Dear Community Members,
As autumn arrives, October brings a renewed focus on awareness and action across our community. This month, Kent County Community Action is proud to highlight three important observances: Energy Awareness Month, Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, and Weatherization Day.
Energy Awareness Month in October reminds us that small changes in our homes can lead to big savings. Whether it’s switching to energy-efficient lighting, sealing drafts, or unplugging unused electronics, every step helps. Our team is here to connect you with programs that make energy upgrades more accessible and affordable.
Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (October 19 - 25) is a vital time to raise awareness about the dangers of lead exposure, especially for children. If your home was built before 1978, you may qualify for lead hazard reduction services. Protecting our families starts with education and prevention—and we’re here to help.
Weatherization Day (October 30) highlights the importance of preparing homes for the colder months. Through our Weatherization Assistance Program, eligible households can receive free improvements like insulation, furnace tune-ups, and air sealing. These upgrades not only reduce energy bills but also improve comfort and safety.
We believe that awareness leads to action - and action leads to stronger, healthier communities. If you or someone you know could benefit from these programs, please reach out to our office or visit our website to learn more.
Thank you for being part of a community that cares. Let’s make October a month of progress, protection, and preparation.
Sincerely,
Kent County Community Action Director, Gustavo Perez
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Happy Homes, Happy Hearts Luncheon on October 16!
Join us for a FREE luncheon on October 16, from 12 - 1pm, to celebrate Community Action’s impact across Kent County - from the life-changing support provided by our weatherization and utility assistance programs to the meaningful stories shared from our senior services initiatives. Plus, help us honor and recognize our Volunteer of the Year for their outstanding contributions.
Your participation makes a difference - Please join us and make a donation to help residents and families in need.
Space is limited. To attend, please RSVP below.
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Collaboration in Action: Addressing The Housing Crisis
 Thank you to our friends at Heart of West Michigan United Way for leading our Housing Kent Eviction Prevention Task Force last week! Our director, Gustavo Perez, is part of this group of community organizations and stakeholders that are leading the way in changing how eviction prevention is done in Kent County.
We would also like to thank Housing Kent and the Housing Stability Alliance for having Gustavo on a panel to discuss housing issues, funding challenges, and a way forward.
Free Weatherization Services for Qualifying Residents
With October being National Energy Awareness Month and October 30th being Weatherization Day, we need to focus on how energy plays a role in our daily lives and how vital it is. It is also an opportunity to talk about energy efficiency and how to reduce cost for low income households. In accordance with this, we offer a Weatherization Assistance Program for residents who qualify, to help keep individuals/families warmer in the upcoming winter months.
Offering free weatherization for Kent County residents enables households with low-income to reduce their heating costs by making homes more energy efficient.
Services may include:
- Attic & Wall Insulation
- Health & Safety Checks
- Air Sealing Measures
- Other Energy Efficiency Measures
For interested individuals/families, call 616-632-7950 to schedule a screening time.
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Partnership With Hispanic Center Of Western Michigan To Improve Senior Well-Being
In September, the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan hosted a wonderful series of events at our Community Action building designed to bring seniors together and help them learn new skills. From a cooking demonstration and an important conversation around mental health, to a lively afternoon of arts and crafts and a fun-filled day of bingo, each activity fostered learning, creativity, and joy.
These gatherings are an important part of Community Action’s mission to support seniors by building community, encouraging wellness, and creating spaces where friendships can grow.
A Heartwarming Reunion
When one of our Senior Meals participants boarded the KCCA bus in mid-September, she was distraught - her beloved dog, Coco, had slipped away from home earlier that morning.
Driver Chad reassured her and kept an eye out while on the road. Before long, he spotted a dog nearby and asked if it might be Coco. Sure enough, it was!
Chad pulled the van over, and Coco happily jumped on board to be reunited with his grateful owner. After making sure Coco was safely home, Chad continued on, bringing the group of seniors to the center for lunch and activities.
We’re so thankful for Chad’s care and attentiveness, and for the supportive spirit of our community that makes moments like this possible.
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Community Spotlight: Lieutenant Hunt From The Plainfield Township Fire Department
At the beginning of September, our team had an unexpected issue when one of their vehicles became inoperable due to a malfunctioning lift. While our staff member, Anesha, was working to resolve the problem, she realized a special tool was needed.
That’s when Lieutenant Hunt from the Plainfield Township Fire Department stepped in. He not only provided assistance but helped troubleshoot and secure the lift so the vehicle could safely be driven to the shop - saving us from needing a wrecker.
We are grateful for Lt. Hunt’s quick response and willingness to lend a hand. This is a great example of the strong partnerships and supportive community we’re fortunate to have here in Kent County.
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:
- October 3, 8-1pm - KCCA Warehouse - 5899 Comstock Park Dr. (Inside)
- October 6, 8-1pm - KCCA Warehouse - 5899 Comstock Park Dr. (Inside)
- October 9, 8-10am, 10am-12pm, 12-2pm - Kent County Community Action Office - 121 Martin Luther King Jr. St. (Outside)
- October 17, 8-10am, 10am-12pm, 12-2:30pm - Kent County Community Action Office - 121 Martin Luther King Jr. St. (Outside)
- November 4, 8am-1pm - KCCA Warehouse - 5899 Comstock Park Dr. (Inside)
- November 7, 8am-1pm - KCCA Warehouse - 5899 Comstock Park Dr. (Inside)
- November 14, 8am-1pm - KCCA Warehouse - 5899 Comstock Park Dr. (Inside)
- November 21, 8-10am, 10am-12pm, 12-2:30pm - Kent County Community Action Office - 121 Martin Luther King Jr. St. (Outside)
- December 2, 8am-1pm - KCCA Warehouse - 5899 Comstock Park Dr. (Inside)
- December 5, 8am-1pm - KCCA Warehouse - 5899 Comstock Park Dr. (Inside)
- December 12, 8am-1pm - KCCA Warehouse - 5899 Comstock Park Dr. (Inside)
- December 19, 8-10am, 10am-12pm, 12-2:30pm - Kent County Community Action Office - 121 Martin Luther King Jr. St. (Outside)
- December 29, 8-10am, 10am-12pm, 12-2:30pm - KCCA Warehouse - 5899 Comstock Park Dr. (Inside)
- December 30, 8-10am, 10am-12pm, 12-2:30pm - 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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