 
Kent County Community Action Urges Congress to Reject Proposed Cuts to Vital Social Services
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (July 18, 2025) - Kent County Community Action (KCCA) is urging members of Congress to reject proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget cuts—outlined in both the President’s proposal and ongoing Congressional negotiations—that would eliminate or reduce funding for essential social service programs supporting thousands of Kent County residents. This call to action follows the enactment of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which set the stage for sweeping changes to federal funding priorities impacting local communities.
“These cuts, if enacted, would be devastating to the residents and families we serve,” said Gustavo Perez, Director of Kent County Community Action. “These programs are vital safety nets that keep people housed, fed, and healthy. Removing them would leave a deep void in our community.”
Among the most concerning provisions in the President's FY 2026 Budget Request:
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Elimination of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), which funds most KCCA staff who assess needs, provide emergency assistance, and coordinate services that help low-income individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency.
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Elimination of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which would leave thousands of residents unable to pay utility bills and reduce access to weatherization services that help keep homes safe and affordable.
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Reductions to the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), threatening food support for low-income seniors aged 60 and older.
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Elimination of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program, which fund critical infrastructure, affordable housing, home repairs, and public services in Kent County.
Here’s What’s at Stake:
- Thousands of seniors could lose access to monthly food boxes.
- Emergency assistance and coordinated services that help low-income individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency could be eliminated.
- Dozens of affordable housing and home repair projects would be stalled or canceled.
- The backbone of community coordination and emergency response would be weakened.
In FY 2024 alone, KCCA served 24,558 families, distributed 113,157 boxes of nutritious food, completed four infrastructure projects—including roads, sidewalks, and parks—and finished 233 home rehabilitation and weatherization projects. These essential services are all at risk if the proposed federal cuts move forward.
Real People, Real Impact
Behind every statistic is a story. Here are just a few of the many lives touched by the services now at risk:
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Ms. Miller, a senior on a fixed income, turned to KCCA for help after loan payments for a roof repair caused her to fall behind on utility bills. KCCA helped her secure emergency relief, create a workable budget, and enroll in a reduced loan payment plan. Staff also identified ways to cut monthly expenses—including switching to free TV streaming and exploring a lower-cost car insurance plan—saving her over $400 a month. She is now enrolled in the KCCA CARES program and working toward financial stability.
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Joanne, a single mother of five, was juggling multiple jobs and barely making ends meet. KCCA helped her access housing support, complete a teaching certification, and ultimately secure a mortgage. Today, she’s thriving in a stable career, and two of her children are now in college.
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Lisa, a widowed mother of five, faced utility shutoffs after an injury and surgery disrupted her income. KCCA provided over $1,200 in assistance and connected her with child support resources—helping her stay warm, stable, and supported.
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James, a senior who once lived in a shelter, longed for privacy and independence. KCCA helped him apply for housing, secure funding for move-in costs, and settle into an apartment on a bus line that meets his needs. Today, he’s stably housed, connected to friends, and finally able to invite family over for dinner and a game.
Congressional Timeline
The U.S. House of Representatives is tentatively expected to debate and vote on the FY 2026 appropriations bills this month. The U.S. Senate is expected to take up the appropriations bills this month and some after the August recess.
Congress is expected to pass a continuing resolution (CR) before October 1 to keep the government running for programs that have not yet received funding for FY 2026.
Call to Action
KCCA is urging all residents to contact their representatives and urge them to protect these life-sustaining programs. Every voice matters—whether you rely on these services yourself, know someone who does, or simply want to support a stronger, healthier community.
Contact Your Lawmakers Today:
U.S. Representatives:
U.S. Senators:
“Now is not the time to weaken the programs that hold our communities together,” Perez concluded. “We urge Congress to stand with us—and with the thousands of Kent County residents whose lives will be directly impacted by these decisions.”
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