Services in Ottawa County that address homelessness and housing assistance fall along a continuum to address a range of housing needs, including homelessness prevention, emergency shelter services, transitional housing, and permanent housing. What follows is a description of each service area, followed by a list of the lead or primary agencies that provide a particular service within that service area. Following these introductory sections is a listing of each agency mentioned, along with contact information and internet links as available.
Call 2-1-1: In addition to the services listed below, people in need of housing assistance are encouraged to call 211 from a landline phone, or 1.888.353.6717 from a cell phone. This community access line is a first point of access for people needing support for health and human services.
Emergency Shelter Services
Emergency shelter services are designed to meet an immediate need for shelter for those with no other safe housing options. Emergency shelter is typically considered brief or temporary (typically up to 30 days). All shelters require residents to follow basic rules and be working on goals that will allow them to find and afford permanent housing. Shelter providers strive to help all in need of shelter that meet their eligibility criteria, but also have a fixed or limited occupancy capacity, and therefore cannot guarantee that they will be able to provide emergency shelter to all who apply. If you’re in need of emergency shelter, here are some resources:
The Center for Women in Transition offers shelter to families fleeing domestic violence. The agency serves the greater Holland area and all of Ottawa County, but will also consider requests for shelter from those who need to relocate from another area. 411 Butternut, Holland, and 300 N. Ferry St, Grand Haven, 616.392.2829.
The Holland Rescue Mission operates two shelters in Holland – one for men, and one for women and families. The Holland Rescue Mission primarily serves persons and families who have previously resided in the greater Holland area, but will provide short-term shelter to those coming from other areas, depending upon capacity. 356 Fairbanks and South River Ave, Holland, 616.396.2200
The Salvation Army. This Grand Haven-based shelter offers limited shelter capacity to persons in need of shelter in the Grand Haven/Tri-Cities area. 310 N. DeSpelder, Grand Haven, 616.842.3380
Family Promise. Family Promise offers a network of emergency housing comprised of eleven host churches and a day center in northern Ottawa County area, as well as Muskegon County. Contact dkeene01@gmail.com
Love INC Tri Cities. Love INC operates sheltered housing in the Grand Haven area for women and women with children. Housing is available to those individuals in housing crisis and seeking to make changes in their lives. 1106 Fulton Ave, Grand Haven, 616.846.2701
Transitional Housing
Transitional housing services target those presently homeless (residing in an emergency shelter, living on the street or in a place not meant for human habitation, or those being discharged from certain institutions) who have no alternative housing options and need more intensive supportive services to resolve housing barriers and achieve basic financial stability. Consequently, transitional housing programs provide housing that is directly linked with direct support services. Transitional housing services are typically provided for six months to two years.
Good Samaritan Ministries, in partnership with Community Action House, operates a transitional housing program, called the Community Housing Partnership, that serves those from the greater Holland area. Those interested in applying for this program or wishing to learn more about it should contact Good Samaritan Ministries. 513 E 8th St, Holland, 616.392.7159
The Center for Women in Transition offers a transitional housing program that serves victims of domestic violence. 411 Butternut, Holland, and 300 N. Ferry St, Grand Haven, 616.392.2829
The Holland Rescue Mission operates transitional housing, primarily to clients referred internally from one of the agency’s emergency shelters. 356 Fairbanks and South River Ave, Holland, 616.396.2200
The Salvation Army in Grand Haven provides a small number of transitional housing units. 310 N. DeSpelder, Grand Haven, 616.842.3380
People Center in Spring Lake also provides a small number of transitional housing units. 307 E. Exchange, Spring Lake, 616.844.6710
Permanent Housing
Permanent Housing includes a variety of types of housing intended for long-term or permanent use. The first section below will highlight those agencies or services that provide rent subsidies to eligible persons or households for as long as there is financial need.
Ottawa County Community Mental Health manages a number of “Permanent Supportive Housing” units, available to persons who are homeless and have a qualifying disability. The agency serves persons from Ottawa County. 12265 James St, Holland, 616.393.5681
Ottawa County Community Action Agency manages the county’s Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. There are two HCV programs, one known familiarly as “Section 8” and the other is HARP, the Homeless Assistance Recovery Program. The “Section 8” program does not exclusively serve homeless persons, but persons and families who are homeless and/or whose incomes are below the federal poverty level are encouraged to apply. However, this program typically maintains a rather lengthy waiting list, and is not currently accepting applications. HARP is targeted to homeless persons and families and is currently accepting applications. For more information on the HARP program please contact: Community Action House, North side office, 665-136th Ave, Holland. 616.738.1170
Local housing complexes in Ottawa County also offer subsidized rental opportunities. To find out more about subsidized or market-rate rental housing, go to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority’s website at www.michiganhousinglocator.com
Homelessness Prevention
The OAHC seeks to close the front door to homelessness by offering services that provide the financial assistance to keep families and individuals housed. Each program has unique eligibility guidelines but all programs work together to best meet the need of the household within those guidelines. For more information, contact one of the following agencies:
Homeownership
A number of area programs or agencies offer affordable homeownership opportunities to qualified individuals and families, including:
