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.

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