposit and utilities. |
| **Paw Paw Arms / Vineyard Villas** | Contact site managers; obtain paper or online application; provide income documentation. | Income‑based; may require birth certificates and Social Security numbers. |
| **Bangor & Covert Housing Commissions** | Request public housing application by phone or in person. | Applications often require birth certificates, Social Security cards, income statements, and landlord references. |
| **SMCAA / SER / Rapid Rehousing** | Apply via SMCAA intake; apply for SER through MI Bridges; ask for rapid‑rehousing referral. | Documentation of unsafe housing and income is essential. |

## Section 9 — Backup Emergency Safety Options

In case no suitable house‑like rental is available immediately, consider these backup options to ensure the family leaves unsafe housing promptly:

* **Income‑based apartments:** Apply to Paw Paw Arms and Vineyard Villas.  Although they are apartments, they may provide stable housing faster than market rentals and are within the budget.  Lyon Apartments or other conventional rentals around $900–$1 100 may also serve as short‑term solutions if available.
* **Bloomingdale Cottage:** The 1‑bed house at 210 S Monroe St offers privacy and a yard for $900/mo【191822443561803†L97-L109】.  It is smaller and farther away but can act as a safe temporary home while searching for a larger rental.
* **Temporary shelter / hotel vouchers:** Contact SMCAA and the Van Buren CoC immediately.  They may provide hotel vouchers or shelter placement while searching for housing.  Use Michigan 2‑1‑1 to locate additional shelters or transitional housing.
* **Room rentals or shared housing:** Check Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for in‑law suites or duplexes under $900.  Only use this option if no other safe housing is available; verify landlord identity and lease terms.

## Section 10 — Landlord / Property Manager Call Script

Use the following script when calling landlords, park offices, or property managers.  Adapt wording as needed and be polite but thorough.  

1. **Introduction:** “Hello, my name is [Your Name].  I’m calling about your rental property at [address/community name].  Is it still available?”  
2. **Confirm details:** “Can you please confirm the monthly rent, the required security deposit, and any other move‑in costs?”  
3. **Tenure and utilities:** “Is this a rental where the home and lot are both included, or is it lot‑rent only?  What utilities are included and what would I be responsible for paying?”  
4. **Bedrooms and family suitability:** “How many bedrooms and bathrooms does it have?  Is it suitable for a family with children?”  
5. **Availability timeline:** “When is the unit available?  If it’s not available now, do you expect any 2–3 bedroom units to open soon?”  
6. **Assistance acceptance:** “Do you accept Housing Choice Vouchers, MSHDA project‑based vouchers, MDHHS State Emergency Relief funds, or rapid‑rehousing assistance?  Are there any income requirements or application fees I should know about?”  
7. **Pet policy:** “Are pets allowed, and if so, what are the fees or restrictions?”  
8. **Application process:** “What is the application process?  Are there any background or credit requirements?  Is there an application fee?”  
9. **Showing:** “When can I schedule a time to view the home?”  
10. **Wrap up:** “Thank you for the information.  May I have your name and the best way to reach you for follow‑up?”

## Section 11 — Document Checklist

Having the following documents ready will speed up rental applications and assistance programs:

* Government‑issued photo ID for all adults
* Social Security cards or numbers for all household members (some programs require copies)
* Birth certificates for children (for housing commission or income‑based housing)
* Proof of income (recent pay stubs, benefit letters, child support statements)
* Bank statements (last 1–2 months), if requested
* Current lease or month‑to‑month agreement
* Rent receipts or proof of rental payments
* Utility bills (electric, gas, water) showing payment history
* Any eviction notices or documentation of unsafe conditions (photos of mold, leaks, etc.)
* Landlord repair requests (texts/emails) if applicable
* School enrollment records for children (useful for McKinney‑Vento liaison)
* Verification of household size and any special circumstances (disability, veteran status, domestic violence documentation) – only share what is comfortable and relevant

## Section 12 — Final 24‑Hour Action Plan

1. **Gather documents.** Immediately compile identification, income proofs, and unsafe‑housing documentation from the checklist above.  These will be needed for applications, assistance programs, and potential legal claims.
2. **Call Blu Ash Properties** (Wolf Lake Estates) **today.** Verify availability of the $975/mo 2‑bed mobile home and schedule a viewing.  If available, request an application and ask whether any smaller deposit or assistance support is possible.
3. **Call Country Holiday Estates** next.  Ask if any of the advertised 3‑bedroom rentals are ready for occupancy, confirm rent and deposit, and request a showing.  If they have a 2‑bed option or waitlist, ask how to join.
4. **Contact SMCAA and Michigan 2‑1‑1** for emergency assistance.  Explain the unsafe housing situation; request rapid‑rehousing or hotel voucher support if immediate relocation is necessary.  Ask about any deposit assistance or utility‑arrears programs.
5. **Apply to Paw Paw Arms and Vineyard Villas**.  Call both properties to obtain applications; complete them quickly since income‑based units may have a waitlist.  Ask whether any units are expected to open soon.
6. **Reach out to Best Value Communities and other parks.**  Make calls to Three Mile Lake, Shady Brook, Applewood, Viking River, and Pleasant View Estates to check for upcoming rentals.  Leave your contact information for callbacks.
7. **Consider backup options.**  If no house‑like rental is immediately available, arrange a viewing of the Bloomingdale cottage and apply if necessary.  Prepare to move into a backup apartment (Paw Paw Arms, Vineyard Villas, or the $995 woodland apartment) while continuing to search for a house.
8. **Monitor listings daily.**  Save searches on Zillow and check Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace each morning for new postings under $1 000 in Paw Paw and surrounding towns.
9. **Stay in contact with assistance agencies.**  Follow up with SMCAA, MDHHS SER, and the Van Buren CoC for updates on assistance applications.  If the situation worsens, inform them immediately and request emergency shelter.

**Best‑case scenario:** Wolf Lake Estates confirms availability and the family can move into the 2‑bed mobile home within days.  Country Holiday Estates offers a 3‑bed home by mid‑May.  SMCAA provides deposit assistance or rapid‑rehousing funds, and a safe move occurs quickly.

**Worst‑case scenario:** No park has an immediate vacancy, and the family must rely on backup apartments or temporary shelter while remaining on multiple waitlists.  In that case, prioritize safety, maintain contact with assistance programs, and continue searching daily.

## Section 13 — Known Gaps / Manual Verification Needed

| Gap or unresolved source | Why it matters | Manual verification step |
|---|---|---|
| **API tool / MHBO / MobileHomeByOwner** | The Phase 2 environment does not allow API access or reliably parse MHBO pages.  Some parks may advertise there. | Ignore for now; rely on MHVillage, direct park calls, and property manage sites. |
| **Apartments.com & Homes.com access** | Many pages were blocked by “Access Denied” errors or dynamic loading issues. | Only reattempt if time allows using a different browser or incognito mode; not critical because these sites rarely list house‑like units under $1 000. |
| **TurboTenant listing for Country Holiday Estates** | The official TurboTenant page could not be parsed; we relied on cross‑posted listings for details. | When calling the park office, verify all information (rent, unit size, move‑in costs) and ask for the official application link. |
| **Facebook Marketplace & local groups** | Public indexing is poor and login access is required. | Manually search Facebook Marketplace and join local buy/sell groups.  Ask community members about rentals and watch for new posts daily. |
| **Fresh Start Property Management Group contact** | Their website or phone number wasn’t captured during this search, but they may manage rural mobile homes. | Conduct a separate search for “Fresh Start Property Management Group Bangor MI” or call local directories to obtain their phone number. |
| **Best Value Communities tenancy type** | Park pages emphasize home sales, and rental tenure is unclear. | When calling, explicitly ask if any park‑owned homes are offered for rent (home + lot) rather than rent‑to‑own or lot‑only. |
| **RHP Properties & Sun Communities local presence** | The Phase 1 report could not confirm whether these national operators have parks in Van Buren County. | Use each company’s community locator or call their main offices to ask if they operate parks near Paw Paw. |
| **Lawrence / Decatur / Gobles private‑landlord market** | Little information surfaced during this search. | Ask property managers and community contacts if they know of any private landlords with houses or duplexes under $1 100 in these towns. |
| **Lease terms and fees for Wolf Lake Estates & Country Holiday Estates** | Deposit and utility policies were gleaned from listings; full lease terms were not visible. | Verify during calls and before applying. |
| **Voucher acceptance** | Most leads did not state whether Housing Choice Vouchers or SER funds are accepted. | Ask every landlord or property manager directly; document responses. |