It is expected that 300 to 500 households will enter the foreclosure process in the Greater Holland/Zeeland Area in 2008. With an average 4 persons per household, that is 1200 – 2000 family members facing homelessness in our community, or enough individuals to fill four (4) movie theatres.  

Unfortunately, many area homeowners do not understand the foreclosure process and worse, they are unaware of their options once they get there. An issue created by job loss, predatory lending or a combination of the two, home foreclosure becomes unbearable when critical knowledge about how to proceed isn’t provided by lenders. This knowledge can prevent families from losing their homes unnecessarily...

Typical Associate Directors don’t work with the public – it is not in their job description. Mark Kornelis isn’t typical. In fact, it was no surprise to see Mark out of his office and at the front desk helping clients funneling in off the street, a revealing glimpse into his passion for people and community. 

Of his colleague and friend, Mark Tucker said, “I’ve always enjoyed the support I received from Mark, he’s been a great help to me here [at CAH] and we will all miss him. He’s been a great face for CAH in the community as well, working hard for solutions to issues our clients struggle with everyday, something he’ll be able to continue to do in his new role.” ...

I’m frequently asked by friends and others I meet whether Community Action House has seen an increase in need over the past few years due to the economic downturn. The short answer is always “yes,” but I usually struggle a bit to explain with clarity the extent to which the increase in demand is related to local economic issues.

We know the dots connect, just not exactly how directly. To be sure, there have been ways that the economic downturn has impacted all of us, yet if you haven’t actually lost your job, there’s a chance you’ve been able to weather the downturn up to this point without a dramatic effect on your lifestyle and consumption patterns.

But now that’s changed. Substantial inflationary increases in basic needs, in particular food, but also gasoline and other essential commodities, have hit all of us, but especially those already struggling to make ends meet...

From social networking sites to online degree programs, the internet has become an endless source of social interaction, entertainment and education. Yet none of these top the racing popularity and usefulness embodied by web log sites (“blogs”). Ranging from online teen diaries to political commentary, blogs seem to cover all imaginable discussion topics in a passive chat format, often with little direction. However, our blog will not be just another idle place to chat...

The fourth annual St. Patrick’s Day parade is just around the corner and this year’s festivities will give struggling area families the basic nutrition they need. While Holland residents watch waves of green make their way down 8th Street on Saturday March 15th, they will also be given the chance to feed a child in our community by donating non-perishable food items in one of several collection bins for CAH.

Amber Smith, two-year veteran coordinator of the parade is excited about this year’s partnership with CAH. “It started out as a suggestion at one of our planning meetings and everyone was thrilled with the idea of helping CAH. We really like their mission and at this time of year the need is prominent and we wanted to create awareness of it.”

When Sharon goes to CAH for help to keep her kids warm on icy winter days she has a good variety of choices, but no earmuffs, scarves or mittens. She finds ball caps, t- shirts and shorts. Lots of shorts.

  Jennifer Boerman, Emergency Services supervisor at Community Action House oversees the emergency services staff, who are the proverbial front line of CAH. These case workers are the first to identify major needs (food, clothing, shelter) and will work with clients to understand the root of their issues and help them to create a plan toward self-sufficiency.

  After some recent in-depth observation and coaching, Boerman realized that there was an opportunity to do even more for people walking in seeking assistance. With an acute understanding of the clientele and the struggles many of them face, Jennifer decided to leverage the MI Works kiosk located right in their 14th Street office....

 With our community support, we have achieved great accomplishments in the face of many obstacles. The current state of our local economy not only increases the number of people using our services, but decreases the ability of many to contribute their gifts of time and financial support like they once had.

Fortunately people in our community, much like our clients, find a way to work through the challenges they face. Last year, with community assistance, Community Action House was able to...

   Statistics show time after time that it is far more economical and less traumatic to help keep a family in their home than providing assistance after they are separated from their residence...