Community Action House, Local Partners, WHTC
Nina Vestal
WHTC: Hunger Awareness Weekend

Tune into last week's WHTC Talk of the Town episode where our very own Assistant Director of Food Access, Chara Bouma-Prediger, and Annual Funds Manager Shanna Van Kempen speak on all of the events taking place this weekend during Holland's Hunger Awareness, and how you can get involved!

eNews

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April eNews

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Program Updates

Housing Access

Earlier this year, Grace*, a Food Club member, turned to our Resource Navigation team after an unexpected crisis left her without stable housing. Together, we worked to secure the critical IDs she needed to apply for housing and find employment. Grace quickly landed a job on her own while continuing to partner with our team to submit housing applications.

However, Grace’s housing application was denied due to an outstanding utility bill from a previous residence. Despite this obstacle, Grace and our team were determined to find a solution. To continue moving forward, a generous community partner stepped in to cover the outstanding bill, and our team wrote an appeal letter on her behalf. 

This community collaboration, coupled with Grace’s perseverance paid off–Grace was approved for an apartment and finally has a safe, stable place to call home! She’s remained a Food Club member–accessing the fresh, healthy food she needs to thrive–and is eager to continue working with our Financial Wellness team to build a budget and improve her credit. The neighbors we meet already have the determination to take bold steps toward a brighter future—they just need the right support to help fill in the gaps, share expertise, and believe in them.

*Name and photo changed for privacy

Financial Wellness

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. 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

Food Club

We know that stronger, healthier communities are built when our neighbors step up today and inspire future generations to follow in their footsteps. We were thrilled last month when longtime volunteer, Deb, brought along a very special helper to her Food Club volunteer shift: her granddaughter, Autumn! 

From the moment Autumn walked through the doors, she was eager to jump in and help. Autumn quickly took to adding barcodes to items, and loved stocking the shelves! Together, Autumn and Deb made the perfect team, ensuring our neighbors have access to healthy food they need to thrive. Thank you, Autumn and Deb! 

Community Kitchen

Since 2022, Brothers & Sisters Homes has been an incredible volunteer partner, helping us build a stronger, healthier community! Every Friday, their team Adopts-a-Shift at the Community Kitchen and serves warm, nourishing meals alongside our staff and regular volunteers. And every other Monday, they join us at our Resale Store, where every purchase, donation, and hour of volunteer service turns into thousands of meals served, workshops provided, and connections made!

Adopt-a-Shift is an opportunity for individuals, teams, companies and organizations to support our community together through direct service on a regular basis. We’re so thankful for our Adopt-a-Shift teams, who help us nourish, equip, and empower our neighbors!

Celebrate Earth Month!

April is Earth Month! Each year, Earth Month reminds us of our collective responsibility to care for our planet not only during the month of April, but year-round. At Action House, we’re committed to reducing waste through our Resale Store, where every item donated gets a second life! Last year, over 7,000 donors chose to donate to our Resale Store—turning clutter into community impact and promoting sustainability!

Earth Month is the perfect time for spring cleaning! Skip the landfill this month (and always!) and donate your clothes, furniture, books, and home goods to our Resale Store, and get $5 off your next purchase! 

 

Community Action House also helps protect the planet by fighting food waste—and you can too! Good food belongs with people, not in landfills, and that’s exactly what our Lakeshore Food Rescue program works toward. We rescue surplus food and redirect it to our neighbors who need it most. Check out our deep dive blog post to see how we’re turning excess food into food access—and how you can be part of the solution!

April is National Volunteer Month!

We’re incredibly grateful for our team of volunteers who turn their compassion into action to nourish, equip, and empower our neighbors! Last year, 2,800+ volunteers chose to serve with us, logging over 64,940 hours of donated time - what an amazing expression of care for our neighbors! Read stories from some of our volunteers about why they choose to dedicate their time and talents to building a stronger, healthier community.

Each year, more and more families turn to us for support–and need continues to grow. Help us build a community where all our neighbors have what they need to thrive, and join our team of dedicated volunteers!

Save the Date

Join us at the After Party!

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Thursday, June 12, 2025 from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

The Ravines Golf Club - 3520 Palmer Dr, Saugatuck, MI 49453

The 2025 After Party, presented by Bradford Company, is a fun, colorful fundraising event that brings our community together for a night of fun, connection, and celebration—all to raise critical funds for Community Action House programs that nourish, equip, and empower our neighbors.

Tickets are limited, so don’t miss your chance to secure a spot for you and your friends at this exciting event!

Nelis’ Dutch Village Opening Day Food Drive

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Saturday, April 19 | 10:00am-3:00pm

Nelis’ Dutch Village - 12350 James St, Holland, MI 49424

Visit Dutch Village on their Opening Day and bring along non-perishable items for their food drive supporting Community Action House! 

All food drive participants will receive a free admission pass that can be used that day, or any day in 2025. Or your pass can be redeemed that day only for a dollar-for-dollar discount on a Season Pass!

In Case You Missed It

Talk of The Town

Last month, Financial Wellness Program Manager, Alicia Beene, and VP of Programs, Melissa Clay, appeared on WHTC to share about our Financial Wellness programs!

Michigan's AmeriCorps Alum Spotlight

In March, Michigan’s AmeriCorps featured our Outreach Specialist, Lydia, sharing about her experience serving in the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness AmeriCorps Program.

Celebrating Six Years of Refresh

In February, Action House celebrated six years of its Refresh program with First United Methodist Church, and expanded their partnership with Herrick District Library.

March eNews

Last month, we highlighted stories of hope from our programs, and shared how some recent and potential governmental decisions could impact our guests.

Join The Movement

Donate Monthly

Provide a stable foundation for our service each month.

Sponsor

Sponsor the After Party to help us build a stronger community.

Donate to Resale

It's time for spring cleaning! Donate gently used items to the Resale Store.

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March eNews

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Dear friends,

Over the past few months, many of you have asked, with great care, about how some recent and potential governmental decisions could impact our guests. Many of our neighbors are feeling new fear, instability, and confusion during a time of intense change. We see firsthand that public benefits like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, and housing assistance are essential for families who are working to build stability. We’re deeply concerned about the impact that cuts to critical programs like these would have on the low-income families we serve.

SNAP is the United State’s primary anti-hunger program that helps feed over 40 million people. Here in Michigan, more than 1.4 million residents — 1 in 7 Michiganders — participate in SNAP, including 41,000 veterans, and 527,620 of our state’s children. Medicaid provides health insurance for more than 70 million people. In Michigan, more than 2.6 million residents, including nearly 1 million children, count on Medicaid. That amounts to roughly 1 in 4 Michiganders who need this program for essential medical care.

These are big numbers—and they represent families in our own community who would be deeply impacted by cuts to these programs. In Ottawa County, over 32,000 neighbors are food insecure, and many more are living paycheck to paycheck. When groceries and healthcare take a bigger portion of family budgets, even less is left for other essentials - childcare, transportation, housing, and more. The ripple effect is often rapid and widespread, and increased cost of food and other needs can quickly spiral into hunger, health impacts, and further housing instability. These are challenges that impact our entire community.

During uncertain times, staying informed and engaged is key. Here are a few ways you can learn more and take action: 

  • Explore the important role of programs like SNAP and Medicaid in supporting so many in our community.

  • Engage with your local representatives to learn more about how decisions at the local, state, and federal level shape critical programs like these.

  • Support organizations like Community Action House and our local nonprofit partners, who help families navigate challenges and build long-term stability.

Our team is learning, preparing, and adapting, providing clarity and support as information changes. Above all, we continue to walk alongside our guests as partners, experts, and advocates—because no one should have to navigate challenges alone. All of our neighbors deserve good food, a safe home, and the opportunity to build a brighter future for their families—and we know that each of these critical needs are interconnected.

Gratefully,

Scott Rumpsa | Chief Executive Officer

Program Updates

Housing Access

In 2023, an unexpected crisis left Marcus* without a safe, stable place to call home. Without an ID, and physical disabilities that limited his work opportunities, Marcus was unsure of where to turn for support. 

He began by visiting Refresh and the Community Kitchen, where our team was able to walk alongside him to secure an ID and a stable source of income. With these critical pieces in place, Marcus began working with our Financial Wellness Specialist, Rachel, to take big steps toward stability. Together, they filled out applications, and after months of determination, Marcus received a housing voucher through a community partner and moved into safe, stable housing

On move-in day, our Logistics Team delivered furniture, dishes, and other essentials from our Resale Store, transforming Marcus’ new space into a warm, welcoming home and a foundation to build a brighter future. 

*Name and photo changed for privacy

Financial Wellness

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

Food Club

Last month, we welcomed 12 neighbors for a hands-on Healthy@Home class all about breakfast. Led by registered dietitian Heidi Lynema from Corewell Health, the class focused on the importance of a nutritious start to the day for both physical and mental well-being.

The group kicked off the morning with a gentle wake-up yoga session in the Opportunity Hub, setting the tone for a morning of learning and connection. Then, it was time to get cooking! Guests built their own colorful veggie egg cups and single-portion baked oats, creating personalized, delicious, and balanced breakfasts.

As breakfast baked, everyone brainstormed ideas for easy, nutritious, make-ahead breakfasts for busy mornings. The morning wrapped up with a delicious taste test, and everyone agreed these homemade breakfasts were a hit! Through Healthy@Home classes like these, neighbors build community and learn the practical skills necessary to eat healthier and build a stronger future! 

Join us for our next Healthy@Home Class!

Healthy@Home Cooking Class: Healthier Dips & Sauces

Tuesday, March 18 | 1:00-2:00pm

Community Kitchen

When Community Kitchen guests, Derek and Jazmin, started a winter gear drive, it wasn’t just about collecting warm clothing—it was about creating connection and purpose. Having experienced homelessness themselves, they understood the daily challenges it brought, especially in the winter. Determined to make a difference, they began partnering with other guests like Jacob, Rebecca, and Josh to collect essential winter gear items to provide warmth to those who need it most. 

As they received donations of socks, shoes, hand warmers, and more from the community, Derek and his friends transported the items to the Community Kitchen and Refresh, encouraging anyone who needed an item to take it. Because of efforts like this, when neighbors visit the Community Kitchen they’re met with more than a meal. They experience a community of care and connection where urgent needs are met. With food to eat and warm clothing available, our neighbors can begin focusing on long-term goals like finding housing, while feeling the support of a community that believes in them. 

Program Highlight

Lakeshore Food Rescue

At Action House, one of the main ways we source food for our Food Club is through generous community donations. This year, we’re celebrating a new level of partnership with Revolution Farms! While they’ve supported Lakeshore Food Rescue in the past, helping us turn excess food into food access, they’re stepping up this year as regular donors, ensuring our neighbors have access to fresh, locally grown greens all year round. We’re so grateful to Revolution Farms for helping us build a stronger, healthier community! 

Want to learn more about how we rescue good food and get it to families who need it most? Check out our latest blog on Lakeshore Food Rescue and see how businesses, volunteers, and partners like Revolution Farms are building a future where our neighbors have access to the nourishment they need to thrive!

Save the Date

Meijer Simply Give is Back!

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Right now, thanks to our friends at Meijer, your gift can be tripled! Up to $5,000 of double-matching funds are available for any gift you make, TRIPLING your impact for our community!

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

Celebrate International Women’s Day with Action House!

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Join us in celebrating International Women’s Day this month by supporting women and families in our community! Throughout March, we’re collecting personal care items to help ensure all of our neighbors have the essentials they need to thrive. Drop off donations at Food Club or our Resale Store and be part of building a stronger, healthier community! 

In Case You Missed It

Talk of The Town

Last month, Director of Food Access Programs Chara Bouma-Prediger appeared on WHTC to share about new Action House programs that help our neighbors build healthier lives!

Resale Store Shoppers Raise $887.73 for I AM Academy!

In celebration of Black History Month, 10% of Resale Store profits during the month of February supported I AM Academy!

The Lakeshore: Celebrating Six Years of Refresh

In February, Action House celebrated six years of its Refresh program with First United Methodist Church, and expanded their partnership with Herrick District Library.

The Holland Sentinel: Action House Food Club

Our friends at the Holland Sentinel recently shared about our Food Club and highlighted the importance of food access in preventing homelessness.

Join The Movement

Join our Team

Use your skills to nourish, equip, and empower our neighbors. Join our team!

Sponsor

Sponsor VolBash, our annual volunteer appreciation event, to help us build a stronger, healthier community.

Donate to Resale

It's time for spring cleaning! Donate gently used items to the Resale Store.

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February eNews

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Dear friends,

This month marks the sixth anniversary of Refresh: Hygiene & Hope, our partnership program with First United Methodist Church. Back in 2019, FUMC decided on an act of radical hospitality - opening their doors and providing critical services for our unhoused neighbors, including showers, clothing, and more. Partnering with them in this effort, we provide on-site housing-focused case management - each year showing how high-dignity service fosters the trust and relationships needed to achieve meaningful housing successes (last year, our team celebrated 118 homeless-to-housed success stories!). 

Refresh has become a place of community and belonging, where our neighbors find the encouragement they need to maintain hope and resilience in the face of challenge and despair, and a critical connection point where guests work with our team to take meaningful steps toward housing stability. Through our community’s support, since opening, Refresh has been able to: 

  • Equip our neighbors with the tools and knowledge needed to build toward stability through 4,897 housing-focused case management meetings.

  • Build connection and community through 31,999 visits.

  • Provide 10,510 showers and 1,223 haircuts, helping neighbors maintain dignity and hope.

And what’s more, since Refresh opened in 2019, our team has worked alongside more than 370 neighbors who have achieved safe, stable housing—many of whom visited Refresh regularly to meet urgent needs and connect with critical resources during their journey toward stability. 

While we celebrate, we know that there are still too many people living outdoors for whom there are not sufficient exit-ramps out of homelessness and into safe housing. This is a system-wide challenge that requires a community-wide response. We’re committed to doing our part to tackle our community’s growing housing crisis – and we know that any lasting solutions call for not only compassion, but also collective planning and collaborative action. 

Refresh is fueled by a compassionate community that believes in the worth, dignity, and potential of every neighbor. If you’re looking for a way to turn your compassion into action this year, consider hosting a winter gear drive, signing up as a volunteer, or shopping from our Amazon Wishlist. Or just reach out to our friends at FUMC and offer them words of encouragement. With your support, they’ll continue working to provide a warm and welcoming space where our unhoused neighbors can find the belief and support they need to move forward.

Gratefully,

Scott Rumpsa | Chief Executive Officer

Program Updates

Housing Access

Earlier this year, Jamie* and her family were referred to our Resource Navigation Team after an unexpected crisis left them struggling to stay housed. Our team quickly connected the family to emergency housing through a community partner, giving them the stability they needed while they worked alongside our team to explore long-term solutions.

As Jamie and her family settled into their temporary housing, our community rallied around them. A local church stepped up to transport their belongings, and our partners at Gateway Mission provided additional household essentials to make the transition easier. With these immediate needs met, Jamie and her family could focus on their next steps. Before long, they were able to move into safe, stable housing—a foundation upon which further progress for their family is now possible. After moving into the new apartment, Jamie also became a Food Club member, gaining access to fresh, healthy food to support her family’s journey forward.

Stories like this highlight the power of community-driven solutions. We’re grateful to collaborate with local churches and organizations like Gateway Mission to ensure families like Jamie’s stay together and stay housed. Through collaboration, quick action, and a compassionate community, Jamie and her family found the support they needed to navigate through a moment of crisis—because no one should face challenges alone. 

*Name and photo changed for privacy.

Financial Wellness

Since last summer, Parda Credit Union has been a wonderful partner, getting involved with many of our programs! Initially connecting with us to sponsor CommunityFest, they continued to support us in the fall by volunteering for our Thanksgiving service at Food Club.

Eager to support our work in their area of expertise, Parda most recently began partnering with our Financial Wellness Team! This year, Parda will sponsor three cohorts of Savings Club, our Financial Wellness program that empowers guests to build the habit of saving through workshops, one-on-one support, and an incredible 2:1 savings match of up to $300 per guest.

Branch Manager Jennifer Brion shared, "Partnering with Community Action House has allowed us to open the doors for individuals to have access to financial education, affordable loans, and savings programs, helping our community build a brighter future. Together, we're creating pathways for success and empowering individuals to reach financial peace of mind!"

We’re incredibly grateful for Parda’s commitment to ensuring our neighbors have access to the support and financial empowerment they need to build a stronger financial future, and we look forward to our continued partnership this year!  

Food Club

Last fall, we launched our Healthcare Partnerships pilot program, an initiative designed to bridge the gap between healthcare and food insecurity. Through this program, healthcare providers refer patients who are experiencing food insecurity and managing chronic health conditions to receive a one-month, no-cost Food Club membership voucher. Research shows that food insecurity contributes to higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, and other chronic conditions, but with increased access to nutritious food, health outcomes can improve.

Since October, 15 guests have been referred through this program, and we’re already seeing our neighbors building healthier futures! Of those who have redeemed their voucher, 50% of guests have continued with a Food Club membership on their own. As we expand this program in the year ahead, we look forward to sharing stories that show how addressing food insecurity helps build a stronger, healthier community. 

We’re grateful for the funding we received through the Michigan Health Fund to begin this initiative, and for a community that believes in and powers our work. Want to help our neighbors access easy, healthy meals for their families?

Community Kitchen

In December, our team at the Community Kitchen put together a Pop-Up Holiday Shop, brimming with festive cheer and thoughtful gifts for our guests. With generous donations of fresh fruit, charcuterie packages, and other treats, volunteers and our Kitchen Team created a space where neighbors could choose something special just for them.

Guests lit up at the opportunity to pick out a holiday treat, and our team loved turning community generosity into a moment of joy. At the Kitchen, we’re always looking for creative ways to spread warmth and connection—and what better way to do that than through food?

This holiday season, we were reminded that small comforts 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 come to the Kitchen for comfort and nourishment—and leave with connections, resources, and support that equip them to build lasting stability.

Program Highlight

Expanding Resource Navigation Hours! 

Systems are interconnected, and therefore so are many of life’s challenges – but their solutions are often disjointed. Our Resource Navigation team is dedicated to ensuring that no one faces challenges alone. In addition to offering our Resource Navigation services at our program sites, we’ve partnered with Herrick District Library at their Main Library for over 3 years to offer connections to Resource Navigation services in a convenient location for our neighbors.

We’re excited to share that beginning February 7th, our Resource Navigation hours will expand to the Herrick North Branch, further increasing access to these critical services for neighbors! In addition to our regular hours at the Main Library, our team will be at the North Branch every Friday from 9am-1pm, connecting our neighbors to critical in-house programs and external resources. We’re incredibly grateful for our partnership with Herrick District Library and for the opportunity to empower our neighbors by connecting them to resources that equip them with the tools, knowledge, and skills they need to build a brighter future.

Save the Date

February is Black History Month!

Each year, our Resale Store partners with nonprofit organizations who are championing a culture of belonging and equity for all in our community. This month, we’re glad to partner with our friends at I AM Academy in celebration of Black History Month! Shop at the Resale Store Feb 1st through Feb 28th, and 10% of store profits will support I AM Academy’s efforts to empower Black and multiracial youth to see their potential, experience joy, become confident leaders, and drive positive change. Learn more about their efforts at iamacademymi.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. Since 2022, we’ve proudly partnered with I AM Academy to support their Mobile Food Pantry, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to combine our efforts to build a stronger, healthier community that supports, celebrates, and equally values all of its members.

Faith Community Open House on March 6th

Join us for an open-house style event bringing together pastors, church leaders, and community organizers to explore impactful ways to get involved in building a stronger, healthier community. Join us at our Food Club & Opportunity Hub any time from 9:30am - 11:30am on March 6th and enjoy Coffee & Breakfast, Program Information, Tours of our Food Club & Opportunity Hub and more!

RSVP HERE!

Join us for Coffee with a Cop! 

This month, the Holland Police Department is hosting “Coffee with a Cop” in our Opportunity Hub, an informal chance to connect with our local police officers to learn more about their work, and ask questions about current challenges in our community. We’re incredibly grateful for HPD’s partnership, and encourage you to join and learn more about their work in our community! 

Tuesday, February 18, 12:30pm - 1:30pm 

Tuesday, February 25, 12:30pm - 1:30pm

In Case You Missed It

Talk of The Town

Last month, Chief Executive Officer, Scott Rumpsa was on WHTC reflecting on 2024 at Action House, and shared a look ahead at 2025.

The Holland Sentinel: Action House Food Club

Our friends at the Holland Sentinel recently shared about our Food Club and highlighted the importance of food access in preventing homelessness.

Vote in the 2024 Holland Community's Choice Awards!

We are honored to have been nominated for Best Non-profit and Best Thrift Store for the Holland Community Choice Awards! Visit the link below to vote!

The Holland Sentinel: Refresh - Hygiene and Hope

In December, the Holland Sentinel shared about Refresh: a six year partnership between Action House and First United Methodist Church.

Join The Movement

Volunteer

Volunteer time and talent powers our programs.

Sponsor

Sponsor our Golf Classic to build a stronger community.

Host a Drive

Hold a donation drive to directly support our guests.

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January eNews

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Dear friends,

As we enter a new year, we’re looking back on 2024 with nothing but gratitude for what our community chose to accomplish, together. Your support as volunteers, food drive partners, financial supporters, advocates, and champions of our work made it possible for more neighbors than ever before to find the healthy food, belief, and partnership they needed to move forward. Thank you, for proving that we are a community that leads with compassion, where our neighbors experience unrelenting kindness and connection. 

We’re celebrating countless stories of hope, health, and growth - lives changed through the power of healthy food access, families building stability through financial empowerment, and so many instances of people in our community showing up for one another. Through your support, in 2024 we were able to:

  • Welcome and serve 3,600+ families at Food Club

  • Provide 70,000+ hot, healthy meals at the Community Kitchen

  • Help 105 formerly unhoused neighbors transition into safe, stable housing through our Outreach team’s partnership

  • Redirect over 3 million pounds of food to help feed our neighbors through Lakeshore Food Rescue

  • Partner with more than 250 guests to sharpen skills through our Financial Wellness programming

  • And so much more! 

What an incredible year! We invite you to celebrate with us, and take pride in the work that our community makes possible. With your help, we’ll continue to serve as a critical network of support for those who need it most - walking alongside our neighbors as they move from crisis to stability. As we step into 2025, we’re building on the momentum of the past year, working together as a community to ensure that no one in our community has to face challenges alone by:

  • Launching our new Food Club Mobile Market, to increase food access for neighbors facing transportation barriers;

  • Building on our partnerships in the healthcare sector to improve long-term health outcomes and empower individuals to lead healthier lives;

  • Breaking ground on our affordable housing project, in partnership with Dwelling Place, to address our community’s growing housing need;

  • Strengthening pathways to financial progress for guests through responsive programming that builds long-term success;

  • Expanding our Resale Store operations to strengthen the financial foundation needed to sustain our growing impact.

All of these dreams are possible because of your continued belief and partnership. We're glad you're here, grateful for your support, and excited to see what we can accomplish together in the years to come.

Onward,

Scott Rumpsa | Chief Executive Officer

Program Updates

Housing Access

Last summer, our team met Margaret* when another neighbor connected her to our team. After becoming unhoused, Margaret faced overwhelming barriers to regaining stable housing, compounded by her limited income. Determined to find a path forward, she partnered with our team to complete several housing applications, only to encounter long waitlists.

As Margaret waited and hoped for one of her housing applications to be accepted, she visited the Community Kitchen and Refresh, where she could access critical resources like food, clothing, and a safe place to shower. These resources helped her maintain hope and resilience as she continued to wait for news about her housing status.

In the fall her perseverance paid off– Margaret had been approved for an apartment and finally had a safe, stable place to call home! Today, Margaret continues working with our team, partnering one-on-one with our Financial Wellness team to put together a budget and stay on-track with her financial goals. She also became a Food Club member, allowing her access to the fresh, healthy food she needs to thrive.

At Action House, our integrated model is intentionally designed to deliver a range of housing, nutrition, and financial services because we know–and research shows–that connected and streamlined support creates better and more lasting outcomes. We are so grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside our neighbors and celebrate with them as they take steps toward building a brighter future!

*Name and photo changed for privacy.

Financial Wellness

In December, Bethany* contacted our Financial Wellness team for support. Despite her dedication to making consistent monthly payments to pay off thousands of dollars in credit card debt, high interest rates stacked up and her debt only grew. She felt overwhelmed and uncertain about how to move forward.

That’s when Bethany connected with Tabitha, one of our Financial Wellness Specialists. Together, they explored different options, and Bethany soon felt confident about her next steps. Bethany applied for a personal loan through a credit union and was able to pay off her credit card debt! Without the high interest rates through the credit card company, Bethany feels equipped to pay off the personal loan with manageable payments each month, lower than what her credit card payments were.

Bethany is entering the new year feeling grateful for the skills and knowledge she gained through her partnership with Tabitha. Bethany’s determination, combined with the right support, helped her overcome this complex challenge— empowering her to step into the new year with confidence as she continues to work toward her financial goals.

*Name and photo changed for privacy.

Food Club

Before the holidays, we welcomed 24 guests to our Healthy@Home class, "Holiday Eating," in partnership with Corewell Culinary Medicine. Led by dietitian Heidi Lynema, and Corewell's Chef Samantha Sherman, the class offered valuable insights on mindful eating and healthy habits for the holiday season. Together, participants prepared and tasted a spread of festive dishes: maple-glazed brussels sprouts, stuffed mushrooms, and double chocolate peppermint cookies! 

One guest shared an exciting milestone—her two-year-old son tried mushrooms for the first time and loved them so much he even went back for seconds! It was a memorable moment, one of many that made the day special.

Each guest went home with Brussels sprouts to experiment with in their own kitchens and a collection of holiday recipes to make healthier eating choices all season long. We love being able to connect our neighbors to the skills and knowledge needed to eat healthier during the holidays and beyond! 

Interested in starting off the new year with healthier eating habits?

Community Kitchen

When a caring neighbor brought Jake to the Community Kitchen for a meal, Jake found more than nourishment—he discovered a community and a purpose. Inspired by the warm welcome and kindness he was met with, Jake began volunteering that same day and has been a dedicated volunteer at the Kitchen since. 

Having experienced many of the same barriers our neighbors face each day, he empathized deeply with those he served and was grateful for the opportunity to learn each neighbor’s name and story. Reflecting on his experience, he shared, “In order to help myself, I needed to start helping others.” This realization fueled Jake’s passion and commitment, and since May, Jake has dedicated over 400 hours of service through Action House! 

In November, Jake expanded his efforts and also began volunteering at our Food Club, eager to explore new ways to turn his compassion into action. While volunteering, Jake learned that he qualified for a Food Club membership and signed up right away, excited for the opportunity to have access to fresh, healthy foods. As we move into 2025, we’re celebrating Jake’s remarkable contributions and look forward to continuing to build a stronger, more compassionate community together in the year ahead! 

In Case You Missed It

The Holland Sentinel: Holland's Housing Crisis

Our friends at the Holland Sentinel are beginning a series sharing about our local housing crisis and highlighting organizations working together to find solutions.

SpartanNash Supports Action House and Local Food Programs This Holiday Season

This fall, the SpartanNash Foundation raised nearly $480,000 through generous donations to support SpartanNash-sponsored food pantries this holiday season.

Join The Movement

Volunteer

Volunteer time and talent powers our programs.

Donate Monthly

Provide a stable foundation for our service each month.

Host a Drive

Hold a donation drive to directly support our guests.

,

December eNews

,

Dear friends,

As we near the end of 2024, we’re reflecting on the stories of hope, health, and growth that our community made possible this year. Across our programs, thousands of our neighbors navigated challenges alongside our team – accessing tools, skills, and confidence to take charge of their health, housing, and finances – all in pursuit of a more prosperous future. We’re grateful for a community that leads with kindness, and turns compassion into action to nourish, equip, and empower our neighbors. 

We believe you can’t properly care for people if you don’t get to know them; greeting them by name, learning their stories, and understanding the specific barriers they face to help connect them to effective solutions. Right now, our Outreach team is working with over 250 of our unhoused neighbors, partnering with each person to find a place to call home. Just last week, we celebrated alongside four more of these neighbors who moved into housing! And so far this year, we’re honored to have been part of another 97 homeless-to-housed success stories right here in our community. While we celebrate, we know that there are still too many people living outdoors for whom there are not sufficient exit-ramps out of homelessness and into safe housing. With a growing affordable housing shortage, families facing financial insecurity are at greater risk, and already unhoused neighbors have even fewer options available.

This is a community-wide challenge. We’re encouraged by the many voices that unite to call for action, and to champion a community where all of our neighbors can thrive. This month, the City of Holland Human Relations Commission approved “A Call to Community: Seeing Our Unhoused Neighbors With Compassion;” a call to compassion and collective action in the face of our region's growing housing crisis. We’re incredibly grateful for the research, care, and compassion that went into building this resource. Like them, we’re convinced that:

  • Effective long-term solutions depend on increasing the availability of housing that meets the variety of needs in our community. That’s why we’re committed to our work with Dwelling Place, with whom we'll be breaking ground this coming spring to build 52 critically needed affordable rental units in our city.

  • Housing access is a critical first step in addressing other challenges. For unhoused neighbors, a safe home creates a foundation upon which further progress is possible. 

Successful solutions are built on collaboration and a shared commitment to the equal worth and value of all of our neighbors. We are a community that leads with compassion - where all people can find the kindness, support, and belief that they need to move forward, regardless of their background or circumstances. We’re grateful for a community that believes that lasting change is possible - and that is working together to become a place where all of our neighbors can lead healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives. 

Thank you for working alongside us, and so many others, to make this vision a reality.

Onward,

Scott Rumpsa | Chief Executive Officer

Program Updates

Financial Wellness

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

Amid her financial challenges, Isabelle faced another obstacle: her furnace had been struggling for some time, and finally broke down. With colder temperatures setting in, this unexpected challenge threatened to escalate into a crisis. Isabelle reached out to Tabitha for support, and together, they took immediate action.

They swiftly secured emergency funding by partnering with the Ottawa County Community Action Agency, and within 24 hours replaced Isabelle’s furnace, restoring warmth and safety to her home!

Isabelle shared how deeply grateful she was for the quick and compassionate efforts of Community Action House and the Ottawa County Community Action Agency. Through the power of partnership, Isabelle is moving forward with confidence as she continues to work alongside Tabitha to build toward her financial goals.

*Name and photo changed for privacy

Food Club

In the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, volunteers, donation drive partners, financial supporters, and so many others rallied together to provide healthy Thanksgiving groceries for families in our community. Together over the course of two weeks, we were able to:

While bagging groceries, one of our volunteers noticed a family who came up with a cart full of food for their Thanksgiving meal, but didn’t have enough points left to cover everything in their cart. Faced with a difficult decision, they began selecting items to put back.

Another member standing behind them stepped forward and offered to use her own points to cover the rest of the family’s groceries. They were overwhelmed with gratitude for her unexpected kindness. 

Reflecting with our volunteer, this member shared just how meaningful the moment was for her - she understood what it’s like to go without, and as someone not often in a position to give back, she deeply valued the opportunity to support others. We’re often encouraged by the moments of kindness and generosity that our team gets to witness at Food Club, and we’re so grateful that it’s a space where neighbors build connection, hope, and compassion together.

Housing Access

Earlier this year, James*, a Food Club member, turned to our Resource Navigation team after an unexpected crisis left him struggling to stay housed. Determined to find a solution, James partnered with our team to explore available resources and support.

Our team connected James with Good Samaritan Ministries’ Empowered Housing Program, which focuses on ending a person’s experience with homelessness as quickly as possible. For months, James worked closely with Good Samaritan and our Resource Navigation team, navigating the complex process of completing paperwork and submitting housing applications. Despite the obstacles, James remained committed to rebuilding his stability.

In early November, his persistence paid off—James received news that he had been approved for a new apartment!

James’ story is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience found in our community. We’re grateful to collaborate with organizations like Good Samaritan, ensuring neighbors like James have access to the comprehensive support they need to build a brighter future.

*Name and photo changed for privacy

Community Kitchen

In November, longtime Community Kitchen volunteers Wayne and Linda Pynnonen received the prestigious Governor’s Service Award, honoring their remarkable commitment to over 30 years of service.

Wayne and Linda began volunteering at the Community Kitchen more than three decades ago as part of a group from their church. Inspired by the Kitchen’s radically welcoming atmosphere, they decided to continue serving on their own each week. Over the years, their dedication has been instrumental in fostering a community of care and connection, where every guest feels welcome. 

Reflecting on their time volunteering, Linda shared “It’s just been a joy in our lives to meet all these people and to be able to in some ways make a difference.” We are so grateful to Wayne and Linda for their unwavering dedication, compassion, and the countless hours they have poured into the Community Kitchen. 

Celebrate Wayne and Linda's well-deserved recognition with us! Watch a video of them reflecting on their inspiring volunteer experiences on our social media, leave a comment, and share their story with others!

Program Highlight

Partnering with Nestlings

This fall, our Logistics Team stepped up to support one of our valued community partners, Nestlings Diaper Bank. Nestlings, a nonprofit that provides diapers and wipes to over 35 local agencies, had the opportunity to pick up several pallets of diapers and wipes for distribution. However, without access to a truck for transport, they faced a challenge in getting the supplies to their facility.

That’s when our Logistics Team came in. Using our trucks, our team was able to quickly pick up and deliver the pallets to Nestlings, ensuring that these essential items could be distributed to families who needed them. Nestlings has been a steadfast partner to us, providing over 50,000 diapers to Community Action House this year alone. 

We are so grateful for this partnership and the spirit of collaboration that allows us to support one another! As Nestlings approaches the remarkable milestone of distributing their 3 millionth diaper early next year, we look forward to our continued partnership, working together to ensure that every family has access to the essential items they need to thrive.

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. 

Join Us for a Memorial Gathering

On December 21st, from 10:00–11:00 AM, we’ll host an open-house-style memorial outside at First United Methodist Church (57 W 10th Street). This time of remembrance will be held outdoors and include candle lighting, interfaith prayer, and an opportunity to honor our neighbors' lives. We're grateful to gather alongside many friends and partners, including those from First United Methodist Church, Movement West Michigan, the City of Holland Human Relations Commission, and Good Samaritan Ministries for this time of reflection. If you’re not able to join us in person, we invite you to observe your own moment of silence on December 21 at 11:00am, to reflect and remember the lives lost this year. 

Our Outreach Team walked alongside five unhoused neighbors who each passed away in 2024. We also know that there may be others whose names and stories are not known to us, but whose lives deeply mattered. All of our neighbors deserve a safe home, good food, and a community that believes in them. We hope you’ll join us in honoring their stories and strengthening our shared commitment to building a community where all of our neighbors can thrive.

In Case You Missed It

Decades of dedication: Couple honored with Governor's Service Award

Last month, The Lakeshore shared about Wayne and Linda Pynonnen, two Community Kitchen volunteers who were honored with the prestigious Governor’s Service Award.

 

Expanded Food Club Service Coming in Spring 2025!

In November, the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area awarded grants to nonprofits addressing housing, basic needs, and youth services.

WHTC's Talk of the Town

In November, Jessica Pressley, Senior Manager of Housing Access spoke on WHTC about Homelessness Awareness Month and how the community can get involved to support our neighbors experiencing homelessness.

 

Homelessness Awareness Month: Understanding Homelessness

Last month, we shared about how unexpected crises and a housing shortage drive homelessness in Ottawa County and impact our community.

Join The Movement

Volunteer

Volunteer time and talent powers our programs.

Donate Monthly

Provide a stable foundation for our service each month.

Host a Drive

Hold a donation drive to directly support our guests.

,

November eNews

,

Dear friends,

November is Homelessness Awareness Month. As I write this, our Outreach team is working alongside 250+ neighbors experiencing homelessness here in our community - each individual with their own unique story, challenges, and dreams for the future. Neighbors like Denise, who work diligently through each step required to secure housing, but find their momentum halted when there aren’t enough affordable homes for the people who need them. The journey towards stability is all the more difficult, and feels even more hopeless, when there aren’t homes to find at the end of the road.

Every day, our Outreach team works to provide critical resources - food, clothing, showers, and more - while partnering to pursue long term stability. Every day, our team celebrates stories of hope, and small wins, while walking with our neighbors through incredibly difficult trials. This year, we’ve celebrated 80 homeless-to-housed success stories so far; each one the culmination of a remarkable journey that we’re honored to be a part of.

Our mission has long been “...to help individuals and families by providing food, clothing, and shelter, and the opportunity to develop skills that will help them live a stable and prosperous life.” Since our earliest days, we’ve assisted neighbors in securing safe, affordable housing because we know it’s vital to a family’s ability to thrive. In Ottawa County, a recent study found that our rental housing vacancy rate is 1%, while a healthy market has a rate of about 5-6%. Housing is scarce and costs continue to rise. Families teetering on the edge of a crisis struggle to hold it all together, and neighbors who are unhoused face a series of hurdles that make regaining stability feel almost impossible. 

Addressing this growing crisis will take all of us working creatively together. Last year we shared about our plans, in partnership with Dwelling Place, to add 52 mixed-income affordable rental homes in our community. Groundbreaking is anticipated in late spring 2025, and we’re thrilled to see progress - but we know that for people struggling with housing, right now, long term solutions don’t meet immediate needs. This month, we invite you to read stories, learn about housing insecurity in our own community, and help meet urgent needs while our team works one-on-one with guests to build toward a brighter future. As the weather turns colder, you can support our unhoused neighbors by:

Everyone deserves a safe home. Everyone deserves good food. Everyone deserves 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 | Chief Executive Officer

Program Updates

Financial Wellness

Last year, Miranda* attended our Homebuyer Education class, where she shared her dream of someday becoming a homeowner. Following the class, she partnered with our Financial Wellness Specialist, Tabitha, for individual pre-purchase counseling.

Working together each step of the way, they created a clear plan to turn Miranda’s dream into a reality. After building a budget, Miranda was able to pay down her credit cards, boost her credit score, and start saving for a down payment, feeling hopeful that her dream was within reach.

One year later, Tabitha received a call from Miranda with exciting news: Miranda had just purchased the home of her dreams! Grateful for Tabitha’s partnership, Miranda shared that she’s excited to continue saving to build toward a brighter financial future. So far this year, 13 Homebuyer Education participants just like Miranda, have achieved their goal of purchasing a home, and we’re so lucky to celebrate alongside them as they work toward a stable, prosperous life!  

*Name changed for privacy

Food Club

Instructor Ken Freestone brought warmth and excitement to last month’s hands-on Healthy@Home class, “Super Easy Bread Baking”. The class welcomed 13 neighbors, eager to roll up their sleeves and learn the art of making, shaping, and baking bread from scratch.

Ken’s enthusiasm was contagious, and within the hour, participants felt empowered to incorporate nutritious, homemade bread into their meals at home. He even demonstrated how to make a gluten-free loaf, which thrilled one guest with a gluten intolerance. Reflecting on the experience, she shared how exciting it was to realize that baking gluten-free bread at home is not only simple, but also cost-effective!

The class was a hit, and each guest left with a loaf, a batch of dough, and the confidence to make their own bread at home. Through Healthy@Home classes like these, we’re equipping our community with the practical skills necessary to eat healthier and build a stronger future! 

Interested in attending a Healthy@Home class?

Visit communityactionhouse.org/events

Outreach

Last month, our Outreach Team hosted a Mobile Secretary of State Office (Mobile SOS) and a Voter Registration event with our partners at First United Methodist Church. The Mobile SOS, provided by the Secretary of State of Michigan, offers almost all of the services of a brick-and-mortar secretary of state, but with the flexibility to operate out of locations that are more accessible for neighbors experiencing homelessness. 

Our team connected 14 guests with the Mobile SOS in October, walking alongside them to understand the services available and complete the necessary paperwork to replace their ID, renew their driver's license, or update their legal address– items that are critical in finding employment, housing, and accessing other essential services. Because of the Mobile SOS, so many of our neighbors who would otherwise face overwhelming transportation barriers, had the opportunity to take meaningful steps toward stability, opening doors to a brighter future. 

After working with the county clerk to understand the documents needed for people experiencing homelessness to register to vote, the League of Women Voters sponsored a Voter Registration at Refresh. At the event, 8 guests were connected to the resources necessary to become a registered voter, with an additional 30 neighbors learning about the importance of voting. We are so grateful for the League of Women Voters’ partnership, empowering our community to exercise their right to vote to build a brighter future! 

Community Kitchen

Last month, we kicked off a wonderful new partnership with Pillar Church at the Community Kitchen! Pillar Church recently launched a new Sunday service in the Chapel at Western Theological Seminary. Being onsite every Sunday for their service, they assembled a team and have now adopted our Sunday volunteer shifts at the Community Kitchen. 

The Pillar Church volunteers dove right in— from flipping pancakes to serving meals, they worked together as a team—all while creating a radically welcome space where every guest felt seen, valued, and cared for. We’re so grateful to their team for helping us build a stronger, healthier community, and look forward to their continued partnership! 

Interested in making a difference with your own team? Gather a group of 3-6 people and Adopt-a-Shift at the Community Kitchen to power our service for one day each month!

Program Highlight

Celebrating three years of Food Club!

On October 25th, we celebrated 3 years of Food Club during CommunityFest, an annual celebration alongside our Food Club members, full of fun activities, local food, and connection to resources! 

Thank you to our sponsors, Family Fare and Lake Trust Credit Union, and all of our community partners for bringing fun to Food Club! Your support means that we can continue to celebrate with, nourish, and empower our neighbors.

This Thanksgiving Season, Share More than a Meal

As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us will gather to share a meal with friends and family- reflecting on what we’re grateful for, and feeling the warmth and hope of the holidays. Yet, for one in three families in Ottawa County, meeting basic needs remains a daily challenge. Please consider a generous donation to help us share more than a meal this Thanksgiving!

Every $40 donation can provide nutritious Thanksgiving groceries for a family in our community

In Case You Missed It

Fox 17 Morning Mix: Celebrating Food Club’s Third Anniversary

Director of Food Access, Chara Bouma-Prediger, shared on the Morning Mix last month about Food Club’s third anniversary, impact, and next steps.

 

Michigan Sustainable Business Forum

Community Action House was recognized as a 2024 West Michigan Sustainable Business of the Year for Lakeshore Food Rescue Program by the MiSBF.

WHTC's Talk of the Town

In October, CEO Scott Rumpsa was featured on WHTC's Talk of the Town and spoke about the third anniversary of Food Club, its impact, and future.

 

Food Club Mobile Market Coming Soon!

Our new Food Club Mobile Market is coming soon, an initiative that will increase fresh food access to help build healthy neighborhoods.

Join The Movement

Volunteer

Volunteer time and talent powers our programs.

Donate Monthly

Provide a stable foundation for our service each month.

Host a Drive

Hold a donation drive to directly support our guests.

,

October eNews

,

Program Updates

Financial Wellness

Recently, Julia* reached out to our Financial Wellness team for support. Despite Julia’s best efforts to pay off thousands of dollars in credit card debt through consistent monthly payments, high interest rates stacked up and her debt only grew. She felt overwhelmed and uncertain about how to move forward.

That’s when Julia connected with one of our Financial Wellness Specialists, Tabitha. Together, they explored different options, and Julia soon felt confident about her next steps. Just hours after speaking with Tabitha, Julia applied for a personal loan through a credit union and was able to pay off her credit card debt! Without the high interest rates through the credit card company, Julia felt equipped to pay off the personal loan with manageable, fixed monthly payments.

Reflecting on the experience, Tabitha shared, "We’re so thankful that we can provide guidance to our guests and encourage them to take steps toward a brighter financial future." Julia’s determination, combined with the right support, helped her overcome this complex challenge— empowering her to move ahead with confidence.

*Name and photo changed for privacy

Food Club

Meet Sarah, one of our amazing volunteer Food Club Cashiers. For Sarah, volunteering isn’t just about scanning groceries—it’s about making connections and seeing the impact healthy food can have on our community!

Sarah’s favorite part about volunteering with us is watching the excitement on children’s faces when they get to choose fresh fruits to bring home. For many of our neighbors, it’s their first time having consistent access to fresh produce. At Food Club, kids are discovering how delicious and fun eating healthy can be—some have even told her that fresh fruits are their favorite food now! Sarah loves seeing the difference it makes, knowing that this access to nutritious food not only brings joy, but also equips the next generation with the tools needed to build healthier futures. 

Thank you, Sarah, for helping our neighbors find joy in nourishing foods and for the care you bring to every interaction!

Want to build a healthier community alongside volunteers like Sarah? 

Outreach

At Community Action House, we know it’s crucial to have a targeted approach that helps remove barriers for guests as they work towards stability. That’s why in 2022, we launched a partnership with Community Mental Health, which allowed us to expand our Outreach Team with the addition of a Recovery Coach. 

Our Recovery Coach, Jess, plays a pivotal role in breaking down barriers and providing specialized support for neighbors seeking greater stability, while also offering essential connections to mental health and recovery support resources. Since we've added the role, our Recovery Coach has already worked with over 30 neighbors to maintain sobriety and connect them with the services they need to move forward on their journey toward stability.

Recently, Jess had the opportunity to represent us at Recovery Fest, a community event that honors and celebrates those overcoming mental health and substance use challenges. The event not only celebrates the incredible strength of our neighbors, but also increases awareness about the vital resources available to our community. 

Community Kitchen

Richard* moved to our community a few months ago, living out of his car and feeling unsure of where to turn for support. With no way to store fresh, healthy food, Richard was looking for a way to access the nourishment he needed when he learned about the Community Kitchen.

Richard visited the Kitchen and immediately felt overwhelmed by the radically welcoming community he was met with. Though Richard initially went to the Kitchen to gain access to the nourishment he needed, he continued to come back for the friendships he built and the resources he was connected to. 

At the Kitchen, Richard began working with our Outreach Team and now has a stable source of income! With this in place, our Outreach Team connected Richard with a community partner who is working with him to secure safe, stable housing. 

Richard’s story is a reminder of the power of a welcoming community, where kindness and support nourish more than just the body—they empower people to move forward with hope and strength.

*Name and photo changed for privacy

Program Highlight

36,000 pounds of potatoes donated through Lakeshore Food Rescue!

At Action House, one of the main ways we source food for our Food Club is through generous community donations. Earlier this month, our Lakeshore Food Rescue Team received a donation of 36,000 lbs of potatoes! Sheldon Weibe of Macgregor, Manitoba partnered with the Farmlink Project and shipped loads of potatoes all over the country. Through this donation, we were not only able to fully stock our Food Club with all the potatoes our guests could use, but were also able to share the wealth with our partner organizations Feeding America West Michigan, Hungry For Christ, Love in Action, and Jehovah Jireh! 

We are so grateful to Sheldon Weibe and Farmlink Project, for helping us build a stronger, healthier community! 

Save the Date!

Voter Registration at First United Methodist Church

Stop by First United Methodist Church on Friday, October 11th from 9-11am and register to vote, or find out if you’re already registered. Thank you to the League of Women Voters for sponsoring this event and empowering all our neighbors to have their voices be heard. Remember to vote on November 5th!

In Case You Missed It

Fox 17 Morning Mix: Hunger Action Month

CEO, Scott Rumpsa, shared on the Morning Mix last month about Hunger Action Month and opportunities for our community to get involved and help nourish our neighbors.

 

The Holland Sentinel: Hunger Action Month

Our friends at the Holland Sentinel highlighted opportunities for our community to get involved and help nourish our neighbors during Hunger Action Month.

WHTC's Talk of the Town

Director of Food Access, Chara Bouma-Prediger, shared on WHTC in September about Hunger Action Month and how our programs have grown in the past years.

 

Celebrating Compassion in Action - VolBASH 2024

Every day, across all of our programs, our work is made possible by hundreds of volunteers. Last month, we celebrated the incredible 2,300+ individuals who powered our service last year, turning their Compassion into Action to build a stronger, healthier community.

Join The Movement

Volunteer

Volunteer time and talent powers our programs.

Champion

Host a Fundraiser or Donation Drive!

Give

Your support sustains and expands our service.

,

September eNews

,

Dear friends,

September is Hunger Action Month. 

At Action House, we believe that nourishing our neighbors takes more than a meal, and we’re on a mission to ensure that all of our neighbors have the nourishing food and resources they need to build a stronger, healthier future. We know, and research shows, that health is built by more than biology - it's shaped by our access to healthy food, the safety of our homes, the stability of our jobs, the quality of our education, and the support of our community. Each of these factors impact our well-being and the opportunities we have to live a full and healthy life. 

Hunger doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Families who struggle to access the food they need often face other challenges, and a setback in one area creates a ripple effect across systems: education, childcare, employment, housing, healthcare, food, finances, and transportation. Complex problems require holistic solutions - that’s why we combine healthy food access, resource navigation, financial empowerment, and street outreach to build a community where all of our neighbors have what they need to thrive, and no one faces challenges alone.

When someone comes to us—whether for groceries, housing support, or a hot meal at the Community Kitchen—we see it as an opportunity to offer more than just immediate help. We meet guests in the pivotal moment between a challenge and a crisis to find solutions that lead to lasting change.

In Ottawa County, over 32,000 neighbors struggle to access the nourishment they need. Our impact is only possible because thousands of our neighbors say “yes” to powering our services. As more and more families turn to us for support, we need neighbors like you to Act with Action House!

Join us in action this month by:

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.

Gratefully,

Scott Rumpsa | Chief Executive Officer

Program Updates

Financial Wellness

Recently, Food Club member, Amy*, reached out to our Financial Wellness team for support. With thousands of dollars in debt, Amy was unsure of how to move forward to pay it off. 

Amy began working closely with one of our Financial Wellness Specialists, Bill, and together they were able to negotiate with the banks and settle Amy’s debt, saving her 48%!

Reflecting on her experience, Amy expressed “I’m so thankful for your team’s help. It has made such a difference in my life!” We’re proud to provide the individualized, highly relational financial empowerment that our neighbors deserve, and we’re lucky to celebrate alongside them as they work towards a brighter future.

*Name and photo changed for privacy

Food Club

Last month our Healthy@Home program partnered with our friends from Corewell Health to host a Make & Take Popsicle Workshop! In this workshop, families came together to make their own flavors of homemade popsicles using fresh, healthy ingredients. 

Kids also had the opportunity to become “Sugar Detectives” for the afternoon– learning how to spot and avoid added sugars and fun ways to eat more of the good stuff.

One guest shared “it’s so important to go to Healthy@Home classes with my kids because I get to see the joy on their faces when they learn that healthy eating can be tasty too!” We love to see families equipping the next generation with the tools and knowledge needed to enjoy healthy (but tasty!) treats!

Interested in attending a Healthy@Home class? Visit communityactionhouse.org/events

Outreach

New to the area, Henry* reached out to our team when he found himself without a safe place to call home. With no birth certificate, no social security card, no ID, and physical disabilities that limited his work opportunities, Henry faced a difficult journey. 

Working together, step-by-step, Henry and our team navigated the complex web of resources that could help him find safe, stable housing. After acquiring his birth certificate from out of state, Henry was able to obtain a Michigan driver’s license and find a stable source of income. With these key pieces in place, and with the help of our partners at a local transitional housing agency, Henry was able to move into safe, stable housing! Henry shared that he was so grateful to be able to connect with our team and that these resources helped him feel empowered to continue pursuing stability.

*Name and photo changed for privacy

Community Kitchen

Over the past few months, our team at the Community Kitchen has felt so encouraged - several guests have reached out to Chef Heidi, asking how they can become more involved at the Kitchen. Guests offer to help prepare meals, wash dishes, clean up after service, and more. One neighbor noted “It feels good to contribute and really be part of something.” We love seeing guests jump in to continue building a stronger community for all of our neighbors! 

At the Community Kitchen, many of our guests struggle with unsafe or unstable housing, food insecurity, and financial instability. When our neighbors visit the Community Kitchen, they find healthy meals, a place to rest, and so much more. Shared meals are one of the oldest and truest forms of love and connection, and as guests gather and eat together, they get to know each other and build a community of support.

Save the Date!

September 10 is Hunger Action Day!

Nourishing our neighbors takes more than a meal, and we're challenging the community to think about hunger differently. Learn how you can take action with Action House at communityactionhouse.org/actwithactionhouse!

September is Hispanic Heritage Month!

Throughout each year, our Resale Store partners with nonprofit organizations at the forefront of DEI work in our community. This month, we’re glad to partner our friends at Latin Americans United for Progress in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month!

Join us from 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.

In Case You Missed It

Hunger Action Month: Nourishing our neighbors takes more than a meal

Health is built by more than biology. Learn more about the factors that help us build a full, healthy life!

 

How 'Fresh Fridges' are expanding access to nutritious foods

Our Lakeshore Food Rescue team recently added two more locations to our Fresh Fridges initiative! Fresh Fridges bring fresh food options to our neighbors who need it most.

WHTC's Talk of the Town

Senior Manager of Lakeshore Food Rescue, Krista Burgett, shared on WHTC about the opportunities community members have to host food and winter gear drives to help build a stronger, healthier community.

 

MiSustainableHolland: Hope College Students Collaborate with Lakeshore Food Rescue

Learn about Hope College students who are helping turn excess food into food access with Action House's Lakeshore Food Rescue initiative.

Join The Movement

Volunteer

Volunteer time and talent powers our programs.

Champion

Host a Fundraiser or Donation Drive!

Give

Your support sustains and expands our service.

September Enews

Dear friends,

September is Hunger Action Month! At Community Action House, we believe that fighting hunger takes more than a meal - families struggling with food insecurity face a complex web of challenges, and complex problems require holistic solutions. That’s why we combine healthy food access, resource navigation, financial empowerment, and street outreach - all in the context of relationships - to nourish, equip, and empower our neighbors.

In Ottawa County, 22,000+ neighbors struggle with food insecurity. At Community Action House, we’re working to build a community where all of our neighbors have what they need to thrive, and no one faces challenges alone. No matter the initial reason for meeting our guests–groceries, housing, or a hot meal at the Community Kitchen–we are primed to facilitate momentum toward stability and financial prosperity.

Our work is possible because hundreds of our neighbors choose to say “yes” to building a stronger, healthier community. As our service grows, we need neighbors like you to act with Action House and help fight hunger in our community!

Join us in action this month by:

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.

Gratefully,

Scott Rumpsa

Chief Executive Officer

Program Updates

Financial Wellness
• • • • • •

In 2021, Ron (name and photo changed for privacy) joined our Homebuyer Education class. After attending, Ron realized that he wanted to improve his credit and savings. For over a year Ron worked with our team on Pre-Purchase counseling, increased his credit score from the mid 500s to the mid 600s, and paid off debt. After two years of hard work, Ron was able to set aside money for the down payment on a home! Our team celebrates Ron’s success, and will continue to provide support as he begins a new chapter.

Food Club
• • • • • •

One day at Food Club, Sean and his daughter Amy (name and photo changed for privacy) were waiting in line, and struck up conversation with our Food Club Membership Specialist, Paula. Amy and Paula talked all about school starting soon, her class, and her nervousness about making new friends.

A few weeks later, Paula ran into the same father-daughter duo while sharing about our services at a school open house! Amy was so excited to tell Paula that she loved her teacher and was making friends. Sean shared how much he appreciates Food Club – not only is it an affordable, flexible, resource for his immediate family, but he's able to share groceries with his sister who has a difficult time getting out of the house. We are so grateful that Food Club provides the healthy food access that families need, while providing a space that builds community in the process.

Outreach
• • • • •

Meet Chris! Chris began working with our team in 2018 after moving here from California. He regularly uses our Community Kitchen and Refresh Programs, but what really keeps him coming back is the human connection and opportunity to share about his achievements with peers.

As of last week, Chris is 8 weeks sober! After 47 years of drinking, he woke up one day and decided he was ready for a change. Since then, he has started attending our recovery meetings, and has appreciated the support and acknowledgement of his hard work. We’re proud to see Chris take his recovery day-by-day, and glad that our team can provide a community of belief and support.

Community Kitchen
• • • • • •

Last month, Community Kitchen guest Eric (name and photo changed for privacy) had a very frightening health scare. With a difficult outlook, Eric chose to change his lifestyle to improve his current health and take control of his future. The meals served at the Community Kitchen have helped him work towards his goals, providing food options that are “delicious but also healthy.” The Kitchen recently received wild caught salmon from a community partner, and Eric was thrilled, sharing “you can’t find fresh salmon like that anywhere, even some restaurants don’t have that!”

We’re proud that the Community Kitchen can share more than a meal, helping guests find the healthy food and community that they need to move forward!

In Case You Missed It!

CAH News and Updates

The Holland Sentinel: Dwelling Place Housing Development

Read updates about our affordable housing initiative with Dwelling Place - a multi site development to bring 60+ units of affordable housing to Holland.

Second Wave Media: Food Club Highlight

The Lakeshore WM shares about food club models (like ours!) and a new approach to food access.

The Lakeshore WM: Lakeshore Food Rescue

Lakeshore Food Rescue recently launched the Food Rescue Hero app, allowing neighbors like you to help recue thousands of pounds of food.

Habitat For Humanity Announcement

Our partners at Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity and GDK Construction Company recently celebrated the ribbon cutting of their new townhomes, designed for adults with disabilities!

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May 2023 eNewsletter

Program Updates

Outreach

In partnership with Community Mental Health, we added a Recovery Coach, Joy, to our Outreach Team in 2022 - a targeted approach to help remove barriers for guests as they work towards stability. Already, we’re seeing the impact of deep relationship building, and are able to provide specialized support and greater connection to mental health resources.

Joy recently met with another local recovery coach, Angela (name changed for privacy) who was formerly unhoused and living in the area. Angela shared that Community Action House gave her respect, dignity, and was a welcoming source of help for her and her children, during a time that she felt undeserving of support. Because of Action House, Angela said that she began to believe in herself and her ability to “do hard things and accomplish goals.” After sharing her story with Joy, Angela gave her a big hug, and shared that she “could not have made it, if it wasn’t for Community Action House.”

Everyone deserves a safe home, good food, and a community that believes in them. Stories like Angela’s are why we’re here - and it's only possible because of neighbors like you!

Financial Wellness

Last month, our team wrapped up our 12 week long VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program. VITA Volunteers help qualifying neighbors complete their tax returns at no cost!

Our crew of 19 volunteers prepared 340 tax returns, resulting in $322,000 in federal refunds and $231,000 in state refunds - a grand total of $553,000 brought back into our community! When learning about the impact VITA made for guests, one volunteer shared:

"That is so unreal to think we helped clients get that much money back for themselves and their family along with most of that money probably going back into our local community... Over a half million dollars at 350 returns comes to an average of almost $1,600 per return. That makes every minute we volunteer for the VITA program just that much more exciting to know the financial help we have given so many. I enjoy knowing the positive financial impact on the clients we serve. You made my day."

Food Club

Chef Lindsay Payleitner of GROW Café + Bistro worked as a kitchen specialist at the Community Kitchen last winter. This year, she and her co-owner/husband, Alec, volunteered at the Food Club. Those experiences inspired them to spearhead a new pilot program for our Food Club guests!

Each week this February and March, their team strategically chose a few hundred pounds of rescued food and, like culinary magic, brought it back a few days later as meals packaged in oven-ready tins. By the end of the pilot run, they’d prepared over 300 meals for more than 1,000 neighbors! It takes outside-the-box thinking of community members like Lindsay and Alec to sustain and expand our impact at Food Club. We’re so grateful for their support! Read more about their creative meals and inspiration here.

Community Kitchen

Each week, volunteer teams from Preferred Employment & Living Supports and Brothers & Sisters Homes through Holland Deacons Conference join us at the Community Kitchen! Many of these volunteers attend a bowling league every Thursday, and last month, our Kitchen team showed up to cheer them on!

We love that the Community Kitchen provides more than a meal, and is a space where guests, volunteers, and staff in all walks of life can build community. Interested in joining our volunteer team? Visit communityactionhouse.org/volunteer to sign up today!

In Case You Missed It

CAH News & Updates

WHTC: Earth Day with Lakeshore Food Rescue - Community Action House

Tune in as our Food Access Program Manager, Chara, and Food Rescue Specialist, Aubree, discuss Lakeshore Food Rescue, celebrate Earth Day, and discuss ways to get involved on WHTC's Talk of the Town.

Holland approves plan to sell land for affordable housing project

Holland City Council approved a plan to sell surplus property to two local nonprofit organizations. The proposal allows Dwelling Place and Community Action House to purchase the city-owned property at 345 Kollen Park Drive. The nonprofits plan to create an affordable housing development.

Ottawa County determines ARPA money recipients

Community Action House, in partnership with Ottawa Food, the county's food policy council, is expanding their Lakeshore Food Rescue Initiative with funding through Ottawa County and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Read our 2022 Annual Report!

We're proud to share our 2022 Annual Report! Read stories of life-altering financial progress, health improvements, and moments of joy, all made possible by our community.

Save the Date!

March with us in the Tulip Time Parade!

Represent Community Action House at the Tulip Time Parade on Saturday, May 13, 12pm-4pm!

We are looking for volunteers to walk with us, hold our banner, and wave to spectators on the parade route as representatives of Community Action House. Learn more and sign up here!

Interested in learning more about our Affordable Housing Project with Dwelling Place?

Attend a community engagement session at the Kollen Park Bandshell on Tuesday, May 16, 12pm-3pm.

Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids, a nonprofit community development corporation, has been working with Action House on a potential new affordable housing development. Join us on May 16 for a Project Design Open House! Learn more.

Join us for Holland's Hunger Awareness Weekend!

Saturday, May 20 - Sunday, May 21.

This month, two national events take place in Holland to support local food access. Action House is grateful to receive both direct food donations and financial support from these events, and we invite you to participate!

  • The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, Saturday, May 20, is led by the National Association of Letter Carriers. Place nonperishable items in your mailbox before 9am on May 20, and postal workers, along with volunteers, will collect the items to distribute to local food access organizations!

  • The Annual CROP Hunger Walk, Sunday, May 21, is a nationwide movement sponsored by Church World Services (CWS) to raise funds to end hunger and poverty in the U.S. and around the world. Join us at Centennial Park from 1-3pm as a walker, to drop off food donations, or to learn more about local nonprofits working to improve food access! Learn more here.

Join the Movement

Volunteer

Volunteer time and talent powers our programs.

Donate Monthly

Provide a stable foundation for our service each month.

Apply

Use your skills to make a difference.

 
 

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