Kent County Community Action Newsletter - April 2026

Dear Community Members,

As we welcome spring, we also welcome new opportunities to serve the residents of Kent County with care and commitment. We are excited to share our 2025 Annual Report, which highlights many of the meaningful accomplishments we achieved together last year.

Our work providing vital services to our most vulnerable neighbors never stops, and your support matters now more than ever. If you feel called to volunteer, donate, or serve on our board, I encourage you to take that step. We currently have one open board appointment for a public official representing any municipality in Kent County. You can find more information here: Kent County Community Action Boards | Kent County, MI. Your leadership can help us make a lasting difference.

Below, you will find more information about volunteering. The more hands and feet we have, the more we can accomplish as a community. If you are able, we also invite you to make a small donation. Every dollar, 100 percent, goes directly back into the community. A gift of just $25 can help feed a family, provide transportation for a senior, or ensure a neighbor can remain safely in their home.

We have so much to look forward to this year. Take a moment to explore our upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and the important work happening right here in your community.

Thank you to all our volunteers, partners, staff, board members, and community supporters. Together, we can do even more.

Sincerely,
Kent County Community Action Director, Gustavo Perez

Our 2025 Annual Report is out! This report shows just how much can be accomplished when a community comes together. Even with rising costs and growing needs, KCCA supported more than 56,000 residents this year - helping families stay in their homes, expanding programs for seniors, and connecting people to the resources they need every day. From utility assistance and housing support to new efforts like eviction prevention, the work is making a real difference across Kent County.

With the help of dedicated staff, volunteers, and partners, KCCA continues to build stronger, more connected communities - and is looking ahead to 2026 with a focus on reaching even more people and creating lasting impact. 

To read our full 2025 Annual Report, visit here.

Join us on May 28 for our Spring Into Action Luncheon, hosted by Commissioner Nancy Morales, as we celebrate Community Action’s impact across Kent County. From food distribution and water/utility assistance to vital senior services, these programs help meet some of our community’s most urgent needs. Don't miss the chance to hear from our staff on the ground and program participants about how these efforts make a real difference in the lives of residents every day.

Want to join us? Please RSVP through the button below. A suggested donation is encouraged at the event. Can’t make it? You can still contribute by visiting this link.

Our team is seeking community input through two upcoming focus groups, as part of a Community Needs Assessment. These sessions will give residents the opportunity to share feedback on what’s working well with KCCA, challenges they face, and ideas to improve services related to housing, food, jobs, childcare, transportation, and healthcare.

Both sessions will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m., at the Kent County Health Department North Clinic in Cedar Springs, and from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the KCCA office in Grand Rapids. Each session will last about an hour, and responses will remain private.

Participants will receive a $25 Visa gift card as a thank you. Residents are encouraged to attend and help shape the future of programs and services in Kent County. To register, please visit here. Questions? Please contact us here.

We recognize and celebrate the incredible transit team at Community Action! Our drivers show up every day with dedication, patience, and compassion to make sure members of our community can get where they need to go safely.

Last year alone, our team drove over 116,000 miles across Kent County, providing 12,253 rides for seniors and people with disabilities. Each trip represents more than transportation - it means access to medical appointments, groceries, community connections, and independence.

Through early mornings, busy roads, and unpredictable weather, our drivers continue to go above and beyond for the people we serve. Their kindness, professionalism, and commitment help make every ride a positive experience.

Please join us in thanking our amazing drivers for the difference they make in our community every single day! 

As part of the Get Ahead of Lead initiative, our team is excited to re-launch a new public outreach campaign to promote the KCLEAR (Kent County Lead Evaluation and Reduction) program, this time with an emphasis on child safety. This program offers eligible residents (owner-occupied primary residence, home built before 1978, and located in Kent County - excluding Grand Rapids) a free professional lead paint inspection and risk assessment of their home and provides the tools and information needed to address serious health risks related to lead exposure.

To apply for a free lead inspection, please visit gettingaheadoflead.com/kclear.

Last month our Director, Gustavo Perez, spent a few days in Washington, D.C. alongside colleagues from across Michigan as part of the Community Action Fly-In Day, meeting with members of Congress to share the real impact of the work we do in our communities.

These conversations matter as they help policymakers understand the challenges and opportunities facing Michigan’s communities every day.

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.