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. They also partner with additional rent programs in the area. Find more Kent County rental assistance programs.

Emergency help for bills and rent in Kent County

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

Grand Rapids Urban League also offers other rent and assistance programs. The agency may pay one month's back mortgage or back rent. They are a HUD approved agency that offers foreclosure and deb help.  They also run a food program. Call (616) 245-2207.

Steepletown Neighbor Services helps families and individuals in certain parts of Grand Rapids who need emergency financial assistance for paying bill such as utilities, rent/housing/transportation. Individuals who need help can apply for a one-time grant of up to $300. (616) 451-4215

North Kent Community Services, which is based in Rockford, can provides limited financial assistance and cash grants for individuals and families who are having difficulties paying their rent, housing expenses or heating and utility bills. Dial (616) 866-3478.

Heart Of West Michigan United Way's – They partner with and fund many local charity organizations and not for profits. They direct people to these groups and do not provide financial assistance themselves. Find how to get prescriptions, funds for rent and heating bills, food vouchers, and other aid. 118 Commerce Avenue SW, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503, (800) 887-1107

 

 

Kent County Department Of Veterans' Affairs – Veterans and their families may be able to get financial assistance. Some services offered include food and grocery vouchers, funds for utility disconnections, rent assistance, money for phone bills, and medications. 82 Ionia Avenue NW Suite 380, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503. Call the agency at (616) 632-5722

Kent County District Office Department Of Human Services – This government location administers a public assistance program that can provide short-term financial assistance for many types of urgent needs. Examples include electric and heating bills, rent, food, and medications. Funding is through the State of Michigan Emergency Relief (SER). 121 Franklin Street SE Suite 200, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49507, (616) 248-1000

Senior Neighbors - Caseworkers can assist seniors in Kent County Michigan with accessing financial assistance. The programs offered include everything from utility bills, to rent, transportation, shelter, holiday assistance and meals, and gas bills. 820 Monroe Avenue NW Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503-1442. Call (616) 233-0281

Kent County Michigan assistance programs and non-profit agencies that cover the entire state

Get details on financial assistance programs that offer rent help, low income housing, foreclosure advice and other assistance to all of Grand Rapids and Kent County Michigan.

• Michigan free mortgage and foreclosure assistance
• Michigan HUD foreclosure counseling. Click here.
• Michigan free legal aid
• Michigan heating and utility bill assistance
• Michigan community clinics. More.
• Section 8 housing vouchers for Michigan renters.
• Michigan food banks
• Dental clinics in Michigan

Health care clinics provide free medical care

Four of the primary health centers to call and apply at for free health care or help with medical bills in the Grand Rapids Michigan area are below. If those locations are not able to meet your needs, locate more health centers in Kent County.

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.

Cherry Street Health Services offers medical care on a sliding fee scale. Both dental and medical programs are offered to patients who need help. (616) 742-9945

If you do not have insurance, stop by or call Oasis of Hope Center at (616) 451-8868. The Grand Rapids clinic provides urgent medical care and wellness exams for those without insurance and who have a low income.

Also try the Saint Marys Health Services at (616) 685-8300, or click here for additional programs such as ways to get help with hospital bills.

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.

Byron Community Ministries (dial (616) 878-6000) runs programs that provide services such as food, personal care items, clothing, and counseling to those who need help.

Central Reformed Church services people in Kent County who are facing a crisis who have no other options. Call (616) 456-1773.

Northwest Food Pantry and Resources ((616) 451-4131) and Sunshine Community Church (phone (616) 364-4242) are other options for food vouchers, pantries, and other aid.

Meals, groceries, clothing, household products and other aid can be provided by additional locations in the county. Find more Grand Rapids food pantries.

 

 

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.