Assistance programs Kent County Michigan
Locate housing assistance (inducing for rent, mortgages, or a security deposit) is available along with emergency utility bill help, free groceries, and other immediate financial help in Kent County. Find the main churches, charities, and government assistance programs and to apply at for assistance, including free money or social services. Get financial assistance near you in Grand Rapids and Kent County MI.
Low-income families will also get information on job programs, debt relief, free back to school supplies as well as a free car. The charities give financial assistance in the Grand Rapids area to the low income, poor, parents, seniors, and unemployed among others. Or get basic needs such as free Christmas toys, clothes, or furniture. There is also information on national charities such as the Salvation Army that also operate in the county.
Emergency financial help for electric bills and rent in Kent County
The Grand Rapids Salvation Army - They administer several programs from two offices. The locations are below. Everything from free food to seasonal help, Christmas gifts or school supplies, as well as free vouchers for furniture, gas, or a hotel in Kent County. Access housing resources and other emergency financial assistance is given. For the most recent list of their services, the address is sasocialservices.org.
The charity also has a low cost thrift store that has appliances, couches, furnitures, laptops and more. Some people in a crisis will be given a free voucher for clothes or household stuff.
Area Community Services Employment and Training (ACSET) administers several assistance programs for low income residents. They also offer clients ways to become self-sufficient over the long term. Get access to job and employment services, programs for energy bills, as well as free weatherization energy assistance programs. Low-income tenants will get rent payment help, and referrals to local charities and non-profits.
- There is also Latin American and immigration services from ACSET. Farm workers, immigrants, and asylum seekers in Kent County will get help.
- The agency may have free vouchers for food, gently used clothing, gas, utilities, car parts or repairs, housing, and payments to pay the rent to prevent evictions or utility disconnections. Or look here for other resources, including emergency hardship funds from LIHEAP.
- Find help with energy bills and free weatherization programs. They offer several programs, including the federal government weatherization assistance program. This is a free resource for low income families. But anyone in Kent County can get free energy bill saving tips.
- Also low income families can also receive cash grants to pay utility and heating bills from such programs as LIHEAP, the Detroit Edison (DTE) THAW program, the MPSC/MCAAA EAP utility assistance program, and also MSHDA Emergency Solutions Grants.
Referrals, information, and translation/interpretation services are coordinated too. Address is 144 Franklin Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507. Call (616) 336-4100 or (616) 336-4000. More on assistance from Area Community Services Employment and Training.
- Cedar Springs CAP (part of ACSET), which can be reached at (616) 863-9166, runs rental eviction and mortgage foreclosure programs. There may be funds for paying any back rent, security deposits, or even a partial mortgage payment. Clients must have an eviction or foreclosure notice. Address is 4388 14 Mile Road, Rockford, Michigan 49341.
Grand Rapids Urban League also offers other rent relief, home buying and assistance programs. The agency may pay one month's back mortgage or back rent, and can provide funds or a loan for this expense. They are a HUD approved agency that offers foreclosure and debt help. They also run a food program.
- Employment is another priority of the Urban League. They operate a Center for Employment and Workforce Development and offer job placement, career counseling, and similar support services to clients in Grand Rapids. Call (616) 245-2207, or continue Urban League of Grand Rapids.
Steepletown Neighbor Services helps families and individuals in certain parts of Grand Rapids who need emergency financial assistance. This is done by offering referrals to resources for paying bill such as utilities, rent/housing/transportation, or water bills. Individuals who need help can look into Community Assistance Program (CAP).
- Other services are available at Steepletown as well. They range from free legal aid from Tenants’ Rights Project to GED training and workforce development. They also offer ESL classes to immigrants, Spanish speakers, and others who want to learn a new language. The agency works to help Grand Rapid families overcome their struggles. Call (616) 451-4215. More on Steepletown Neighbored Services.
North Kent Community Services, which is based in Rockford, can provide limited financial assistance. There is free cash grants for individuals and families who are having difficulties. There may be for paying their rent, housing expenses or heating and utility bills. Dial (616) 866-3478, or click more information North Kent Community Services.
Government assistance and human services are offered in Kent County from the SER program. The aid is for the very low income and maybe even more moderate income families can benefit as well. There is also financial help for single moms in Kent County MI. Also look here for cheap apartments for single mothers.
- Some examples of the assistance available may include eviction prevention (rent and/or mortgage help), SNAP food stamps, SSDI disability, and funds to pay the security deposit on new long income housing. Both state and federal benefits are offered.
- There are also resources for the extremely vulnerable, such as financial aid pending disability claims, supportive housing, and senior care.
Many government benefits are available, with a focus on low-income parents. Call (616) 248-1000. More information on Public assistance Kent County Michigan.
Government phones, including from cell or landlines, are available in Kent County and nationwide. They are generally for people on public assistance such as SNAP, Medicaid, Medicare, or other benefit programs. Look here for government phones.
Flat River Outreach Ministries – Emergency, one time financial assistance or short term forgivable loans are offered. Receive funds for paying rent, medical expenses, utility bills, natural gas, or heating costs. Referrals and services are offered with other partners, such as churches and the ACCESS 6 non-profit. There is also a thrift shop. The location is 11535 East Fulton Street, Lowell, Michigan 49331, dial (616) 897-8260, or more on Flat River Outreach Ministries programs.
Guiding Light Mission – Runs transitional housing in Grand Rapids and can help meet employment needs. A computer lab is on site. The housing will allow clients time to save money for a security deposit fee, utility connection, or first months rent.
- The charity also helps with substance abuse needs. There is free or low cost drug and alcohol treatment, including in patient. The site is 255 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. (616) 451-0236. Or look here for free in patient drug treatment.
Grand Rapids Catholic Charities serves the county and nearby regions as well. Most of the assistance they provide is for basic needs Programs can help seniors manage their budgets, provide free clothing and items for babies, distribute food and more. Shelters, short term transitional housing, and programs like Head Start are offered as well. There are dozens of assistance programs for low-income families. Read more Kent County Catholic Charity assistance programs.
Grand Rapids and Kent County Housing Commission - Both of these government entities provide homeowners and renters with help. For example, homeowners may learn about and gain access to foreclosure assistance and counseling. Renters can receive support from programs such as Section 8 housing or other vouchers. Read more on Kent County housing commission housing programs.
Non-profits administer several programs, including holiday assistance, free meals, rent help, and occasional funds for paying rent and heating bills. Low income families in Kent County Michigan can sign up for ongoing case management services. Vouchers for clothing, prescription medications, or groceries may be offered as well. Financial assistance is focused on preventing homelessness/evictions and helping people maintain their heat during the winter. Call (800) 887-1107 for referrals, or find more information on Kent County crisis referral line.
- Heart Of West Michigan United Way's – They partner with and fund many local charity organizations and not for profits. They direct people to these groups and do not provide financial assistance themselves. Find how to get prescriptions, funds for rent and heating bills, food vouchers, and other aid. The location is at 118 Commerce Avenue SW, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503, (800) 887-1107, or click here Heart of West Michigan United Way.
Kent County Department Of Veterans' Affairs – Veterans and their families may be able to get financial assistance. Some services offered include food and grocery vouchers, funds for utility disconnections, rent assistance, money for phone bills, and medications. Location is 836 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.. Call the agency at (616) 632-5722
 Free basic needs, clothes, school items and furniture is offered. There is stuff such as clothes can be provided by churches, thrift stores, and clothing closets. Several charities in the Kent County Michigan region provide so called basic needs to needy families.
- Other items supplied can include free back to school supplies, coats, winter hats, Christmas toys and gifts, diapers, cribs, and related goods. Vouchers or gift certificates may be passed out to the lowest income families so that they can buy the items for free. More details on free clothes, furniture and school supplies in Kent County.
Saint Vincent Thrift Stores sell items to the general public too. Or they give free stuff to people facing a disaster, such as a fire, flood, windstorm or something else. There is also a Referral Service and delivery program for the household items. Continue with SVDP Grand Rapids and Kent County.
Dwelling Place Of Grand Rapids and Kent County can provide single room and low income housing opportunities for the disabled and homeless. Subsidized rent can be accepted as well from the section 8 housing voucher program. They also have no-wait list, emergency housing and apartments for the low-income in Grand Rapids MI. The non-profit operates from 101 Sheldon Boulevard SE, Grand Rapids, MI, dial (616) 454-0928.
Kent County holiday programs - They operate during Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The assistance includes:
- Free Christmas gifts - Toys, games, books, clothes, jackets, and more.
- National and Regional Salvation Army centers offer holiday help as well to kids and low income parents or families. More information is here on the Salvation Army.
- Food - Meals for both holidays as well as gift certificates may be passed out.
- Several agencies in the region participate. Continue with holiday help in Kent County.
Some Grand Rapid area families may also be given free Christmas trees. they will not be decorated, but they will still save the household money. Find information on how to get free Christmas trees.
Resources for water bills - The non-profit Area Community Service Employment Training Council administers programs in Grand Rapids that can assist qualified residents with paying their water bills. While the program is limited in scope and resources, qualified low income Kent County families may be able to receive cash grants for their bills. Or ACSET will have referrals to other local non-profits. More on Kent County water bill assistance.
Wyoming Housing Commission operates housing units and apartments in the community. It is for seniors, the working poor, and low income. They can also offer potential clients to rent help from section 8 and other agencies. Location is 2450 36th Street SW, Wyoming, Michigan 49519-3158. Call (616) 534-5471 for details.
GRACE is a key hunger fight charity in the area. They raise money, coordinate programs, and assist families living in poverty. Referrals and other support may be provided. Read Grand Rapids Area Center for Ecumenism.
Kent County District Office Department Of Human Services – This government location administers a public assistance program that can provide short-term financial assistance for many types of urgent needs. Examples include electric and heating bills, rent, food, and medications. Get SNAP food stamp applications, Medicaid, or SSI payments for the disabled. Funding is through the State of Michigan Emergency Relief (SER). The address is 121 M.L.K. Jr St SE #200, Grand Rapids, MI 49507. Call (616) 248-1000
Tenant eviction prevention and rehousing for the homeless - A coalition has been created to coordinates services around housing. They try to ensure that affordable homes or apartments are accessible for families living in poverty, that children have a place to live, and organize financial aid in Kent County. All resources are focused on housing needs, whether it is rent, money for water bills, or heating costs. Click Kent County homeless prevention assistance.
- Kent County transitional housing programs, including emergency homeless shelters, are for the homeless and recently evicted. Housing may be provided to clients along with other aid, such as free meals, clothing, and basic goods. Also work with a case manager on finding, and paying for, a new home in Grand Rapids Michigan area. Either cash assistance may be used for paying rent or maybe a loan for security deposits. More on transitional housing in Kent County.
Senior Neighbors - Caseworkers can assist seniors in Kent County Michigan with accessing financial assistance. The programs offered include everything from utility bills, to rent, transportation, shelter, free holiday assistance or meals, and gas bills.
Free medical or health care is offered too. There is help for Medicare prescription drugs, Medicaid for very low income seniors, and even home repair programs. There may be lawn maintenance, furnace or HVAC repairs, and similar updates. Address is 820 Monroe Avenue NW Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503-1442. Call (616) 233-0281. Or find more details on Senior Neighbors in Kent County.
Funds for rent are available from non-profits in Grand Rapids and other towns. The goal is to help families that are facing a one time crisis with their housing expenses, and there may also be assistance for paying a security deposit as part of rapid rehousing. Find more Kent County rental assistance programs.
Community Rebuilders is a nonprofit housing agency. They help the disabled, single moms or dads, people with no money and the poor. The charity provides housing assistance to hundreds of families per year. Some of the programs offered include:
- Eviction Prevention - Will help people stay in their home and apartments, and it prevents homelessness by providing a onetime cash grant payment that can be used for rent or mortgage. It is intended for people who have experienced a verifiable emergency, but who can afford future payments. So basically for people who need short term aid. locate other rent assistance resources.
- Shelter and Care - This assistance program will provide longer term rental assistance for homeless persons with disabilities such as a mental illness or substance abuse. In addition, referrals and supportive services are provided and they come from Kent county certified community agencies.
- Families in Transition Program - This is also known as Project FIT, and it will provide rental and housing assistance and intensive supportive services to those homeless families who are seeking permanent housing and also greater stability.
- GAP and RISE - This program offers short term housing subsidies for those people who are experiencing homelessness and need that short boost to get back on their feet. These federal government HUD funds will also help provide childcare, counseling, transportation and more help to those individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness throughout Kent County.
For more information contact them at 1019 Wealthy SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506, or dial (616) 458-5102. They also partner with additional rent programs in the area.
Free legal representation and aid from lawyers is offered for the low-income. Legal Aid of Western Michigan (call 616-774-0672 ) offers people who can’t afford an attorney access to free legal programs and resources. There are free lawyers on call, including consultations in Kent County. Get advice to help with a foreclosure, civil legal issues, landlord/tenant disputes, and more. Find other free legal help resources. The address is 25 Division Ave S Ste 300, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
Free food and pantries
If you need free food, hot meals or other household items, the Catholic Charities West Michigan helps Grand Rapids Michigan families. There is a free pantry, soup kitchen, and distribution center. The charity working by offering them free food, groceries and other household items. The location is 40 Jefferson Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Call (616) 456-1443.
Mel Trotter Ministries Dental Clinic is based at 225 Commerce Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. The charity, and the volunteer dentists, offers free emergency dental care for low-income individuals in the Grand Rapids area. There are implants, surgery, teeth extractions and cleanings too from the charity. Phone: (616) 454-8249, or look here for a charity for free dental.
Byron Community Ministries (dial (616) 878-6000) runs programs that provide services such as food, personal care items, clothing, and counseling to those who need help.
Central Reformed Church services people in Kent County who are facing a crisis who have no other options. Call (616) 456-1773.
Northwest Food Pantry and Resources ((616) 451-4131) and Sunshine Community Church (phone (616) 364-4242) are other options for food vouchers, pantries, and other aid.
Free meals, groceries, clothing, household products and other aid can be provided by additional locations in the county. There are churches and charities that offer free food as well as holiday support to the needy and low income. Or they operate soup kitchens. More on free food pantries in Kent County.
Free health care clinics provide free medical care
The primary health centers to call and apply at for free health care or help with medical bills in the Grand Rapids Michigan area are below. If those locations are not able to meet your needs, locate more free health centers in Kent County as well.
Low income as well as those who lack health insurance can receive access to free or low priced medical care from the Baxter Community Center. Several doctors, nurses, and health care professionals donate their time to help those in need. After all, the primary goal of the health care clinic which is located at Baxter Community Center is to provide low cost or free, high-quality primary health care to those individuals and families who need help.
The services are offered at a low cost for those families who lack health insurance, and people who are on Medicaid or Medicare can also get access to medical care. The pediatric clinic is walk-in, all other patients need to make an appointment. Dial 616-456-8593. The address is 935 Baxter St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506.
Cherry Street Health Services offers medical care on a sliding fee scale. Both dental and medical programs are offered to patients who need help. They help people with no insurance, those on Medicaid, and the low-income. Call (616) 742-9945
If you do not have insurance, stop by or call Oasis of Hope Center at (616) 451-8868. The Grand Rapids clinic provides urgent medical care and wellness exams for those without insurance and who have a low income. The location is 522 Leonard St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.
Also try the Saint Marys Health Services at (616) 685-8300, or click here for additional programs such as ways to get help with hospital bills.
Mortgage relief, debt help and Kent County budgeting resources
A number of free non-profits in Kent County offer debt, car payment, and mortgage help. Of course the main objective of foreclosure counseling is to preserve homeownership and to keep families in their homes. Mortgage and financial counselors can help borrowers evaluate their circumstances, deal with a financial emergency, and communicate with their banks and lenders. They can also help with loan modification or refinancing. If you are facing foreclosure or need any type of mortgage help, these organizations may be able to assist.
- Grand Rapids Urban League - Call (616) 245-2207. They help borrowers rebuild credit, pay down or eliminate debt and more.
- Home Repair Services - (616) 241-2601
Inner City Christian Federation - Call (616) 336-9333, and the charity is at 701 Prospect Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
- Lighthouse Communities, Inc. - Phone (616) 451-9140
A more extensive foreclosure prevention program is offered by the Grand Rapids Urban League. A housing counselor will be assigned to you to help you work through your Home Foreclosure and Mortgage Delinquency challenge. This will be for any low-income family. The free Prevention/Mortgage Delinquency Counseling provides homeowners who are falling behind on their payments, who may be delinquent on their mortgage or who are facing foreclosure with a variety of options. Or learn more on all the ways to get mortgage help).
They can learn about how to get mortgage help from banks such as Bank of America, receive education and advocacy, and borrowers will also be presented with the opportunity to bring their mortgage payments current and/or save their home from a foreclosure. Call the agency at 616-245-2207, ext 206.
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