Community Action House provides courses, services, and counseling at no cost to community members for home buying education, financial capability, and foreclosure intervention. Class curriculum meets the requirements set by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and is facilitated by certified housing counselors.
Classes are facilitated by certified, trained staff. Presenters from local businesses, financial institutions, and municipalities are invited to provide participants with specialized information based their expertise and class topics.
Contact: 616-392-2368 | education@communityactionhouse.org
Financial Foundation Workshops
Financial Foundations Workshops empower participants with the essential knowledge and practical skills to confidently manage their finances, make informed decisions, and build toward both immediate and long-term financial goals.
"The thing that helped me the most was recognizing how I spend and save money. I really needed this class - it was a good eye opener. I learned a lot of useful information. Thanks a lot!" - Jamell McClendon, Financial Wellness Participant
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Date: TBD
Time: TBDGuests will leave with the tools needed to set clear, actionable goals and unlock their earning potential. Guests will also focus on personal and financial growth empowering them to take control of their future.
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Time: TBD
Date: TBDGuests will explore practical strategies to manage their money effectively and build financial habits while learning how to avoid common financial pitfalls, plan for future needs, and make informed spending decisions.
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Date: TBD
Time: 5:30PM-7:00PM (In Person)Guests will gain an understanding of how credit and debt work, empowering them to make informed financial decisions. This workshop also provides valuable insights on how to avoid scams, and strategies to safeguard personal finances.
Monthly Money Talks Workshops
Monthly Money Talks is a recurring series designed to empower guests with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed financial decisions. Each session explores a specific topic relevant to personal finance, fostering a supportive environment for peer to peer support, learning and discussion.
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Date: January 28th, 2025
Time: 5:30pm-7:30pmGuests will gain an understanding of the tax filing process, leaving with confidence and clarity. This class will cover different filing statuses, deductions, credits, mistakes to avoid, and practical tips for maximizing refunds while complying with tax laws.
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Date: February 25th, 2025
Time: 5:30pm-7pmGuests will learn effective strategies for maximizing their tax refund and taking control of their finances. This workshop explores how to save more with free tax preparation services, leverage bank accounts offering special interest rates, and develop a strategic plan for allocating refunds to achieve financial goals.
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Date: March 25th, 2025
Time: 5:30pm-7pmGuests will learn about the role of banks in the economy, and the essential services they provide, including savings and checking accounts, loans, credit cards, and online banking. This workshop will empower guests to manage their personal finances and make informed decisions about banking with confidence.
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Date: Next date TBD
Time: TBDGuests will gain an understanding of IRAs and 401(k) plans, giving them practical strategies to build wealth by exploring stocks, bonds, mutual funds and ETFs. Guests will also get a basic understanding of risk management, compound interest and portfolio diversification to help them make informed investment decisions.
All courses are available for individual appointments! Sign up below!
Savings Club
Savings Club is a six-month commitment to develop and build the habit of saving. Guests will have access to one-on-one financial counseling, free workshops and peer support to build individual emergency funds. Every month covers a new topic that equips guests with the tools and knowledge needed to reach their savings goals.
Each month that you save $25, you will receive $50 from Community Action House. You will have the opportunity to save up to $450 ( $150 of your money + $300 match from Action House)
Guests must be willing to attend each monthly meeting.
Guests must be willing to open a separate savings account.
Guests must be willing to save a minimum of $25 per month.
Next cohort starts January 2025! SIGN UP NOW!
Homebuyer Education
2025 Schedule
"I really enjoyed the homebuyers course and I am confident that it will give me the courage to finally buy a home and end the generational hindrance of renting." - Raquel Dawson, Homebuyer Education participant
Single Session Workshop
How Much Home Can You Afford?
Guests will gain an understanding of how much house they can afford while maintaining financial stability. Guests will also explore how their current earnings determine their maximum affordability.
January 14th, 2025 - 5:30PM-7:00PM
March 18th, 2025 - 5:30PM-7:00PM
2-Session Workshops
Homebuyer Education
Homebuyer Education Workshops help educate individuals and families about the home purchase process, including credit, affordability, taxes, home inspections, mortgages and insurance.
February Sessions
Session 1: February 11th, 5:30-8:00pm (In Person)
Session 2: February 18th, from 5:30-8:00pm (In Person)
Foreclosure Intervention
What we offer
Foreclosure Intervention Counseling offers 1-on-1 help with understanding options, as well as assist in communicating with your mortgage company or lender, and provide ongoing referrals and support. All individual counseling is offered free of charge.
Forbearance and home retention information and options
Loan modifications, navigating negotiations with lender and mortgage company
Individualized housing counseling, including budgeting
Group courses and workshops at no cost to area residents
We can help you understand your options, develop realistic paths forward, assist in communicating with your mortgage company or lender, and provide ongoing follow up, referrals, and general support.
Need assistance through alternative methods due to disability or other barriers?
We can help, contact us! Class curriculum meets the requirements set by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and is facilitated by certified housing counselors.
Additional Services
eHome America
Community Action House now partners with eHome America to provide online, self-paced Homebuyer Education. This is an online course in both English and Spanish that satisfies the education requirement for many down payment assistance and loan programs. Pay a $99 fee and take the course in your home at your own pace. You will be required to talk with a Community Action House Housing and Education Specialist prior to receiving your certificate. Click here to get started!
Develop a spending plan, and create a monthly budget!
What Participants are Saying
"It was great to be able to talk to people who know their stuff with regards to gardening, painting, electrical, and plumbing. I had many questions answered and have already started applying some of what I've learned. I'm observing things in my house with a knowledgeable eye now." - Jovanna Mendoza, Home Maintenance Class participant
“Thank you for the insurance information, the credit information and everything else. I do not know any other place I could find what I learned here. I am joining you again in May. This was so crucial!” - Robert Bauer, Financial Management Class participant
