At the Community Action House Food Club, local residents find not just healthy, low-cost food, but resources and support to build towards a more stable future. Recently, the Community Action House team saw the opportunity to connect guests with another essential resource - affordable internet.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a U.S. government program that helps many low income households pay for broadband service and internet connected devices. Rolled out in the spring, the program saves eligible low-income neighbors up to $30 a month on internet access. When the Community Action House team learned about ACP, they knew that many Food Club members could benefit from it, but might not be aware, or may need help enrolling. They dug in, learned about the new program, and then promoted it to ensure their guests were aware of this new opportunity.
In May, Food Club guests received an SMS text in English or Spanish, informing them that Community Action House could help connect them to high-speed internet at greatly reduced cost. Those who needed assistance with the application could schedule a computer appointment at the Food Club & Opportunity Hub, where a staff member could work through the application with them. Since promoting the program, Community Action House has sent texts to 1,546 families - 129 responded with excitement and worked to enroll, and 13 Food Club members received direct support completing their applications at the Food Club’s onsite computer terminals.
Program Director Olivia Campbell shared that “Internet access is critical for accessing so many resources - it’s required for completing online applications for benefits programs such as MI Bridges, receiving emails from agencies, communicating with employers, and just generally interacting with the world, now that so much is online. Residents who are unable to afford internet services face another barrier in accessing tools they need to provide for their families.”
ACP supports eligible families with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines ($36,620 for two people, $55,500 for a four-person household, for example). If low income families are interested in learning more about the ACP, they can find information here. If they need help navigating ACP enrollment, they can get in touch with a CAH Resource Specialist at 616.392.2368 or onsite at Food Club Monday-Saturday.
Responsive services like these are a key part of Community Action House’s efforts to build stability alongside our guests. With Resource Specialists that are experts on local resources, the CAH team is able to quickly and efficiently connect residents to services that are available.
About Community Action House
Community Action House is a locally-founded, locally-funded nonprofit with a mission to provide families and individuals with food, clothing, shelter and the opportunity to build necessary skills to achieve a stable and prosperous life. Founded in 1969, the 501(c)3 nonprofit serves the Ottawa and Allegan County community from a base in Holland, offering several programs, including their Food Club, Community Kitchen, Resource Navigation, Financial Wellness & Homeownership, and Homeless Outreach efforts. Learn more and get involved at www.communityactionhouse.org. Food Club is a 2021 expansion of Community Action House’s service offerings. More on the Food Club model can be found at www.hzfoodclub.org.
Contact:
Katy Russner-Travis | katyrt@communityactionhouse.org | (616) 392-2368 ext. 140Community Action House | 739 Paw Paw Drive, Holland, MI 49423
