Resources

CHC_Home_Wireframe_v2

Resources

Please consider some of these resources as a way to improve your current situation. There are employment and training opportunities available, access to legal services, fresh and affordable food, as well as resources for finding housing in Kent County.

Tools for navigating the private rental market
Community Rebuilders’ weekly housing navigation group

Trying to find a rental home or apartment in the Grand Rapids area is not always easy. We have 25+ years of experience navigating this private rental market and we would like to share with you some of our successful strategies. This includes finding available rental units, negotiating with a prospective landlord, and overcoming a not so perfect rental history.

The housing navigation group occurs weekly on Wednesdays. Virtual sessions are held for 1 hour and facilitated by a Community Rebuilders housing expert. When you sign up, you will receive a confirmation including a zoom link.

Rental assistance for lease holders

The COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) program is designed to keep Michigan residents who fell behind on their rent and/or utilities during COVID-19 in their homes.

Employment and workforce training

West Michigan Works! partners with employers, educators, economic developers and community organizations to create a qualified workforce that meets its region’s current and future talent needs and fuels our shared economic future. The organization relies on labor market data and input from employers and industry councils to identify common skill gaps, training needs and industry trends.

Legal services
Expungement

You May Be Able to Expunge a Prior Conviction! The Clean Slate law makes it possible for more people to petition for an expungement. An expungement removes convictions from your public criminal record. As a result, you can legally state that you have never been convicted or arrested for that crime on job, school, and/or housing applications. This can help you find full-time employment and create financial stability for you and your family.

Free legal advice

Legal Aid of Western Michigan (LAWM) is a nonprofit law firm providing free legal advice and representation to low income individuals in a broad range of areas including consumer cases, family matters, housing problems, government benefits, and more.

Fresh and affordable food

The Community Food Club is a nonprofit, member based grocery store. Low income members pay between $11 and $15 for a 30 day membership and are able to shop using points based on their household size. Most members receive 9 to 11 days’ worth of foods during each membership period. Members can shop as often as they’d like and select foods that fit their needs.

United Way 211

Whoever you are, whatever your needs, 2-1-1 makes it easy to find food, shelter, utility assistance, disaster recovery, childcare, transportation, and more.