December eNews

Program Updates

Food Club

Two years ago, Aaron* became a Food Club member. Retired and living on a fixed income, he saw his budget grow tighter as grocery prices soared. He turned to Food Club to access the fresh, healthy food he needed to thrive.

Since becoming a member, Aaron has found joy and confidence in cooking. With access to fresh produce that used to be out of reach, he’s explored new vegetables and healthier meals. Today, he’s cooking more often, feeling better, and proudly shared that his blood pressure has gone down—something he hadn’t thought possible just a few years ago.

Aaron hopes to one day no longer count on Food Club,  but for now, he’s grateful to have it as a steady safety net, sharing “If there’s a month where something unexpected throws off my budget, I know I can turn to Food Club.”

*Name and photo changed for privacy

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Outreach & Housing Access

Earlier this year, Anna* and her children were living out of their car. After an unexpected cut in work hours and no financial safety net, they lost their housing. Despite the challenge, Anna continued to work, care for her children, and hold on to hope for a brighter future.

When she connected with our team, we began helping her gather paperwork and partnered with Good Samaritan to identify housing leads. Together, we helped her apply for the Housing Choice Voucher program—a vital resource for families experiencing homelessness.

This fall, Anna received incredible news: her family was selected to receive a Housing Choice Voucher—one of only 14 awarded in Ottawa County. After receiving the voucher, Anna began reaching out directly to private landlords, submitting applications, and doing it all while still working and parenting.

Her determination paid off. A landlord accepted her application and voucher, and Anna’s family finally moved into a safe, stable home! To help them settle in, our team provided a Food Club membership, a Resale Store voucher, a referral to Community Mental Health, and a connection to a local church offering hygiene and cleaning supplies. It takes a community working together to ensure families have access to the resources they need to build a brighter future. We’re deeply grateful for all of the agencies and community members who are committed to strengthening how we show up for families like Anna’s, together.

*Name and photo changed for privacy 

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Community Kitchen

When Greg* first walked through our doors, he was carrying the weight of uncertainty. He had just lost his job, then his housing, and was trying to meet his most basic needs without a safety net. Like many of our neighbors, Greg came to the Community Kitchen looking for a hot meal.

Over time, he began building relationships with our team—connections rooted in kindness, trust, and a shared belief that a brighter future is possible. When Greg asked our team for support, we completed the steps to verify his homelessness. This verification is often required before someone can apply for housing programs or vouchers. We continued to gather the documents Greg needed to apply for housing and connected him with Good Samaritan for support in his search.

After months of applying, Greg had a next-day appointment with a housing provider. He knew our team would be at the Community Kitchen, and when he stopped by to share the exciting news, we helped him print and walk through everything he needed to be ready. 

Despite Greg’s hard work preparing for the appointment, he’s still looking for an apartment. The process of finding housing often looks like this—a step forward, then a new challenge. As Greg continues to look for housing, he knows he can turn to our team, finding encouragement and expertise so he doesn’t have to navigate a complex system alone.

*Name and photo changed for privacy

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Financial Wellness

Earlier this year, Jane* came to Community Action House with just seven days away from eviction.  As the primary provider for her family, an unexpected job loss had made it impossible to keep up with rent. More than anything, Jane wanted to keep her children safe and housed. She connected with our Financial Wellness team, who immediately jumped in to support—reaching out to her housing provider to explain her circumstances, updating paperwork, and exploring every available support option. 

Through our connection, a generous church partner offered to provide funding that helped Jane cover two months of missed rent—bringing her current with her housing provider and preventing eviction. This financial cushion gave her the stability she needed to pause, catch her breath, and begin taking steps toward a stronger financial future.

For Jane and her family, a challenge that could have quickly become a crisis instead became a turning point—thanks to a wave of collaboration. This outcome reflects the power of trusted relationships: with community partners, understanding landlords, and most importantly, the neighbors we serve. It’s through these relationships that progress becomes possible, and neighbors get the support they need to build a brighter future.

*Name and photo changed for privacy

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Lakeshore Food Rescue

When SNAP benefits were suddenly paused, we knew the impact would be immediate for many of our neighbors. Thanks to strong partnerships through Lakeshore Food Rescue, we were able to act quickly—scaling up fresh food purchasing and securing six pallets of corn and five pallets of tomatoes at low cost, just as more families were walking through our doors. This kind of response isn’t possible in every community. It’s the result of years of intentional collaboration alongside dedicated partners and volunteers to ensure our community can respond swiftly and effectively in times of increased need. 

During the SNAP pause, our community showed up—powering more than 40 food drives, increasing volunteerism by 70%, and making generous financial contributions. Your support strengthened our response and together we kept our Food Club shelves stocked with fresh, healthy food during a time of challenge and uncertainty. In moments of rising need, we are so grateful for our dedicated team and a community that consistently shows up—ready to step in and support our neighbors who need it most.

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Program Highlight

Breaking ground on our affordable housing project!

Last week we broke ground on our affordable housing project with Dwelling Place! This long-awaited project will add 52 new affordable rental homes in our community—creating urgently needed housing for families seeking stability. 

At last week’s groundbreaking, we gathered with neighbors, city leaders, and longtime supporters at one of the project sites: our former food pantry on 14th Street. This site, where so much of our work took root, will now carry forward its legacy in a new way, providing families with safe, stable housing and a foundation for future progress.

We’re incredibly grateful to all of our partners, donors, volunteers, and supporters who are making this project possible! Together, we’re creating solutions that allow everyone to provide a strong foundation for their family, and have a safe place to call home. 

Community philanthropy is playing a big part in making this housing a reality. Out of our $1.2M goal, nearly $1M has already been committed. If you or someone you know would be interested in helping close the remaining gap, we’d love to connect. All one-time investments in this campaign will help provide high-quality, affordable housing for families for the next 45+ years. Learn more and get in touch here.

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Save the Date

December 21st is Homeless Persons' Memorial Day

December 21st is National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, the first day of winter and the longest night of the year. Across the country, communities will pause to remember those who died while experiencing homelessness in the last year. 

In honor of this day, Community Action House will be co-hosting an outdoor memorial from 5:00-6:00pm on Sunday, December 21st at First United Methodist Church (57 W 10th Street), in partnership with the Lakeshore Housing Alliance. All are invited to join us for a short program beginning at 5:15, followed by time for candle lighting and reflection.

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Join us for our Golf Classic! 

Our Golf Classic is back on June 11, 2026 at Ravines Golf Club! 

The Golf Classic brings together business leaders, community partners, and supporters for a day of friendly competition and celebrating impact. To make it easier for everyone to join, we’re offering two tee times: a morning session and an afternoon session. 

Put together a team of four, or join us as a sponsor to support Community Action House programs that nourish, equip, and empower our neighbors!

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Nominate Community Action House for Holland’s Community Choice Awards by December 22!

Holland’s Community Choice Awards are back! 

Completely driven by public participation, the Community Choice Awards celebrate the best local businesses and nonprofits. Starting with the nomination round, neighbors like YOU can nominate your favorite businesses and organizations in more than 140 categories. In February, voting begins to determine finalists and winners.

Your voice matters! Nominate Community Action House for the Best Non-Profit, and nominate the Community Action House Resale Store for the Best Thrift Store.

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In Case You Missed It

SNAP is Back!

As our community navigated the SNAP pause, one thing became clear: our community shows up. Through our community’s generosity, we could be a source of support for our neighbors.

Talk of The Town

Last month, Senior Manager of Housing Access Jessica Pressley and Director of Food Access Programs Chara Bouma-Prediger joined WHTC to share about Homelessness Awareness Month.

FOX 17: City of Holland to gain 52 mixed-income affordable housing units

In December, Action House broke ground on their affordable housing project with Dwelling Place. This long-awaited project will add 52 new affordable rental homes in our community—creating urgently needed housing for families seeking stability. 

Walking Alongside Our Neighbors This Homelessness Awareness Month

Last month was Homelessness Awareness Month. Throughout the month, we shared the stories of our neighbors, and how their unique challenges, circumstances, and dreams for the future shaped their path to stability. 

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Join The Movement

Donate Monthly

Provide a stable foundation for our service each month.

Volunteer

Volunteer your time and talent to build a stronger community. 

Donate to Resale

Donate gently used items to the Resale Store and get $5 off your next purchase.

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FOX 17: City of Holland to gain 52 mixed-income affordable housing units

FOX 17: City of Holland to gain 52 mixed-income affordable housing unitsFOX 17: City of Holland to gain 52 mixed-income affordable housing units

On December 5th, Community Action House and partners broke ground on 52 new affordable and mixed-income housing units in Holland! The effort reflects deep community collaboration, with key support from Dwelling Place, Hope Church, the City of Holland, and the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians.

Watch the full segment on FOX 17 here.

Big News: We’re Breaking Ground on our Affordable Housing Project with Dwelling Place!

Dear friends,

Next week, we’ll celebrate a major milestone: we’re breaking ground on our affordable housing project with Dwelling Place! 

This effort, years in the making, is a big step forward for our guests, our team, and our community. Safe, affordable housing is out of reach for far too many families. Rising costs and limited availability forces families to make impossible decisions between essentials like food, safe housing, and more. Together, we’re creating solutions that allow all of our neighbors to build a strong foundation for their family. 

In partnership with Dwelling Place, the City of Holland, Hope Church, and others, this development will add 52 units of urgently needed affordable rental housing. This project is the result of deep collaboration—and a collective belief, from our team, our partners, and our neighbors, that everyone deserves a safe place to call home.

One of the project sites is especially meaningful for our team and our community: our former food pantry on 14th Street. For over 30 years, this is where Action House met families with warmth, met urgent needs through food and clothing distribution, and served so many families during the peak of COVID-19. Now, we’re honored that this same site will carry forward its legacy in a new way, providing families with safe, stable housing and a foundation for progress.

When our neighbors have a place to call home, it creates the space and stability needed to plan, to hope, and to build toward a brighter future:

• Robert found stable housing, then was able to work with our team to file taxes and build a stronger financial foundation.

• Allison secured a safe home, and was able to show up at her best for her new job.

• Kelly found housing, then worked with our team to access healthy food, budget, and save.

You’re invited! We’d love for you to join us for the groundbreaking on December 5th from 12:00-1:00pm at 345 W 14th Street, Holland. We’ll gather for a short program, time to connect, and a first look at what’s ahead for this neighborhood and the families who will soon call it home.

Everyone deserves good food, a safe home, and a community that believes in their worth, dignity, and potential. Together, we’re building a community where all of our neighbors can thrive. Thank you for joining us in this work. 

With gratitude,

Scott Rumpsa | CEO

P.S. - Community philanthropy is playing a big part in making this housing a reality. Out of a $1.2M goal, nearly $1M has already been committed. If you or someone you know would be interested in helping close the remaining gap, let us know! All one-time investments in this campaign play a critical role in providing high-quality, affordable housing for families over the next 45+ years? Learn more and get in touch here.

SNAP is back! Our community showed up, and we’re so grateful.

Dear friends,

Earlier this week, the federal government voted to end the shutdown and restore SNAP benefits for families through next September. This is worth celebrating—especially during the holidays, when no neighbor should have to wonder if they’ll have healthy food on the table.

In these last few weeks of uncertainty, one thing became absolutely clear: our community shows up. When the SNAP pause was announced, neighbors immediately stepped into action—dropping off food, giving generously, filling volunteer shifts, and reaching out with care for families who suddenly faced a frightening gap. 

Our community’s generosity meant that we could be a source of steady support, expanding in the ways families needed us most:

• Growing our food capacity: expanding food orders, increasing cooler space with our partners at Kid’s Food Basket, and keeping our shelves stocked with generous donations and dozens of food drives from so many generous community members.

• Growing our people power: new and regular volunteers stepping into extra shifts to keep Food Club running smoothly (31% growth in volunteerism!), and expanded staffing to make sure we were ready to serve all who turned to us. 

• Growing our service: From November 1 through the reopening vote on the 12th, Food Club welcomed 2,546 family shopping visits in just 10 days of service - hundreds more than we normally would. Current and former guests called on us in this season, and nearly 100 new families turned to our Food Club for the first time. This was two consecutive weeks of significant service growth, with more food getting to more people—including an 87% increase in the amount of fresh vegetables going home with our guests. 

We were built for times like these, powered by a community that believes a stronger future is possible when we all show up together. We are so grateful for your trust—and the ways you lean in when we, and our neighbors, most need it. Thank you. 

We’re deeply grateful SNAP benefits have resumed, relieving what could have grown into an overwhelming level of need. Because of the way SNAP benefits are issued, we knew that every day of delay meant need would ratchet up even further—as more families reached their monthly reload date and found their benefits missing.

SNAP is back, and we’re celebrating! But, we also know that our work isn’t over. Many neighbors who count on SNAP are feeling uncertain and discouraged, and anxiety about the precarity of vital programs is very real. And even without the SNAP crisis, November and December are often our busiest times of the year, as the holiday season stretches already thin family budgets even further. Even before the SNAP pause, we were preparing to serve 1,800 families with extra Thanksgiving groceries—and now, after weeks of added stress and uncertainty, we know this extra support will mean the world to so many.

During times of crisis, what can matter most is knowing that you’re not alone. This Thanksgiving is a perfect opportunity to continue showing up for families who need us—with moments of celebration, extra support, healthy holiday food (and turkeys!), and a reminder that their community is with them. 

When people turn to us, we are there—as an expression of our community’s compassion. Thank you for powering this work, and for believing in the worth, dignity, and value of each of our neighbors. 

Gratefully,

Scott Rumpsa | CEO

P.S. - For over 50 years, Community Action House has been there for families in the make-or-break moments. Your continued support means that through seasons of change, we remain a steady presence. This season, every $40 can provide healthy Thanksgiving groceries for a family in our community.

November eNews

Dear friends,

November is Homelessness Awareness Month. 

Often when we think about homelessness, we focus on what we can see - what happens after someone loses their home. But behind every visible struggle are months or years of quiet challenges: rising costs, lost income, or shrinking support that slowly push families toward crisis.

Homelessness doesn’t happen in an instant. 

When affordable housing is out of reach, even small setbacks - an illness, a reduced paycheck, an unexpected bill - can push families past the breaking point. One hard month can quickly turn into a crisis.

This month, as Michigan families face continued challenges and uncertainty with November SNAP benefits, that reality is hitting home for thousands of our neighbors. When a family loses access to food support, their risk of homelessness increases. Hunger and housing are deeply connected - because every dollar needed for food is a dollar not available for rent, utilities, or transportation to work. When families can’t afford both, they often lose more than just meals.

Our team works to keep families in their homes, and get families into homes. Through Food Club, Financial Wellness, and Resource Navigation, we ease pressure on family budgets and strengthen stability before a crisis hits. And when someone has already lost housing, our Outreach & Housing Access team walks alongside them - offering critical assistance, guidance, and connection to housing.

There’s no single story of homelessness, and no single solution. No one organization can solve homelessness on its own. Our housing system is made up of many incredible partners, each tackling a different piece of the puzzle. We’re deeply grateful for all of the agencies and community members who are committed to this work, and to strengthening how we all show up, together. 

So far this year, we’ve already walked alongside 88 families – 111 neighbors – who moved from homelessness to safe housing, and helped 25 families avoid foreclosure. Each story looks different - because every person’s path to stability is unique. This month, we’re sharing a few of those stories. The more we understand the challenges each neighbor faced, and the ways our team and partners worked alongside them, the more fully we can celebrate what it truly takes to move from crisis to stability - and the collective effort behind every story of hope. 

We’re celebrating neighbors like:

• Robert,* who lived outdoors while working until finding housing with our team’s support.

• Allison,* who secured a job and continued working each day while unhoused, until a breakthrough moment alongside our team led her to a safe apartment.

• Amanda,* whose family avoided eviction through financial counseling and support.

Our community can be a place where every person has what they need to move through moments of challenge with dignity - where losing housing doesn’t mean losing hope, and where neighbors help neighbors find stability, belonging, and a place to call home. That vision depends on all of us: showing up, giving generously, and extending care to one another, especially during moments of crisis.

• Volunteer: Serve a meal at the Community Kitchen, lend a hand at Refresh, or fill a pressing need at Food Club as we help families build and maintain stability.

• Donate: Gifts of every size power our work. Every $85 can cover our monthly costs of serving one more family at Food Club. Looking for a consistent way to support? Join our Community Table: the circle of monthly donors whose steady support keeps us flexible and responsive.

• Share: Follow along and share the stories we’re highlighting this month - awareness and understanding are powerful forms of action, too.

Everyone deserves a safe home, good food, and the opportunity to build a strong foundation for their family. And everyone needs a community that believes in them - their worth, their dignity, and their potential. Thank you for working alongside us to build a community where this vision becomes a reality.

Sincerely,

Scott Rumpsa | CEO

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Program Updates

Food Club

Last month we celebrated the fourth anniversary of our Food Club & Opportunity Hub - a place where thousands of neighbors have found the healthy food, resource connection, and financial empowerment they need to build a brighter future. This milestone is only possible because four years ago, neighbors like you said “yes” to powering this work.

To celebrate, last month we hosted CommunityFest - our annual week-long celebration for Food Club members, filled with fun, gratitude, and connection. Sponsored by Corewell Health, the event featured fun for all ages: pumpkin painting, games, a family photo booth, and time to reflect and celebrate. 

This year’s celebration came at a time of growing need in our community. Recent uncertainty with SNAP benefits is leaving families with only a portion of their typical food assistance for November. Thousands of local neighbors will still need support this month. In response, we are preparing to double our service this month alone – serving up to 500 families a day, six days a week at Food Club. We’re so grateful for the generosity of neighbors like you, who have powered our work for the past four years, and are making it possible for us to provide extra support to families who are impacted by the SNAP pause.

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Outreach & Housing Access

Earlier this year, our Outreach team met Thomas* while he was living outdoors. The lack of available and affordable housing in our community meant that even with income, he couldn’t find a place to call home. Thomas began visiting the Community Kitchen and Refresh, where he found nourishing meals, hygiene services, and through our support, connected with our partners at Community Mental Health. 

As Thomas began working with Community Mental Health, he received a housing voucher through their program - opening up more opportunities to secure safe, stable housing. After working through applications with our team, Thomas applied for an apartment and was approved! On move-in day, furniture, dishes, and other essentials from our Resale Store were delivered, transforming Thomas’s new apartment into a warm, welcoming home, and a foundation for future progress.

Now equipped with a Food Club voucher to access the fresh, healthy food he needs to thrive, and connections made with our Financial Wellness team, Thomas is moving forward with hope and momentum.

*Name and photo changed for privacy

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Financial Wellness

As the cost of living rises, more neighbors are feeling the effects of stretched budgets and shifting support systems. This year, our Financial Wellness team has seen more families in our community seeking out financial counseling - including Noah*, who reached out after an unexpected crisis left him at risk of foreclosure.

Determined to keep his family in their home, Noah partnered with our team to understand his options and chart a path forward. Together, Noah and our team navigated months of paperwork and unexpected roadblocks. In the end, Noah was able to refinance his mortgage - saving his home and giving his family the foundation of stability they needed to move forward.

Keeping someone in their home costs less than regaining housing after homelessness. Our programs help interrupt the pipeline into homelessness by lowering costs, building skills, and offering support that helps people stay stable. Our Financial Wellness team is here to help. The sooner a neighbor reaches out, the more options we have to help them protect their home and financial future.

*Name and photo changed for privacy

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Lakeshore Food Rescue

When truck drivers face rejected freight or overloaded hauls, that perfectly good food often goes to waste. Recently, a neighbor employed at a local truck stop noticed this, and connected with Lakeshore Food Rescue – looking for a way to make sure that this extra food didn’t go to waste!

Now, when a truck rolls onto the scale and is over the weight limit, the team at the truck stop knows they can give us a call. Thanks to this partnership, we can rescue fresh, high-quality food straight from trucks and redistribute it to our Food Club, Community Kitchen, and other local partners across Ottawa County. We’re so grateful for neighbors like this who speak up, step in, and help turn excess food into food access!

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Community Kitchen

At Community Action House, we believe that meals are an expression of care and connection. The Community Kitchen serves hundreds of hot meals every week, but our Kitchen team’s impact goes even further. 

Over the past year, the Community Kitchen team has stepped up to help make our special events like The Reunion and Farm-to-Food Club even more meaningful. Whether they’re preparing farm-fresh dinners or unique appetizers, our Kitchen team brings skill, care, and joy to every meal.

When event guests enjoy a meal from our Kitchen team, they get a taste of the same care and hospitality served every day at the Community Kitchen. The Kitchen team’s work behind the scenes helps turn each event into a celebration of community - where good food becomes a bridge to deeper connection and belonging.

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Program Highlight

Nourishing Healthcare Partnerships

Last fall, we launched our Nourishing Healthcare Partnerships program, designed to improve the health and wellbeing of our neighbors by increasing access to fresh, healthy food. Through this initiative, we partner with healthcare providers - like Holland Free Health Clinic - to offer Food Club vouchers to neighbors facing both chronic health conditions and food insecurity. 

The early results are encouraging: 66% of participants reported eating more fruits and vegetables, and 83% of participants shared that they now manage their health conditions more effectively. This program is designed not just to provide food, but to empower neighbors with the nutrition and tools they need to thrive. We're excited to continue growing this program and deepening our partnerships in the healthcare space to support even more neighbors in building a stronger, healthier future!

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Save the Date

Giving Tuesday is December 2!

Giving Tuesday is coming up soon - a global day of generosity that fuels local impact. As rising costs and shrinking supports leave more families struggling to afford basic needs, your support helps Community Action House show up with compassion, connection, and practical support when it matters most. Together, we can make this our most impactful Giving Tuesday yet. Mark your calendars, or make your early gift today to help us kick it off strong!

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In Case You Missed It

Celebrating Compassion in Action

Last year, 2,800+ individuals powered our service, turning their Compassion into Action to build a stronger, healthier community.

Talk of The Town

Last month, CEO Scott Rumpsa appeared on WHTC to talk about the fourth anniversary of our Food Club & Opportunity Hub and share about Food Club’s impact.

FOX 17: Holland nonprofit prepares for surge in need as Michigan pauses November SNAP benefits

The uncertainty of SNAP benefits will impact more than 30,000 neighbors in Ottawa and Allegan counties. Support our neighbors by donating, volunteering, hosting a food drive, and advocating for SNAP and similar programs.

Michigan Health Endowment Fund: Food Clubs Adapt and Expand to Meet Community Needs

In October, our partners at the Michigan Health Endowment Fund shared an article highlighting how Michigan’s food clubs are evolving beyond food distribution to offer dignified access, food rescue, and social‑service integration.

WOOD TV: Food Club celebrates four years of service

Last month marked the fourth anniversary of Food Club! Since opening, Food Club has provided over 5 million meals-worth of groceries to over 7,036 families.

MDARD Awards Community Action House Farm to Family Grant

This year, MDARD awarded Community Action House funding to expand our community’s access to locally sourced produce and eggs at our Food Club & Opportunity Hub! 

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Join The Movement

Donate Monthly

Provide a stable foundation for our service each month.

Volunteer

Volunteer your time and talent to build a stronger community. 

Donate to Resale

Donate gently used items to the Resale Store and get $5 off your next purchase.

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From Crisis to Stability: Walking Alongside Our Neighbors This Homelessness Awareness Month

From Crisis to Stability: Walking Alongside Our Neighbors This Homelessness Awareness Month

November is Homelessness Awareness Month -  a time to reflect on the challenges our neighbors face and the many paths into and out of homelessness. At Community Action House, we’re walking alongside neighbors like Robert*, Allison*, and Amanda*, whose stories remind us that every neighbor’s journey is shaped by different challenges, circumstances, and dreams for the future.

As housing costs rise and affordable options remain scarce in our community, more of our neighbors are left with no choice but to live outdoors. It’s not a matter of preference - it’s a matter of limited options.

At Community Action House, our team is working on both fronts: meeting urgent needs with compassion and tackling the root causes of housing instability through long-term, collaborative solutions. So far this year, we’ve already walked alongside 88 families – 111 neighbors – who moved from homelessness to safe housing, and helped 25 families avoid foreclosure. Each story looks different -  because every person’s path to stability is unique. This month, we’re sharing a few of those stories:

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Robert’s Story

When our Outreach team first met Robert,* he was living outdoors, facing what felt like an impossible list of barriers. Robert began visiting the Community Kitchen and Refresh, where he found nourishing meals, hygiene services, and support from our team on next steps. With determination, he overcame several hurdles and obtained critical documents, then connected with our friends at West Michigan Works!, and secured employment!

Even with a steady job, Robert still couldn’t find a place to call home. He worked closely with a recovery coach, submitted housing applications, and persisted despite processing delays and long waitlists. Months later, he received a housing voucher - only to have the program shut down, forcing him to start his search all over again.

Robert continued going to work each day for months, and would end his day without a safe place to return to. After another round of applications, he was denied housing because his income was too high to qualify, even though he was still living outdoors. This is the reality many of our neighbors face: they’re working hard, doing everything they can to move forward, yet safe, affordable housing remains out of reach. In the United States, over 40% of individuals experiencing homelessness are employed (Meyer et al., 2021).

Through every setback, Robert had faith that a home was soon within reach, and with continued encouragement from his community, found new momentum and connected with our partners at Good Samaritan. They provided additional support on his housing search, and earlier this year, Robert moved into safe, stable housing!

Now thriving in his new home, Robert has become a Food Club member with access to fresh, healthy food, and earlier this year he worked with our VITA team to file his taxes - one more step toward a stronger financial future. Robert’s determination over the years opened the door to a brighter future, and with a community walking beside him in compassion and collaboration, he's moving forward with hope.

*Name and photo changed for privacy

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Allison’s Story

Earlier this year, a sudden crisis left Allison* without a safe, stable place to call home. As a Food Club Member, she knew she could turn to our team for support. She quickly began working with our Resource Navigation team to secure the documents she needed to pursue housing and employment. We walked alongside her as she filled out job applications, and provided a voucher to our Resale Store, ensuring she had the clothes she needed for interviews. Soon after, Allison shared excitedly with our team that she had found a job! 

Despite being employed, Allison continued to live without stable housing. She began working with our partners over at Good Samaritan to submit housing applications, but was denied due to an outstanding utility bill from a previous residence. To continue moving forward, our team helped Allison appeal the decision by submitting a receipt of the payment, along with letters of recommendation. With this additional support, Allison’s application was accepted and she moved into her apartment! 

Now with safe, stable housing Allison has continued as a Food Club member, ensuring she has access to the fresh, healthy food she needs to thrive! With her basic needs met, she’s able to show up for her new job with focus and confidence, and she’s continued partnering with our Financial Wellness team to create a budget, strengthen her savings, and plan confidently for the road ahead. With a safe place to call home and a community of support in place, Allison is moving forward with hope and momentum.

*Name and photo changed for privacy

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Amanda’s Story

Financial Wellness Specialist, Tabitha

Amanda* met Financial Wellness Specialist, Tabitha, during a crisis. She had fallen behind on her mortgage, and her family’s home was scheduled for auction. While they couldn’t stop the sale, Tabitha encouraged Amanda to take advantage of the foreclosure redemption period - an option many homeowners don’t realize they have when facing foreclosure.

In Michigan, if your home is sold at an auction, you have a six-month redemption period to take action. During this time, you can either buy back your home by paying the amount owed on the mortgage, or sell it at fair market value. If you sell the home during this period, you keep the profits after settling the outstanding mortgage balance. Without Tabitha’s expertise, Amanda wouldn’t have known this was an option and would have soon faced eviction. But with Tabitha’s guidance, Amanda sold the home and used the equity from the sale to purchase a new home with only a small loan - giving her family a stable foundation where further progress is possible.

At Community Action House, our Financial Wellness team is here to help - equipped with the expertise and compassion to guide families toward real solutions. The sooner a neighbor reaches out, the more options we have to protect their home and financial future. Early intervention is better for families facing foreclosure – and it’s better for our community. Preventing homelessness is far more effective, affordable, and dignified than responding after crisis hits. No one should have to navigate these challenges alone, and with the right support and financial education, a path forward is always possible.

*Name changed for privacy

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References

Meyer, B., Wyse, A., Grunwaldt, A., Medalia, C., Wu, D. (2021). Learning About Homelessness Using Linked Survey and Administrative Data. The University of Chicago Becker Friedman Institute for Economics. https://bfi.uchicago.edu/insight/research-summary/learning-about-homelessness-using-linked-survey-and-administrative-data/

FOX 17: Ottawa County nonprofits brace for surge in demand as SNAP benefits paused

FOX 17: Ottawa County nonprofits brace for surge in demand as SNAP benefits paused

On October 29, Director of Food Access Programs Chara Bouma-Prediger spoke with FOX 17 about the expected surge in local need as Michigan pauses November SNAP benefits. To help meet this growing demand, Community Action House has added more than 30 extra volunteer shifts each week, anticipating a possible doubling in the number of neighbors seeking support.

In the interview, Chara emphasized that while nonprofits play a vital role, they can’t match the scale of federal programs. She encouraged community members to get involved to help meet the rising need.

Watch the full interview on FOX 17 here.

SNAP is Paused. You can Take Action.

Dear friends,

Earlier this week, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced that due to the ongoing federal government funding lapse, November SNAP benefits will not be issued to Michigan families. 

This is incredibly challenging news to hear. It will affect about 1.4 million people across our state - nearly 1 in 7 households. 78% of these households earn a regular income - it's just not enough to cover their family's essential needs. Here in Ottawa and Allegan Counties, that’s close to 30,000 of our neighbors who count on SNAP each month to put food on the table. 

For neighbors working hard but still living paycheck to paycheck, even a brief disruption in benefits can mean an empty fridge, skipped meals, or a choice between paying rent and buying groceries. For children, seniors, and people with disabilities - who make up a large share of SNAP recipients - this pause will be especially devastating. It’s hard to imagine a worse entry into the holiday season for so many families in our community.

More families than ever will turn to us for support in November. 

Our team is preparing, putting plans in place to meet the many neighbors who will call on us for the first time – and provide extra support for many of our current Food Club members who are losing the SNAP benefits they count on. With those benefits cut off, they’ll have to stretch even further, and local nonprofits like ours will have to stretch with them. 

This community’s generosity has always been our strength - and we will need it again. Local compassion can’t fully replace the scale of federal programs families count on - but it can change the story for our neighbors, right now. The choices made on a national level matter, but so do the ones we make here at home: how communities like ours speak up, show up, and act together.

How You Can Help:

• Give Generously. Even small gifts - $5, $10, or $20 - help keep healthy meals within reach for families working hard to keep healthy food on the table. Every $85 helps cover our monthly costs of serving one more family with the dignity they deserve.

• Volunteer. As we get busier, we’ll need many more volunteers to sort, stock, and help guests. We’re already adding more November Food Club volunteer shifts - please sign up for a spot today!

• Host a Food Drive. As need grows, our food purchasing costs will rise. Businesses, schools, and faith groups can help keep our shelves stocked & costs down by collecting essential items.

• Advocate. Call your elected representatives. Tell them that programs like SNAP are not optional - they are lifelines that keep our communities healthy and stable. We need SNAP - there is no charitable substitute for the scale and impact of this critical program. Read more about how we’re raising awareness in the Holland Sentinel and with Fox17 news.

We were built for moments like these, powered by people like you - compassionate neighbors who believe a brighter future is possible when we all show up together. To advocate. To volunteer. To donate. We need your support to make sure families have the healthy food they need this holiday season and beyond.

Thank you for standing with us.

Gratefully,

Scott Rumpsa | CEO

Learn more at communityactionhouse.org/snap-pause

The Holland Sentinel: SNAP pause would be devastating for families

On October 27, CEO Scott Rumpsa shared an opinion piece in The Holland Sentinel, reflecting on the impact of the current freeze to SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown. For many families, this disruption will have immediate consequences, and it will bring added pressure to local nonprofits working to fill the gap.

In his piece, Scott shares why programs like SNAP matter, how our team is preparing for the surge in need, and how our community can step up to support neighbors. Read the full piece below or by visiting The Holland Sentinel here.

WOOD TV: Community Action House celebrates four years of service

WOOD TV: Community Action House celebrates four years of service

October 25th marked the fourth anniversary of our Food Club & Opportunity Hub! Since opening in 2021, Food Club has provided over 5 million meals-worth of groceries to over 7,036 families.

WOOD TV recently featured a story about our Food Club, highlighting how Community Action House is a community-founded, community-funded nonprofit - powered by local volunteers, supporters, and partners.

Read the full story on WOOD TV here.

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FOX 17: Holland nonprofit prepares for surge in need as Michigan pauses November SNAP benefits

Fox 17: Holland nonprofit prepares for surge in need as Michigan pauses November SNAP benefits

In October, CEO Scott Rumpsa spoke with FOX 17 about the expected surge in local need as Michigan pauses November SNAP benefits. Nearly 30,000 residents in Ottawa and Allegan counties could lose food assistance during this time - impacting many of the same neighbors Community Action House serves every day.

In the interview, Scott emphasized that while nonprofits play a vital role, they can’t replace the scale of federal programs. He called on the community to help meet the growing need by donating, volunteering, hosting food drives, and advocating for SNAP and similar programs.

Watch the full interview on FOX 17 here.

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Community Members Raise $1,266.98 for Latin Americans United for Progress!

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month September 15th-October 15th, Action House partnered with Latin Americans United for Progress, dedicating 10% of sales from our Resale Store to support LAUP’s work. In total, shoppers at Action House’s Resale Store raised $1,266.98 to support LAUP’s efforts to empower Latinos to participate in creating a better community for all!

We’re grateful for the opportunity to combine our efforts with organizations like LAUP this month and beyond to build a community that supports, celebrates, and equally values all of its members.

We are so grateful to everyone who joined us at the Resale Store this month! Learn more about LAUP and how to continue supporting their work at laup.org. 

The Holland Sentinel: Without data, combating hunger is a greater challenge

Earlier this month, CEO Scott Rumpsa shared an opinion piece in The Holland Sentinel, reflecting on a federal decision to discontinue a key report that helps communities measure and respond to hunger. For many organizations, this data is a critical tool that helps us understand local needs, track progress, and shape responsive programs.

In his piece, Scott shares why good data matters, and how our team is studying shifts like these and preparing for what’s to come. Read the full piece below or by visiting The Holland Sentinel here (Find Scott’s piece by navigating to Archive, select October 2, and navigate to page 6A).

October eNews

Program Updates

Food Club

Last month, we invited the community to “Act with Action House” for Hunger Action Month - and one neighbor, Joanie, jumped right in! As a longtime supporter of Community Action House, Joanie has hosted donation drives and fundraisers in the past, but this time she brought her community together for something new.

Inspired by the opportunity to nourish our neighbors in a hands-on way, Joanie rallied 25 friends and neighbors for a day of fun, connection, and packing meal kits! Neighbors ages 2 to 80 came together and packed over 50 meal kits - each one helping stock the shelves at Food Club and giving local families the ingredients they need to cook simple, easy, fresh meals at home.

We’re so grateful to Joanie and her neighbors for coming together to help build a stronger, healthier community! Join the movement by gathering your friends, church group, or coworkers this month to pack meal kits and help nourish our neighbors this holiday season!

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Outreach & Housing Access

Earlier this year, Maya* and her family were experiencing homelessness for the very first time. Unsure of where to turn, she connected with our Outreach team at Refresh for support. Meeting her with kindness and care, our team immediately focused on what mattered most: keeping her family safe and together. 

At Community Action House, we know that finding a path forward often takes more than one organization - it takes a network of agencies working together. That’s why we turned to our trusted network of partners to ensure Maya received the support she needed to take the next steps toward stability.

Our partners at Lifeline Ministries quickly stepped in, providing a hotel stay that offered Maya’s family immediate relief and shelter. Soon after, we connected Maya with Family Promise, who helped her complete housing applications and ultimately secure safe, stable housing. Through each of these transitions, we walked alongside Maya ensuring every connection was rooted in trust, dignity, and a shared commitment to her family’s future. We’re so grateful to our community partners who join us in building compassionate, coordinated solutions and help connect neighbors like Maya with the tools and resources needed to build a brighter future.

*Name and photo changed for privacy

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Financial Wellness

As a Food Club member, Jennifer* already knew that Community Action House was a place she could turn to when things got tough. So when financial hardship hit, she reached out, trusting that our team would walk alongside her. While working through her immediate challenges, we discovered a missed opportunity: Jennifer had not filed taxes for several years and didn’t know she was eligible for unclaimed refunds.

Partnering with our Financial Wellness team, Jennifer began the process of filing several years of taxes. Together, we navigated each form and phone call, breaking down the complicated process into manageable steps. In the end, Jennifer recovered thousands of dollars - providing a critical financial cushion at a time when stability felt out of reach. 

Today, Jennifer continues to work with our Financial Wellness team to build a budget, sharpen her skills, and set financial goals. Jennifer’s story reflects what we’ve seen for over 50 years: when life becomes uncertain, neighbors turn to Community Action House knowing we’ll walk alongside them with tools, care, and partnership they need to build a brighter future.

*Name and photo changed for privacy

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Lakeshore Food Rescue

At Community Action House, we believe good food belongs with people - not in landfills. That’s why our Lakeshore Food Rescue program works to redirect surplus food to neighbors who need it most.

Our partners at Superior Sales, a Hudsonville produce wholesaler, regularly have an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables to share with the community. When one of their longtime partners, Jehovah Jireh, was suddenly short on cold storage, our team stepped in. Each week, Lakeshore Food Rescue now picks up produce from Superior Sales, delivering what Jehovah Jireh can store and redistributing the rest to local partners across Ottawa County, our Food Club, and the Community Kitchen. It’s a flexible, community-powered solution that ensures good food gets to the families in our community who need it most.

Just last month, Superior Sales donated 12 pallets of cucumbers, and our team quickly got to work making sure every box was delivered to local partners who are helping to build a stronger, healthier community! 

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Community Kitchen

Last month, our team at the Community Kitchen hosted a special Guest Appreciation Pop-Up to celebrate the neighbors who fill the Kitchen with connection, conversation, and community every day. With a table filled with treats, personal hygiene products, and small trinkets, we created a space where neighbors had the opportunity to choose something special just for them.

Small comforts like these can make a big difference and remind our neighbors that they’re not alone. We’re grateful for everything our volunteers and Kitchen team do to make the Kitchen a warm, welcoming place for everyone in our community. It's because of them that our neighbors feel seen and supported at the Kitchen. And when someone feels safe and known, our team can step in with the resource connection and one-on-one support they need to take the next steps toward lasting stability.

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Program Highlight

Healthy@Home at the Holland Farmers Market!

Earlier this fall, our Healthy@Home team joined the Holland Farmers Market for a joyful afternoon of food, music, and family fun. The day began with a story time from Herrick District Library, followed by beautiful music performed by a quartet from the Holland Symphony Orchestra. 

After the music, families gathered to build their own colorful grain bowls using fresh ingredients provided by our Healthy@Home team. Kids got creative with coloring pages and temporary veggie tattoos, while parents connected with our team to learn more about Community Action House programs.

We were so grateful for the opportunity to connect with families through this fun, hands-on activity and to share simple ways to build a stronger, healthier future! A big thank you to the Holland Farmers Market, Herrick District Library, and the Holland Symphony Orchestra for partnering with us.

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Save the Date

Host a Food Drive Before Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and we're preparing to provide up to 1,800 families with the Thanksgiving groceries they need to make their holiday meal special. Help us stock the shelves and empower families to cook healthy meals at home by hosting a food drive!

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In Case You Missed It

Celebrating Compassion in Action

Last year, 2,800+ individuals powered our service, turning their Compassion into Action to build a stronger, healthier community.

Talk of The Town

Last month, Healthcare Partnerships Manager Mara Lidacis and Director of Communications Katy Russner-Travis appeared on WHTC to talk about Hunger Action Month.

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Join The Movement

Donate Monthly

Provide a stable foundation for our service each month.

Volunteer

Volunteer your time and talent to build a stronger community. 

Donate to Resale

Donate gently used items to the Resale Store and get $5 off your next purchase.

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Celebrating 4 Years at the Food Club & Opportunity Hub!

On October 25, we’ll celebrate four years of service at the Food Club & Opportunity Hub! What’s happened since then is a testament to the power of a community that shows up with creativity, compassion, and the belief that all of our neighbors deserve a healthy, hopeful life.

In our community, neighbors have access to the support they need to live a healthy, fulfilling life because four years ago, neighbors like you said “yes” to powering this work. Today, that support matters more than ever, and we’re so grateful to everyone who continues to show up by volunteering, donating, and championing this work.

For over 50 years, Community Action House has been a community constant – meeting neighbors like Lillian*, Sophia*, and so many more in the pivotal moment between a challenge and a crisis, and providing the individualized support they need to build a brighter future.

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Reflecting on 4 Years of Food Club

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Lillian’s Story

After attending one of our Financial Capability classes last fall, Lillian*, a Food Club member, began partnering with our Financial Wellness Specialist, Tabitha, for one-on-one Foreclosure Intervention Counseling. Determined to stay in her home and regain financial stability, Lillian worked with Tabitha to explore her options and chart a path forward. 

Lillian was experiencing challenges with her mortgage servicer. When her mortgage servicer was unable to help her find a resolution, it became clear that she needed to consider other ways of saving her home. After partnering with Tabitha to learn more, Lillian chose to refinance her mortgage through a different lender, and successfully secured a new loan through a credit union, saving her home and consolidating other debt!

With the new loan, Lillian feels equipped to pay off her mortgage through manageable monthly payments, and she and Tabitha have continued to work together to build a budget and save. Through the power of partnership, Lillian is moving forward with confidence, learning the financial skills and tools needed to build a strong financial future!

*Name and photo changed for privacy

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Sophia’s Story

Last month, Sophia* visited Food Club to renew her family’s membership when she quietly shared that she had lost her job, and was struggling to make ends meet. It was a vulnerable moment, but a big sign of trust in our team.

Thanks to that trust, Guest Services Associate, Anita, stepped in to offer support. She shared a resource sheet created by our Resource Navigation team, filled with information on local employment agencies and job leads. Sophia didn’t have to scramble alone to figure out what to do next. Anita was right there with her, sharing encouragement and expertise that helped Sophia in solving this challenge. Just a few weeks later, Sophia returned to Food Club with great news: she had already landed a new job!

When we lead with relationships, our guests feel comfortable sharing about their struggles early - before a challenge becomes a crisis. When neighbors feel known, they feel safe. When they feel safe, they open up. And when they open up, we’re ready - with the resources, expertise, and care they need to keep moving forward.

*Name changed for privacy

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September eNews

Dear friends,

This Hunger Action Month, we’re asking you to think about hunger differently.

We often see hunger as its own challenge - but in reality, food insecurity is financial insecurity, and a sign of deeper struggle. When a family’s budget is stretched to the breaking point, groceries are one of the first places they often cut back. Rising costs, unexpected bills, and changing systems can push healthy food out of reach, even for working families. What’s on our plates depends on what’s in our wallets.

Lasting solutions begin with healthy food on the table, but that’s not where they stop – they also make sure that families have a safe place to live, steady income, opportunities to learn, and a community they can count on. When one of these pieces is missing, the effects ripple into every part of life. 

When a neighbor comes to us - whether for groceries, housing support, or a hot meal - we meet them in the pivotal moment between a challenge and a crisis, and provide the individualized support they need to build a brighter future. 

Our community is in a season of change. Some changes bring hope, others bring challenge, and each one is an opportunity to continue showing up for our neighbors where we’re needed most. Costs are rising. Systems are shifting. Many of the supports people count on are in flux - including recent changes to critical supports like SNAP, that are making it harder for families to access the healthy food they need to thrive.

We were built for times like these, powered by a community that believes a stronger future is possible when we all show up together. Right now, over 35,000 neighbors in Ottawa County struggle to access the nourishment they need.

This Hunger Action Month, join us in taking action by:

• Becoming a monthly donor to provide a foundation of stability for our programs that nourish, equip and empower our neighbors!

• Packing meal kits to help families in our community cook simple, easy, fresh meals together!

• Hosting a single item drive at your place of work or worship to stock our shelves at Food Club!

• Giving a one-time gift before September 13 to have your donation tripled through Meijer Simply Give!

So many of you are already so pivotal in this work. Thank you for volunteering, donating, supporting, and showing up for our neighbors in so many ways. Together, we’re building a community where none of our neighbors have to face challenges alone.

Gratefully,

Scott Rumpsa | CEO

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Program Updates

Food Club

This summer, Community Action House teamed up with Michigan State University Extension to bring a six-week “Cooking Matters for Families” series to our Food Club demo kitchen. Through this Healthy@Home offering, families gathered each week to explore new recipes, strengthen cooking skills, and learn how to make affordable, nutritious meals together. Each class was an opportunity for families to build confidence, connection, and lasting habits that support health and well-being at home!

Danielle, a Food Club member and long-time Healthy@Home class attendee, shared: “These cooking classes were a great opportunity for the kids to learn cooking skills in a fun, safe environment. It made it easier to encourage them to try new, healthy recipes, because it was fun!”

We’re so grateful for MSU Extension’s collaboration in providing these classes alongside our Healthy@Home program. Through experiences like these, we’re equipping our community with the practical skills necessary to eat healthier and build a stronger future!

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Outreach & Housing Access

Earlier this year, a sudden crisis left Allison* without a safe, stable place to call home. As a Food Club Member, she knew she could turn to our team for support. She quickly began working with our Resource Navigation team to secure the documents she needed to pursue housing and employment. We walked alongside her as she filled out job applications, and provided a voucher to our Resale Store, ensuring she had the clothes she needed for interviews. Soon after, Allison shared excitedly with our team that she had found a job! 

Despite being employed, Allison remained homeless, staying with friends when she could. She began working with Good Samaritan Ministries to submit housing applications, but was denied due to an outstanding utility bill from a previous residence. To continue moving forward, our team helped Allison appeal the decision by submitting a receipt of the payment, along with letters of recommendation. With this additional support, Allison’s application was accepted and she moved into her apartment! 

Now with safe, stable housing Allison has continued as a Food Club member, ensuring she has access to the fresh, healthy food she needs to thrive! And she’s continued partnering with our Financial Wellness team to create a budget, strengthen her savings, and plan confidently for the road ahead. With a safe place to call home and a community of support in place, Allison is moving forward with hope and momentum.

*Name and photo changed for privacy

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Financial Wellness

This summer, our Financial Wellness team partnered with Parda Credit Union and the Heights of Hope summer program to equip middle school students with the tools and knowledge needed to make smart financial decisions. Over the course of eight weeks, eight students ages 12–13 participated in a hands-on financial education program. Each week, students made “real-life” decisions based on a fictional occupation, income, and savings—and even faced surprise budget busters to mirror the unpredictability of real life situations! 

Through this experience, students learned how their everyday financial choices can impact long-term stability. At the end of the class each student left with budget knowledge, a savings account, and the tools they need for future success.

We are so grateful to PARDA and Heights of Hope for collaborating with us on this program. Building financial literacy is key to helping young people feel confident, informed, and empowered as they work toward a strong financial future! 

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Lakeshore Food Rescue

This summer, our Lakeshore Food Rescue program had the opportunity to participate in the Michigan Agricultural Surplus System (MASS Rx) program—a state-funded initiative administered by the Food Bank Council of Michigan. This innovative program helps bridge the gap between Michigan farmers and families facing food insecurity by rescuing high-quality, Michigan-grown produce that might otherwise go to waste.

Thanks to MASS Rx, the cost of this fresh and frozen produce is fully covered, allowing participating farmers to be paid directly while ensuring that good food reaches the tables of families who need it most. Through this partnership, our Lakeshore Food Rescue team picked up truckloads of fresh fruits and vegetables and delivered them to our Food Club and several community partners across Ottawa County—putting healthy, local food into the hands of our neighbors while reducing waste at the same time.

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Community Kitchen

Last month, the Community Kitchen received a generous donation of over 460 pounds of fresh-caught salmon, donated by The Order of Naucratius - West Michigan through the Big Red Classic Sport Fishing Tournament. A few days later, our dedicated volunteers rolled up their sleeves to clean and prepare the fish, making sure it was ready to be turned into nourishing meals for our neighbors!

Since then, this generous donation has already been transformed into more than 1,000 meals, each one offered with dignity and kindness to neighbors who come through our doors at the Community Kitchen. We are so grateful for the community collaboration that made it possible to get this fresh, healthy food to our neighbors!

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Program Highlight

Thank You Volunteers!

Every day, across all of our programs, our work is made possible by hundreds of volunteers. Last month, we celebrated the incredible 2,800+ individuals who powered our service last year, turning their Compassion into Action to build a stronger, healthier community. If you joined us as an individual, an adopt-a-shift group, or as a church or corporate volunteer partner - thank you!

Our friends at the City Of Holland helped capture the stories of some of our volunteer heroes - check it out here! The unique talents and perspectives of Action House volunteers make our work stronger, and our community better. We couldn't be more grateful!

If you feel inspired to join our volunteer team, and turn your compassion into action, sign up today at volunteer.communityactionhouse.org!

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Save the Date

Meijer Simply Give is Back!

It’s Hunger Action Month, and right now thanks to our friends at Meijer, your donation can be tripled! Up to $5,000 of double-matching funds are available for any gift you make before September 13th, TRIPLING your impact for our community.

$25 becomes $75, $100 becomes $300, and $500 becomes $1,500 of direct food support to nourish our neighbors.

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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

At Community Action House, we know that a thriving community is one where all our neighbors are supported, celebrated, and equally valued. This month, we’re partnering with our friends at Latin Americans United for Progress in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month!

Shop with us at the Resale Store September 15th-October 15th, and 10% of store profits will support LAUP’s efforts to empower Latinos to participate in creating a better community for all. Learn more about their efforts at laup.org.

At Action House, we're proud to serve and celebrate all of our neighbors. We strive to build a culture, within our organization and our broader community, where all of our neighbors experience a profound sense of belonging. Our vision of a stronger, healthier community is one that supports, celebrates, and equally values all of its members.

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In Case You Missed It

Celebrating Compassion in Action

Last year, 2,800+ individuals powered our service, turning their Compassion into Action to build a stronger, healthier community.

Talk of The Town

Last month, Financial Wellness Program Manager Alicia Beene appeared on WHTC to celebrate National Wellness Month and highlight how financial literacy builds overall wellness. 

The Lakeshore: Gentex cereal drive helps families as food costs climb

Over the summer, Gentex hosted a cereal drive to help Action House Close the Gap left by a pause in federal food shipments. Rallying their employees, Gentex donated nearly 600 pounds of cereal to Action House! 

We Closed the Gap!

A few months ago, we shared how a shift in federal funding would cause a potential increase of $150,000 in food purchasing costs in the upcoming year. Early last month, we officially Closed the Gap thanks to 125 individuals, churches, businesses, and partners who stepped up!

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Join The Movement

Donate Monthly

Provide a stable foundation for our service each month.

Volunteer

Volunteer your time and talent to build a stronger community. 

Donate to Resale

Donate gently used items to the Resale Store and get $5 off your next purchase.

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What is SNAP – and how is it changing?

For thousands of our neighbors, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) plays a critical role in making sure their families can access the healthy food they need to thrive. However, recent federal changes to SNAP will soon begin to affect individuals and families in our community, and it’s important to understand what’s shifting.

SNAP in Our Community

In Ottawa County, more than 6,300 families count on SNAP to afford food each month (U.S. Census Bureau, n.d.). These neighbors are working hard to keep food on the table while navigating rising costs, unexpected bills, and changes to the systems they count on.

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What is SNAP? 

SNAP is a federal program that helps low-income individuals and families afford the groceries they need to thrive. Benefits are loaded onto a card that can be used at participating grocery stores and markets to purchase foods like fresh produce, meat, dairy, bread, and pantry staples. 

SNAP is one of the most effective tools that’s been used to build food security and long-term health. 

SNAP Provides Access to Healthy Food, and Healthy Food Leads to a Healthy Life

When people have access to healthy food, their health improves. Older adults who enroll in SNAP stay mentally sharp for several years longer than those who qualify and don’t enroll (Howard, 2025).

Additionally, children in families that use SNAP are more likely to grow up healthy than those in families who qualify but aren’t enrolled (Food Resource & Action Center, n.d.).

SNAP Stretches Budgets Further

In 2023, the average monthly SNAP benefit was about $183 per person, or roughly $6.10 per day. No family should have to choose between buying healthy food and paying rent. But when money is tight, many are forced to pick cheaper, less nutritious options just to make ends meet. SNAP helps ease that pressure, making it possible for families to get the healthy food they need while still covering other essentials. 

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What’s Changing with SNAP?

A new federal bill was recently passed that will bring several changes to the SNAP program in the coming years. While we don’t yet know exactly how these changes will be rolled out, any time there are new or different administrative requirements, it can mean that people who qualify slip through the cracks.

These changes will impact both the individuals who receive benefits and how states manage the program. While the exact timeline for rolling out the new eligibility requirements hasn’t been set, these are the shifts that are on the way.

1. Changing Eligibility Requirements

Work requirements now extend to adults up to age 64

Old Policy: Able-bodied adults without dependents were required to meet work requirements up to age 54.

New Policy: That age limit will increase to 64.

What this could mean: A 62-year-old without children who needed SNAP while recovering from a layoff or health issue may now need to meet work or training requirements to maintain access to food benefits, despite challenges in finding employment at that age.

Parents with children 14 and older are now required to meet work requirements

Old Policy: Parents and guardians were exempt from work requirements if they had any children under the age of 18 in their household.

New Policy: That exemption only applies to those with children under the age of 14.

What this could mean: A single parent with a 15-year-old now must meet work requirements, regardless of whether they have access to child care, transportation, or a flexible work schedule. This could create more pressure for families already balancing multiple responsibilities.

Veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth must now meet work requirements

Old Policy: These groups were largely exempt from work requirements.

New Policy: They are required to meet work requirements to maintain their benefits.

What this could mean: Individuals facing housing instability or other challenges (like lack of transportation, critical documents, or essential items for work like clothing) may now risk losing access to food support if they’re unable to meet work requirements. Meeting these requirements may be especially hard to navigate without stable housing or support systems.

2. Increased State Cost-Sharing

States will soon be required to fund 75% of the administrative costs of SNAP. 

Previously, the cost of administering SNAP was split evenly between the state and federal government. Starting in the fall of 2026, states like Michigan will take on more of those administrative costs. Then, beginning in fall 2027, states like Michigan could potentially be required to cover up to 15% of the SNAP benefits themselves.

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What This Means for Our Community

We don’t yet know the full impact of these changes, but they will create new challenges for states, service providers, and families who count on SNAP. Michigan will need to find additional funding to cover its increased share of SNAP costs. At the same time, local support systems like Community Action House will likely see an increase in neighbors asking for help—especially those navigating new work requirements or changes to their benefits. 

The process of enrolling in SNAP is already a challenge, especially for those who face barriers like limited internet access, transportation, or understanding how the system works. Without clear guidance, these changes may cause people to lose access to food support not because they’re ineligible, but because the process to prove eligibility is becoming increasingly difficult to navigate.

One of the most immediate changes is the end of SNAP-Ed, a program that provided essential education and support for SNAP participants, including classes on healthy cooking, grocery budgeting, and nutrition. SNAP-Ed will end on September 30, 2025, including our own partnership with MSU Extension, which brought hands-on family cooking classes to our Food Club & Opportunity Hub.

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How You Can Help

As SNAP changes take effect, Community Action House is focused on doing what we’ve always done: making sure neighbors have access to healthy, affordable food and the opportunity to build a brighter future. Our Resource Navigation team is keeping up with the latest SNAP updates, and is ready to walk alongside neighbors who need support navigating these changes.  

If you or someone you know has questions about food benefits, local food resources, or navigating next steps, our Resource Navigation team is here to help. Contact them at resource@communityactionhouse.org or 616-392-2368 x 810

These coming changes will impact thousands of neighbors. Community Action House was built for times like these, powered by a community that believes a stronger future is possible when we all show up together. 

This Hunger Action Month, join us in action and help us respond by: 

• Becoming a monthly donor to provide a foundation of stability for our programs that nourish, equip and empower our neighbors!

• Packing meal kits to help families in our community cook simple, easy, fresh meals together!

• Hosting a single item drive at your place of work or worship to stock our shelves at Food Club!

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References

Carlson, S. & Llobrera, J. (2022). SNAP Is Linked With Improved Health Outcomes and Lower Health Care Costs. Center on Budget & Policy Priorities. cbpp.org/research/food-assistance/snap-is-linked-with-improved-health-outcomes-and-lower-health-care-costs 

Food Research & Action Center. (n.d.). The Positive Effect of SNAP Benefits on Participants and Communities. Retrieved September 9, 2025, from frac.org/programs/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/positive-effect-snap-benefits-participants-communities

Howard, J. (2025). Food assistance benefits are tied to slower cognitive decline in older adults, new study suggests. CNN. cnn.com/2025/07/30/health/snap-benefits-cognitive-decline-study-wellness

U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Commerce. (n.d.). Food Stamps/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). American Community Survey, ACS 1-Year Estimates Subject Tables, Table S2201. Retrieved September 9, 2025, from https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST1Y2023.S2201?q=Ottawa+County,+Michigan+SNAP.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Latin Americans United for Progress!

Community Action House is excited to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by partnering with our friends at Latin Americans United for Progress! From September 15th-October 15th, 10% of Resale Store sales will support their work to empower Latinos to participate in creating a better community for all. 

Hispanic Heritage Month honors the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities in the United States. Beginning on September 15th, it coincides with the independence days of several Latin American countries, such as Mexico, Chile, Costa Rica, and others. This celebration highlights the impact of Hispanic communities, and serves as an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the diverse cultures within the Latino community, fostering greater appreciation and connection with our neighbors.

At Action House, we're proud to serve and celebrate all of our neighbors. We strive to build a culture, within our organization and our broader community, where all of our neighbors experience a profound sense of belonging. Our vision of a stronger, healthier community is one that supports, celebrates, and equally values all of its members.

Beyond Hispanic Heritage Month, Action House and LAUP have worked together this year to strengthen how we connect neighbors to each other's programs. By combining our strengths, we’re able to reach further and create a more connected network of support. We’re grateful to collaborate with organizations like LAUP to ensure neighbors have access to the support they need to build a brighter future! 

CEO Update: We Closed the Gap!

Dear friends,

Just a few months ago, we shared an urgent need: a projected $150,000 increase in food purchasing costs caused by a sudden shift in federal food supply programs. It was a big gap to fill at an especially challenging time, with more families than ever counting on Food Club for the healthy, affordable food they need but otherwise cannot afford. 

Today, I’m excited to share that thanks to our community, we closed the gap!

Over the last few months, 125 individuals, churches, businesses, and partners stepped up with additional gifts, cereal drives, monthly giving, and more - all to help close this unexpected gap. In the final stretch, our partners at the Michigan Health Endowment Fund joined in with a generous grant that helped push us over the finish line – fully closing the gap to keep healthy food within reach for families who are building a stronger future.

Generosity like this doesn’t happen in every community. This expression of care means that in the months to come, we can keep serving with the consistency and dignity that every family deserves. This amazing community response exemplifies our community spirit here on the lakeshore. Compassion and collective action are core to who we are. We couldn’t be more encouraged by just how actively our community stepped up in this!

And while we celebrate this moment, and the community that makes it possible, we’re already looking ahead to ensure we have plans in place to remain resilient, for all those who count on us. Because we know in this season, challenges like these will keep coming. 

We’re leaning into our core purpose during a season of change – showing up for families, no matter the obstacle, to make sure that none of our neighbors face challenges alone. As families wrestle with changes to SNAP, Medicaid, and other critical supports, we know that our team’s responsive service will matter more than ever. We're ready to walk alongside families who qualify for these benefits so they don't get lost in the shuffle. We were built for times like these, powered by a community that believes a stronger future is possible when we all show up together.

And while we’re preparing for changes that impact our guests, we’re also building long-term plans that support our community’s growing needs. Right now, we’re moving forward with plans to open a second Resale Store—an investment that builds on our first Store’s success to generate consistent, flexible revenue to help power core programs like food access, housing support, and financial wellness for families in our community.

Through seasons of uncertainty, we’re focused on doing what we’ve always done: making sure neighbors have what they need to build a brighter future. That work is only possible because of a strong, compassionate community behind it. Thank you for believing in this work.

Gratefully,

Scott Rumpsa | Chief Executive Officer

P.S. - interested in learning more about Resale or other ways to power our work? We’re in the early stages of meeting with donors for our Resale project, and during times of change like right now, meeting our campaign targets is all the more urgent. If this is the type of project that you feel excited about supporting with a generous capital gift - I’d love to connect.

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August eNews

Program Updates

Outreach & Housing Access

When our Outreach team first met Robert*, he was living outdoors, facing what felt like an impossible list of barriers. Robert began visiting the Community Kitchen and Refresh, where he found nourishing meals, hygiene services, and support from our team on next steps. With determination, he overcame several hurdles and obtained critical documents, then connected with West Michigan Works!, and secured employment!

Even with a steady job, Robert was still experiencing homelessness. He worked closely with a recovery coach, submitted housing applications, and persisted despite processing delays and long waitlists. Months later, he received a housing voucher—only to have the program shut down, forcing him to start his search all over again.

Robert continued going to work each day for months, and would end his day without a safe place to return to. After another round of applications, he was denied housing because his income was too high to qualify, even though he was still living outdoors. This is the reality many of our neighbors face: they’re working hard, doing everything they can to move forward, yet safe, affordable housing remains out of reach.

With continued encouragement from his community, Robert found new momentum and connected with Good Samaritan Ministries. They provided additional support on his housing search, and earlier this year, Robert moved into safe, stable housing!

Now thriving in his new home, Robert has become a Food Club member with access to fresh, healthy food, and earlier this year he worked with our VITA team to file his taxes—one more step toward a stronger financial future. Robert’s determination over the years opened the door to a brighter future, and with a community walking beside him in compassion and collaboration, he's moving forward with hope.

*Name and photo changed for privacy

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Food Club

Wellness isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about having the resources and knowledge you need to thrive in every area of life. This National Wellness Month, we’re highlighting the many ways wellness is nurtured not just by personal choices, but by strong community support. 

We’re incredibly grateful to the team at Lakewood Construction for packing 90 ready-to-make meal kits for our Food Club guests! These simple, ready-to-make kits are designed to help families stretch their groceries further, ease the daily burden of planning meals, and make it easier to eat healthy at home!

Partners like Lakewood help keep healthy food and critical connections within reach for families. Thank you, Lakewood Construction! Learn more about other ways Action House is celebrating wellness in our latest blog post! 

Want to help nourish your neighbors this National Wellness Month? 

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Financial Wellness

Earlier this year, Brian* reached out to our team after falling behind on his rent. As a Food Club member, Brian knew he could turn to us for support, and he began meeting with our Financial Wellness team for one-on-one counseling.

Together, we uncovered the root of his financial struggles: part of his Social Security income wasn’t being paid out due to suspected identity theft, and his bank account had recently been compromised by a scam. We walked alongside Brian as he opened a new secure account and began the process of disputing the fraudulent activity to get his income fully reinstated.

While working with our team to address these challenges, Brian’s car broke down, creating new barriers to medical appointments and food access. Our team quickly connected him with local partners for transportation support and Brian began working with one of our Resource Specialists to apply for additional benefits.

We’re continuing to work with Brian to resolve the suspected identity theft and connect him with the resources he needs along the way. Brian’s experience shows that even when unexpected challenges pile up, no one has to face them alone. With compassionate partnership and trusted community connections, Brian is getting the support he needs to build a stronger financial future.

*Name and photo changed for privacy

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Lakeshore Food Rescue

This summer, our friends at Electric Forest took action to turn excess food into food access! As they prepared for their annual festival, hundreds of meals were made for staff working onsite in the weeks leading up to the event, but plenty of extra food remained. Determined to ensure it didn’t go to waste, they reached out to our Lakeshore Food Rescue team for support.

Stepping in to coordinate, our team connected Electric Forest with Trinity Lutheran Church Food Pantry in New Era, MI, a partner ready to put this food to good use. In the weeks before the festival, Trinity Lutheran Church Food Pantry picked up several loads of food—including 30 trays of prepared meals, 1,200 pounds of potatoes, and two truckloads of additional food. This quick, coordinated response made sure perfectly good food ended up on the plates of local neighbors who needed it most.

We’re so grateful to Electric Forest for taking the extra step to support our neighbors, and to Trinity Lutheran Church Food Pantry for turning this donation into nourishment for the community. Together, we’re building a stronger, healthier community! 

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Community Kitchen

Meet John, a dedicated member of our Community Kitchen crew! John first connected with Community Action House through HASP (Holland Area Senior Professionals) after hearing a presentation about our work. Inspired by the mission, he began volunteering at our 14th Street food pantry. Once Food Club opened, he made the switch to Community Kitchen, drawn by both the convenience and the opportunity to serve delicious meals with a welcoming smile.

Now, John and his wife volunteer every Wednesday. Serving meals each week, John has gotten to know many of our guests, and sees firsthand the positive impact it makes when guests begin working alongside our Outreach team. Many of our guests want to become volunteers themselves to lend a helping hand!

John continues to show up because of the relationships he has built with not only the staff, but the guests as well—he feels truly appreciated. Thank you John, for making the Kitchen a place where guests find not just a meal, but a sense of belonging!

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In Case You Missed It

CEO Scott Rumpsa Testifies Before the Michigan Senate

Last month, CEO Scott Rumpsa testified before the Michigan Senate, speaking on the power of our Food Club model and the serious challenges facing our food system today.

Talk of The Town

Last month, Director of Food Access Programs Chara Bouma-Prediger appeared on WHTC to share an update on the Food Club Mobile Market and how individuals can help increase food access.

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