Dear Community Members,
I am excited to celebrate Community Action Month this month and highlight the exciting things we are doing in Kent County! Did you know that this is our 58th year? Kent County Community Action (KCCA) has a long history of helping our residents most in need and we are proud to assist with food, utilities, housing, transportation, Medicare insurance enrollment, and more.
And this year has marked significant growth and reach!
- We distributed 88,337 free food boxes to residents in need
- We doubled impact of our Weatherization Program, from servicing 50-60 homes a year to 110-115 homes
- We launched a new, free diaper program and partnered with the Kent County Health Department to distribute them to their Maternal & Infant Health program participants
- We provided 7,654 rides to seniors and/or individuals with disabilities
We couldn't have done it without our amazing team, volunteers (donating over 40,000 hours of their time!), partners, and residents! Thank you for showing your support and for making a difference in our community.
Sincerely,
Kent County Community Action Director, Gustavo Perez
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KCCA Staff Joins Resource Fair With State Rep. Carol Glanville, Governor Whitmer's Team, and Office of Senate Majority Brinks
KCCA staff joined State Representative Carol Glanville, along with Governor Whitmer's team, and the Office of Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, at the Grandville Public Library for an in-person fair to provide them with resources about our organization and to chat with their offices about the variety of services available to us.
Other agencies in attendance were the Department of Health and Human Services, Secretary of State's Office, Michigan Works, Unemployment agency, and the Area Agency on Agency of West Michigan.
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Applications and Waitlists
Open: Assistance for households throughout Kent County with metered water and wastewater utilities is now open.
Closed: KCCA is no longer assisting with gas, deliverable fuels, or electric. The lists for rental / mortgage arrears and weatherization assistance are currently closed.
Please do not leave more than one message. This will only slow down the process.
The first step to apply: call 616-632-7950 and follow the prompts to leave a voicemail on our assistance line. Please speak clearly, include your full name, address, and phone number in the message.
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Volunteer and Make A Difference
 Are you ready to roll up your sleeves, join forces, and be a part of something truly amazing? Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or just eager to make a difference, Kent County Community Action is looking for passionate volunteers to lend a hand in its emergency food programs, where you can pack and distribute essential resources to those in need.
Food Packing Opportunities:
CSFP (Senior) Packing Dates
- Monday, May 6, 8am-1pm at 5899 Comstock Park Dr. (Indoors)
- Friday, May 10, 8am-1pm at 5899 Comstock Park Dr. (Indoors)
- Thursday, May 30, 8am-1pm at 5899 Comstock Park Dr. (Indoors)
- Friday, May 31, 8am-1pm at 5899 Comstock Park Dr. (Indoors)
- Friday, June 7, 8am-1pm at 5899 Comstock Park Dr. (Indoors)
- Tuesday, July 2, 8am-1pm at 5899 Comstock Park Dr. (Indoors)
- Monday July 8, 8am-1pm at 5899 Comstock Park Dr. (Indoors)
- Friday July 12, 8am-1pm at 5899 Comstock Park Dr. (Indoors)
TEFAP Emergency Packing Dates
- Monday, June 3 at 514 Eastern Ave. SE (Indoors)
Times and Shifts: 12-2pm, 2-4pm, and/or multiple shifts
- Tuesday, June 25 at 5899 Comstock Park Dr. (Indoors)
Times and Shifts: 8-10am, 10am-12pm, 12:30-2:30pm, and/or multiple shifts
- Wednesday, June 26 at 5899 Comstock Park Dr. (Indoors)
Times and Shifts: 8-10am, 10am-12pm, 12:30-2:30pm, and/or multiple shifts
Food Distribution Opportunities:
CSFP (Senior) Distribution Dates:
- Friday, May 17 at 121 Martin Luther King Jr. St. (Outdoors)
Times and Shifts: 8:00am - 10:00am, 10:00am - 12:00pm, 12:00pm - 2:30pm and/or multiple shifts
- Friday, June 14 at 121 Martin Luther King Jr. St. (Outdoors)
Times and Shifts: 8:00am - 10:00am, 10:00am - 12:00pm, 12:00pm - 2:30pm and/or multiple shifts
- Friday, July 19 at 121 Martin Luther King Jr. St. (Outdoors)
Times and Shifts: 8:00am - 10:00am, 10:00am - 12:00pm, 12:00pm - 2:30pm and/or multiple shifts
TEFAP Emergency Distribution Dates:
- Tuesday, June 4 at 121 Martin Luther King Jr. St. (Indoors/Outdoors)
Times and Shifts: 1-6pm | Volunteer Times and Shifts: 8-10am, 10am-12pm, 12:30 -2:30pm, 2:30-4:30pm, 4:30 -6:30pm and/or multiple shifts
- Thursday, July 11 at 121 Martin Luther King Jr. St. (Indoors/Outdoors)
Times and Shifts: 9am-1pm | Volunteer Times and Shifts: 8am-10am, 10am - 12pm, 12-2 pm, and/or multiple shifts
We hope you will volunteer for this opportunity and help our community members, one meal at a time.
Students Develop KCCA Impact Dashboard Framework for UofM School of Information Expo
Community Action enjoyed hosting visitors from the University of Michigan School of Information (UMSI) in late April, featuring a group of students working on a project to help KCCA create the framework for an impact dashboard.
With over 250 guests, 450 student presenters, and 145 featured projects, the students presented the project and their outcomes as part of the Student Project Exposition event. The 2024 UMSI Exposition Award Winners were determined by a panel of UMSI partners, alumni, and industry professionals, and awards were funded by the estate of Gerald P. Miller (AMLS '86, Ph.D. '95) and the UMSI Miller Scholars Fund.
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We want to hear from you!
We welcome your input and ideas on topics you would like us to cover. Please send us any suggestions or questions to KCCAinfo@kentcountymi.gov.
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