Fair Housing Center June Book Club...

The Fair Housing Center of West Michigan invites you to join them in reading and discussing The Girl Who Fell from the Sky by Heidi Durrow.

The novel tells the story of a biracial girl coping with society’s ideas of race and class in the aftermath of tragedy. The FHCWM is also hosting a summer book exchange, so bring a social justice-related book you’ve enjoyed to pass on. A discussion of the exchange selections will take place in August.

The June book discussion will take place Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 11:45 a.m at the Fair Housing Center of West Michigan office, 20 Hall SE, Grand Rapids.

Please RSVP by emailing lkeegan@fhcwm.org or by calling 616.451.2980. Bring a lunch, bring a friend, and join the discussion!

Service Opportunities at New Love INC Ministry Cen...

Love INC’s new Ministry Center is nearing completion and the organization is looking ahead to assess volunteer opportunities in the new center.

If you’re interested in getting involved, joing them on Thursday, June 9, at 6:30pm, in the Community Room at 1615 Despelder. Participants will learn about immediate volunteer needs and help brainstorm future opportunities.

For more information, contact Kathy McGraw kathy@lovinctricities.org

Fair Housing Update...

The Fair Housing Center of West Michigan is now offering a Fair Housing Update–a brief review of fair housing laws with an emphasis on current trends. The event is open to rental professionals who have completed the Introductory Training for Rental Professionals.

Join them on Thursday, June 16, 2011 from 3:30 to 5pm at the FHCWM office, 20 Hall SE, Grand Rapids.

The cost is $30 per person with group rates available. Contact Liz Keegan to register at 616.451.2980 or email contact-us@fhcwm.org

First-Time Homebuyer’s Class Starts June 15...

Do you dream of home ownership?

Community Action Houses’ First Time Homebuyer’s Class can help make that dream a reality. The three-week class gives you the knowledge needed to find a home you can afford and acquire the financing you need to buy it.

The class is free and meets weekly on Wednesday evenings from 6-8pm at the Macatawa Resource Center on 136th Avenue in Holland. Topics include:

• Week 1 (June 15) Budgeting and Property Taxes
• Week 2 (June 22) Real Estate and Home Inspections
• Week 3 (June 29) Mortgages and Insurance

For registration and other information, go to 

http://www.communityactionhouse.org/documents/First-Time%20Homebuyer%27s%20Brochure%202011.pdf

Apply for DHS State Emergency Relief-Energy Servic...

The Michigan Department of Human Services now allows you to apply for State Emergency Relief (SER) energy-related services and for the Food Assistance Program (FAP) online.

In addition to applying online, you can view your case information, see upcoming appointments, or view any proof you must provide to qualify for the programs. You can also report any changes on your case for the FAP program.

For more information, call 1.888.MiBridg (1.88.642.7434) or go to https://www.mibridges.michigan.gov/access/

Ottawa County Publishes Online Video TourBook...

Ottawa County’s TourBook is available online. The series of ten short videos provides views into the county’s quality of life, real estate, education, parks, economic development, healthcare, government services, roads, tourism, and more.

Check them out at 

http://www.elocallink.tv/clients3/mi/ottawacounty/tourplay.php?movie=ottami11_wel_iwd&spon=welcome

Supportive Housing Vacancies in Ottawa County...

Applications are being accepted for Supportive Housing apartments in Grand Haven, Holland, and Zeeland.

The Ottawa County Supportive Housing program provides safe, affordable housing options for people who are disabled and have low income due to their disability. The program currently has 45 rental housing units scattered throughout Holland, Zeeland, and Grand Haven, with vacancies in all three cities.

Applicants must meet income and other guidelines. For more information or for an application, visit heritagehomesinc.org/available-apartments.html

Financial Management Class...

Do you struggle with money? Want to save more? Community Action House has developed  an 8-week program to boost your financial acumen and help you get ahead financially. Participants who attend all 8 weeks will earn a certificate, but all are welcome to attend any class.  Class are open to all residents, free of charge.

Classes are held on Wednesday evenings, 6-8 pm at the Macatawa Resource Center. To register, call Mike Brown 616.738.1170 x117.

Topics include:

Week 1: Mastering Money Management (Jan 5, 2011)

Week 2: Borrowing Basics–Loan to Own (Feb 23, 2011)

Week 3: Charge it Right–To Your Credit (April 20, 2011)

Week 4: Savings–Pay Yourself First (June 8, 2011)

Week 5: Check it Out–Bank On It (July 13, 2011)

Week 6: Consumer Protection (August 31, 2011)

Week 7: Investing–Long Term Planning (Sept 28, 2011)

Week 8: Insurance ( November 16, 2011)

Finding Mental Health Help...

Join Community Mental Health for a presentation on Finding Mental Health Help through Community Mental Health’s Family Information Series on June 14 at 6:30 p.m.

This Family Information Series presentation will be held at Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschap in Holland. For more information, contact CMH customer service at 616.494.5545 or send an email to ksall@miottawa.org