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.