Community Housing Partnership (CHP)

Eligibility: Residents can apply for housing assistance through CHP if they are considered homeless based on MSHDA definitions. They must be staying in a shelter, other transitional housing program or on the streets.

Services: Applicants are interviewed by the CHP staff for entrance into the program.Once a resident has moved into the program, the family receives case management services through Community Action House, Home Maintenance Education, Life Skills Education, and are linked to a church mentoring team for social and spiritual support.

Support: Families may receive this support for up to two years or until they find other housing, whichever comes first. For more information please contact Jenn Boerman at  (616) 392-2368 .

Rental Assistance

Financial assistance to prevent homelessness as a result of eviction. Clients are provided budget counseling, and resources to overcome obstacles to self-sufficiency. Families receiving financial assistance must have received an eviction notice resulting from inability to pay for reasons outside the client’s control. The family must be able to resume full payments the following month.

Persons currently homeless may also be eligible for assistance with first month’s rent, but must demonstrate sustainable income and  ability to pay future housing expenses.

Applicants must have been residents of Ottawa County for at least one year and must have not received assistance more than once in the past. This program is available to residents of southwest Ottawa County. Applicants must meet with the program coordinator to review a household budget, and must have at least 10 days to resolve the emergency prior to actual eviction. Funds provided to each recipient individual/family are determined in accordance with established guidelines related to family and unit size. Funds allocated are provided directly to the housing provider. The program is able to assist 80 to 100 families per year.