Dear Community Members,
Community Action in Kent County remains deeply committed to serving our neighbors with excellence, compassion, and purpose. As we navigate a time of shifting priorities and increased demands on social services, our work has never been more vital. This is when Community Action Agencies like ours truly shine - standing in the gap to ensure families, and individuals have the support they need.
Over the past few months, we’ve been actively engaging with our legislators to share the real and lasting impact of our programs on the lives of Kent County residents. These conversations are critical, but just as important is hearing directly from you - our community.
We are currently undertaking a Strategic Planning process to shape the direction of our programs for the next several years. Your voice matters. We invite you to join us in our upcoming community forums, where you’ll have the opportunity to share your insights, challenges, successes, and unmet needs. This input will help ensure our work continues to reflect and respond to the realities faced by those we serve.
We also want to take a moment to recognize and thank our incredible volunteers. Your time, energy, and compassion make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many. As needs continue to grow, we need your support now more than ever. Whether you’ve volunteered in the past or are looking for ways to get involved, we welcome your continued partnership.
Thank you for being part of this important work. We look forward to your participation and to building a stronger, more resilient future - together.
Sincerely,
Kent County Community Action Director, Gustavo Perez
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Governor Whitmer Signs Bills Supporting Economic Opportunity for Low-Income Residents
 Executive Director of Michigan Community Action, Brian McGrain, and our Director Gustavo Perez were honored to be present for a bill signing by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Thank you to Representative Carol Glanville for supporting the work of Community Action in Michigan with this meaningful legislation.
The Governor signed House Bills 5060 and 5523 into law, which updated the Michigan Economic and Social Opportunity Act concerning community action agencies. This legislation is intended to enhance social and economic opportunities for low-income residents and ensures the state can continue to receive federal funding through the Community Services Block Grant program.
Your Voice Matters: Advocate For Vital Community Services in Kent County
We are urging members of Congress to reject the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget cuts included in both the President’s proposal and ongoing Congressional negotiations. These cuts would eliminate or reduce funding for critical social service programs that support thousands of residents in our community. The recent passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” has opened the door for sweeping changes to federal funding priorities - changes that could have serious consequences for local families.
Read our full press release about this issue here.
At the same time, we are encouraging residents to support HR 3131, the Community Services Block Grant Improvement Act of 2025. This legislation would reauthorize and expand CSBG through 2032, protecting vital funding for Community Action Agencies across the country. CSBG makes it possible for us to provide essential services to low-income individuals and families in Kent County. You can help by contacting your U.S. House Representative through the National Community Action Foundation’s Action Center (button below). Whether you’re thanking your representative for their support or urging them to sign on, your voice can make a difference.
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Beyond Expectations: How KCLEAR Transformed a Family's Home and Lives
Our KCLEAR team is making a meaningful impact by helping families eliminate lead paint hazards and improve home safety - often in ways that go far beyond expectations. Below, program participant Jeni J. shares how the program made a difference for her family...
"I would be remiss not to send a message of gratitude and commendation regarding the work done on our house through the KCLEAR program.
Miguel was a delight to work with. Very kind and professional, he was great at clearly explaining next steps and managing my expectations from start to finish. I got the sense that he truly had my family's best interest at heart, and that he was going to make sure we were attended to in a fair and respectful manner.
When we applied to KCLEAR, we didn’t know what to expect. It was recommended by the Healthy Homes Coalition, and we figured it couldn’t hurt to check for lead. While the majority of the findings were benign, the attic had serious lead paint flaking from the ceiling. This was a space that we used to hold old baby items, toys, furniture, mattresses, and other odds and ends. I was horrified to discover the health risk.
The areas that were cleaned, sealed, and painted over now look so beautifully refreshed, and it has given us so much peace of mind knowing that our children are safer now. But that wasn't even the most amazing part. During our initial walkthrough of the house, I shared with Miguel my embarrassment and concern over our front door. It had a window in it that was beginning to fall out, and there was a huge gap between the door and frame at the top. While walking through, Miguel pulled me aside and told me he was going to try to get us a new door - I cried when it was installed.
I cannot thank you all enough for how you've blessed our family through the KCLEAR program. The work that you're doing is so valuable and so desperately needed. I offer my deepest gratitude to you all and wishes for continued funding and success in your programs."
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Director Perez Participates In Live Podcast At The Michigan Community Action Summer Conference
 Several members of our team had the opportunity to attend the Michigan Community Action Summer Conference last week in Grand Rapids.
As part of the event, our KCCA Director, Gustavo Perez, was featured on a live episode of the Collective Us podcast - and of course, he did a fantastic job representing our work and mission!
Help Guide Community Action: Join a Strategic Plan Focus Group & Earn a Gift!
Our team is seeking community input! If you've ever struggled to make ends meet, experienced housing insecurity, or want to help shape priorities for our community programs, we invite you to join one of our upcoming focus groups.
Participants will receive a $40+ gift card as a thank you, and one lucky person at each session will win four tickets to a Whitecaps game! Advanced registration is required.
Upcoming Focus Group Opportunities:
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Register for Central Kent County - Tuesday, July 29th at 2 pm at the Community Action Office (121 Martin Luther King, Jr. St., Grand Rapids, MI 49507)
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Register for South Kent County - Tuesday, July 29th at 5:30 pm at Kentwood Public Library (4950 Breton Rd. SE, Kentwood, MI 49508)
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Register for North Kent County - Wednesday, July 30th at 6 pm at North County Campus (4191 17 Mile Rd. NE, Cedar Springs, MI 49319)
Register via the links above and you'll receive an email with participation instructions.
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Applications And Waitlists
Applications are OPEN for the following utilities:
- Metered Water/Sewer for all residents of Kent County
- Weatherization services
Applications are CLOSED for the following:
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.
Please do not leave more than one message. This will only slow down the process.
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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, we are looking for passionate volunteers to lend a hand in our emergency food programs, where you can pack and distribute essential resources to those in need.
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Here are the upcoming volunteer food distribution opportunities:
- August 1, 8-1pm - KCCA Warehouse - 5899 Comstock Park Dr. (Inside)
- August 4, 8-1pm - KCCA Warehouse - 5899 Comstock Park Dr. (Inside)
- August 8, 8-1pm - KCCA Warehouse - 5899 Comstock Park Dr. (Inside)
- August 15, 8-10am, 10am-12pm, 12-2:30pm - Kent County Community Action Office - 121 Martin Luther King Jr. St. (Outside)
- September 3, 8am-1pm - KCCA Warehouse - 5899 Comstock Park Dr. (Inside)
- September 4, 8am-1pm - KCCA Warehouse - 5899 Comstock Park Dr. (Inside)
- September 5, 8am-1pm - KCCA Warehouse - 5899 Comstock Park Dr. (Inside)
- September 12, 8am-1pm - KCCA Warehouse - 5899 Comstock Park Dr. (Inside)
- September 19, 8-10am, 10am-12pm, 12-2:30pm - Kent County Community Action Office - 121 Martin Luther King Jr. St. (Outside)
- September 23, 8-10am, 10am-12pm, 12-2:30pm - Kent County Community Action Office - 121 Martin Luther King Jr. St. (Outside)
- September 24, 8-10am, 10am-12pm, 12-2:30pm - Kent County Community Action Office - 121 Martin Luther King Jr. St. (Outside)
- October 1, 8-1pm - KCCA Warehouse - 5899 Comstock Park Dr. (Inside)
- October 3, 8-1pm - KCCA Warehouse - 5899 Comstock Park Dr. (Inside)
To view volunteer shifts for any of these dates and to sign up, visit here. We hope you will volunteer for this opportunity and help our community members, one meal at a time.
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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