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

Learn More!

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!

Read the blog

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.

Donate to Triple your impact!

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!

Learn more