Kent County assistance programs.

Mortgage assistance and foreclosure prevention resources

While this web site has a variety of resources, organizations, companies, and even banks that can help you with paying your mortgage or stop a foreclosure (learn more), here are four more organizations that service the Grand Rapids and Kent County Michigan area.

Of course the main objective of foreclosure counseling is to preserve homeownership and to keep families in their homes. Mortgage and financial counselors can help borrowers evaluate their circumstances, deal with a financial emergency, and communicate with their banks and lenders. They can also help with loan modification or refinancing. If you are facing foreclosure or need any type of mortgage help, these organizations may be able to assist.

• Grand Rapids Urban League
  (616) 245-2207
• Home Repair Services
  (616) 241-2601
• Inner City Christian Federation
  (616) 336-9333
• Lighthouse Communities, Inc.
  (616) 451-9140

A more extensive foreclosure prevention program is offered by the Grand Rapids Urban League. A housing counselor will be assigned to you to help you work through your Home Foreclosure and Mortgage Delinquency challenge. The free  Prevention/Mortgage Delinquency Counseling provides homeowners who are falling behind on their payments, who may be delinquent on their mortgage or who are facing foreclosure with a variety of options. They can learn about how to get mortgage help from banks such as Bank of America, receive education and advocacy, and borrowers will also be presented with the opportunity to bring their mortgage payments current and/or save their home from a foreclosure. Call the agency at 616-245-2207, ext 206.

Rent assistance programs

Community Rebuilders is a nonprofit housing agency that provides housing assistance to hundreds of families per year. Some of the programs offered include:

• Eviction Prevention
• Will help people stay in their home and apartments, and it prevents homelessness by providing a onetime cash grant payment that can be used for rent or mortgage. It is intended for people who have experienced a verifiable emergency, but who can afford future payments. So basically for people who need short term aid. locate other rent assistance resources.
• Shelter and Care
• This assistance program will provide longer term rental assistance for homeless persons with disabilities such as a mental illness or substance abuse. In addition, referrals and supportive services are provided and they come from Kent county certified community agencies.
• Families in Transition Program
• This is also known as Project FIT, and it will provide rental and housing assistance and intensive supportive services to those homeless families who are seeking permanent housing and also greater stability.
• GAP and RISE
• This program offers short term housing subsidies for those people who are experiencing homelessness and need that short boost to get back on their feet. These federal government HUD funds will also help provide childcare, counseling, transportation and more help to those individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness throughout Kent County.

For more information contact them at 1019 Wealthy SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506, or dial (616) 458-5102.

Emergency help for bills

The Grand Rapids Salvation Army administers several programs, including holiday assistance, free meals, rent help, and occasional funds for paying rent and heating bills. 459-9468.

Area Community Services Employment and Training (ACSET) administers several assistance programs for low income residents. Find ways to become self-sufficient over the long term. Get access to job and employment services, programs for energy bills, weatherization energy assistance programs, rent help, and referrals to local charities and non-profits. (616) 336-4100

Health care clinics provide free medical care

Low income as well as those who lack health insurance can receive access to free or low priced medical care from the Baxter Community Center. Several doctors, nurses, and health care professionals donate their time to help those in need. After all, the primary goal of the health care clinic which is located at Baxter Community Center is to provide low cost or free, high-quality primary health care to those individuals and families who need help. The services are offered at a low cost for those families who lack health insurance, and people who are on Medicaid or Medicare can also get access to medical care. The pediatric clinic is walk-in, all other patients need to make an appointment. Dial 616-456-8593.

Food and pantries

If you need free food or other household items, the Catholic Charities West Michigan (phone 616) 690-0615) helps Grand Rapids Michigan families by offering them free food, groceries and other household items.

Free legal representation and aid

Legal Aid of Western Michigan (774-0672 Ext 107) offers people who can’t afford an attorney access to free legal programs and resources. Get advice to help with a foreclosure, civil legal issues, landlord/tenant disputes, and more. Find other free legal help resources.

Help with energy bills and weatherization programs

Contact the Area Community Services Employment and Training (ACSET) ((616) 336-4100), which is the local Kent County Community Action Agency. They offer several programs, including the federal government weatherization assistance program. Also low income families can also receive cash grants to pay utility and heating bills from such programs as LIHEAP, the Detroit Edison (DTE) THAW program, the MPSC/MCAAA EAP utility assistance program, and also MSHDA Emergency Solutions Grants.