Neighbor Resources
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Emergency - call 911
For immediate medical, criminal, fire, hazard or safety assistance
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South Service Area GRPD Information
The police department is divided into five service areas - Eastown is located within the Soth Service Area. Each area team is led by a captain and team of sergeants and officers assigned to address residents’ needs.
Captain Cathy Williams
Desk Phone: 616-456-4527
Email: cwillia@grand-rapids.mi.us
Service Area Message Line: 616-456-4527
Service Area Email: SouthServiceArea@grand-rapids.mi.us
Police Non-Emergency - 616-456-3400
Request copies of accident or incident reports, background checks, residential alarm permits. Report identity theft or any issue that is Non-Emergency and may require an officer to be dispatched.
Non-Dispatch - 616-456-3403
Report crimes or damage done to property that doesn’t require immediate officer assistance but may require a report for insurance claims.
Graffiti Hotline - 616-456-3666
Silent Observer - 616-774-2345
This line allows you to report criminal activity anonymously.
Victim Services
Clorissa Novak, Victim Services Coordinator (MSW)
To schedule an appointment with Clorissa, CLICK HERE
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HOW TO AVOID THE SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS:
Staying home is the best way we can take care of ourselves and our community. Anyone who has illness accompanied by fever—regardless of their travels—is asked to refrain from going to any communal area where they could spread illness to others. A person should have a normal temperature for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications before resuming a regular schedule.
It is especially important we all take seriously the advice of public health experts for maximizing our own health and the health of others:
Social distancing (staying home except for necessities)
Wash your hands frequently
Wearing a mask when in public
Cough/sneeze into your elbow
Get this season’s flu shot if you haven’t already
Minimize trips to stores- send one person to do shopping (healthiest person)
Public health experts encourage social distancing, a practice designed to keep sick individuals from coming in contact with healthy ones in order to limit opportunities for transmission. Avoid large gatherings and crowds, and maintaining a distance of approximately six feet from others. This is not the time to go visit your friends at their home.
If you are sick, please stay home. If you are not sick, you could be carrying the virus with no symptoms— this is when you can protect those vulnerable community members by also staying home.
IF YOU HAVE HEALTH-RELATED CONCERNS ABOUT COVID-19:
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has launched a statewide hotline to respond to health-related questions about COVID-19. The hotline will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 888.535.6136
Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids is offering free telescreenings for coronavirus for anyone in the state. Anyone in Michigan who has symptoms can call the Spectrum Health COVID-19 hotline at 616.391.2380 to schedule a screening and get instructions on how to download the Spectrum Health Now app.
Drive-Up Testing
Make an appointment for testing. Individuals must first schedule a free COVID-19 screening with Spectrum Health, by calling 616-391-2380. The location is 1300 Michigan St. in Grand Rapids and is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the next two weeks.
Spectrum Health said this is what to expect following a test:
Specimens are sent to the state lab for testing
Results should come in three days
Spectrum Health will contact people with the results
Important Sites
Please avoid spreading information that does not have a trusted source, misinformation can hurt more than it can help.
To avoid scams be careful about donating to fundraisers at this time. Please follow these safety tips from the Federal Trade Commission when considering donating to an entity: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0074-giving-charity
A note on Scams from GRPD:
“As one can imagine with a crisis, there are going to be individuals who take advantage. Scam artists are beginning to come out of the woodwork, representing themselves as the Red Cross, Police Foundations, the Federal Government or even a family member in need of assistance. Please be on-guard and do not trust anyone, until otherwise verified. Practical tips:
1) Do not say yes…immediately. We want people to help and to give during a crisis, but do your homework first. Wait until you can verify information and ensure the organization you are giving to is reputable.
2) Do not believe the phone number or email address information that you are seeing. It may be spoofed or be close to a legitimate organization (i.e. redcross.org – legitimate; redcross.com – not legitimate)
3) Scammers make a lot of vague and sentimental claims but give no specifics about how your donation will be used. Give with your heart and your head.
4) Never, I mean never give out bank or credit card information unless you are 100% sure you know who you are dealing with. If you want to be charitable be proactive, meaning make contact yourself and ask how you can give. In that case, you are almost assured the organization you are dealing with is reputable.
5) Consider how you give. Sometimes an old-fashioned personal check works best.”
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1005 Giddings SE
Grand Rapids, MI - 49506
Phone: 616.245.0578
The second Tuesday of the month, Feeding God’s Children is filled with people from our community receiving food, diapers, paper products, hygiene supplies, and more at the Food Pantry.
* - note that this resource is religiously affiliated935 Baxter SE
Grand Rapids, MI - 49506
Phone: (616) 456-8593
The food pantry is open from 9:00 to 11:45 AM and from 1:30 to 3:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday; and from 9:00 to 11:45 AM on Thursday. The food pantry opens exclusively for seniors on Monday afternoons and all day on Wednesday. Requires ID and proof of address.
The Salvation Army Booth Family Services *1215 East FultonStreet E
Grand Rapids, MI - 49503
Phone: (616) 459-9468
The Food Pantry is open for designated hours each week and available to households across the county who are in need of emergency food to sustain themselves. The Pantry commits to securing as many fresh and healthy food items as possible in order to provide well-balanced orders of groceries that last 3 to 5 days.Open Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:00pm. Identification is required for all household members. Adults are required to have a photo ID. Social security cards, school IDs, medical cards, shot records, and birth certificates are valid for children. For more information, please call.
* - note that this resource is religiously affiliated -
Call 311
This line allows you to report Grand Rapids utilities issues and seek general guidance on services and payment options
Waste and Recycling Information
Use the My Neighborhood site provided by the City of Grand Rapids to determine when your City refuse carts will be picked up.
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If you are seeking immediate emergency housing, start by contacting the Salvation Army Social Services, phone: 616-454-5840. Emergency assistance, including homeless assessments and referrals. Also provides emergency food and utility assistance (utility assistance phone: 616-459-9468).
If you see someone in our community who may be experiencing homelessness and you would like an expert to support them in finding temporary shelter, please call 211 or The City’s Homeless Outreach Team at 616-456-4240 and via email at grhot@grcity.us.
United Way 2-1-1, phone: 211. Refers people who need emergency assistance or information to available nonprofit human services agencies.
YWCA Domestic Violence Services, phone: 616-459-4652; 24-hour domestic violence crisis line: 616-454-9922. Services include crisis intervention, emergency shelter, specialized counseling for victims and assailants, and long-term transitional housing.
Other Programs
Arbor Circle: Youth Services and Programs
Arbor Circle: Youth Services and Programs and homeless youth services support young adults, ages 10-24, who are experiencing homelessness and/or are without safe and stable housing. Through counseling and other services, these young adults are engaged in a personalized process to understand their needs, build new skills, and identify and create a plan for achieving goals.
Phone: (616) 456-6571
A.Y.A. Youth Collective
A.Y.A. Youth Collective creates safe spaces for youth in crisis to belong, be themselves and build a future. We create circles of support for 14- to 24-year-olds facing homelessness or instability—from drop-in opportunities to rest, recharge and meet everyday needs in a caring community to safe, affordable housing with peers and mentors who partner in their transition to stability. We are here to help young people connect to the resources, relationships, and housing they need at any point on their journey. We can help with warm meals, showers, laundry, essential needs and supportive housing.
www.ayayouth.org
Grand Rapids Housing Commission Community Partners
The Grand Rapids Housing Commission Community Partners with a large and growing list of community agencies to meet the diverse needs of the families we serve. Below is a list of Grand Rapids area emergency service contacts, followed by links to a few of the many other organizations with which we coordinate programs and services.
Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA)
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) partners to provide homes and preserve places for the people of Michigan. Depending on your housing needs, click on the Rental or Homeless buttons.
The Eviction Diversion Program (EDP)
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority The Eviction Diversion Program (EDP) is designed to keep Michigan residents who fell behind on their rent during COVID-19 in their homes. The program utilizes a special court process to get fast rental assistance for renters who have been impacted.
Located at 320 Commerce Street SW, Street Reach focuses on promoting recovery among individuals who are homeless and have mental health and co-occurring mental health/substance use disorders. It also assists them in securing appropriate treatment, benefits, and permanent housing. For more information, call (616) 258-7543. The lobby of Street Reach is open M-F from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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Housing Rehabilitation Program
The Housing Rehabilitation Program offers affordable loans for home repairs. This a federally funded program administered by the Community Development Department. Assistance to qualified homeowners includes help determining what repairs are needed, assistance in selecting a contractor and getting a fair price, and help to ensure the repairs are complete and of good quality.
Contact Information:
Housing Rehabilitation
City Hall
300 Monroe Ave. NW, Suite 440
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Email: communitydev@grcity.us
Phone: 616-456-3030
Free service provided by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) makes it easy to search for properties that participate in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program and other subsidized-housing programs. Property owners can also list rental units at no charge.
RESIDENTIAL SAFETY PROGRAM
We want you to be safe in your home! The Residential Safety Program (RSP) is a voluntary program to prevent fires. The goal is to reduce the number and severity of fires.
WHAT WE OFFER
Fire safety check
Free smoke alarm upgrades and installations
Free carbon monoxide (CO) alarm installations
One-on-one fire safety consultation
A connection with our partners to assist with fire safety issue
ELIGIBILITY
We offer this program regardless of what neighborhood you live in. To qualify for the program, ask yourself two questions:
Do you live in Grand Rapids?
Do you own your home?
If you answered, "yes!" to those two questions, you're eligible!
SIGN UP TODAY
Call 311 or 616-456-3000.
An agent will help you schedule your fire safety check!
Eviction or Home Foreclosure Prevention
Resources for Kent County homeowners, including critical repair support for low-income residents, access ramps, bath modifications, home maintenance workshops, home inspections and a DIY kitchen remodeling program. Offers financial literacy workshops as well as foreclosure prevention counseling.
Community Action Partnership of Kent County
A division of the Area Community Services Employment & Training Council (ACSET). Offers food assistance, utility shut-off assistance, help with rental arrears and other services.
Offers counseling, advocacy and direct services to residents faced with obstacles to employment, housing or education.
Local Housing Authorities
Grand Rapids Housing Commission
Administers Public Housing and Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher programs.
Administers a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program.
Administers Public Housing and Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher programs.
Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA)
Administers Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher and Homeownership programs.
Home Ownership Resources
Habitat for Humanity of Kent County
Works with volunteers and prospective low-income home owners to build affordable homes in Kent County and eastern Ottawa County. Also offers low-cost home improvement materials, including fixtures, appliances and furniture.
Nonprofit agency offers rental housing and homeownership programs, as well as an emergency housing program. Provides the homeownership training required by tmost Michigan homeownership programs.
Michigan State Housing Development Authority
Leverages public and private partnerships to create and preserve affordable housing for low- and moderate-income Michigan residents. Services include home ownership counseling, down payment assistance, loan programs and the Michigan Mortgage Credit Certificate program.
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24/7 Helpline staffed by trans* staff and operated by Transgender Michigan’s Executive Director who is a licensed psychotherapist
(855) 345-TGMI
The Grand Rapids Pride Center aims to be at the center of a vibrant and inclusive community that supports all LGBTQ individuals. They provide a variety of services and support programs.
343 Atlas Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Email: info@grpride.org
Phone: (616) 458-3511
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Network180
24-Hour Access Center Helpline for mental health concerns
(616) 336-3909
Toll Free: (800) 749-7720
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Safe Haven Ministries*
Emergency safe shelter and assistance for people experiencing domestic violence. 24/7 Hotline.
(616) 452-6664
*Please note, this resource is Christian-affiliated
YWCA West Central Michigan
24-Hour confidential sexual assault and domestic violence helpline. Can provide referrals and emergency housing.
(616) 454-9922
Victim Services
Clorissa Novak, Victim Services Coordinator (MSW)
To schedule an appointment with Clorissa, CLICK HERE
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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.
616-774-0672
TTY: 711 relay or (616) 727-0916
Offering guidance to help people help themselves by providing legal information, forms, guidance and resources to solve legal problems and use the courts. Most services are free. They do not provide legal representation.
(616) 632-6000 or walk-in services at the Kent County courthouse from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Fair Housing Center of West Michigan
Promotes equal housing opportunity and fair housing through education, research and advocacy services that include fair housing complaint intake, investigation and resolution.
20 Hall Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Phone: 616-451-2980
Toll-free: 866-389-FAIR
Hispanic Center of Western Michigan
Social services for the Hispanic community: employment, interpretation and translation, information and referrals, language and cultural training.
1204 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Tel: 616-742-0200
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Services for older adults, including case management, emergency needs assistance, food and meals, health screening, legal assistance, recreational opportunities, transportation and volunteer opportunities.
678 Front Ave NW, Suite 205
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 459-6019
info@seniorneighbors.org
Meals on Wheels Western Michigan
Offers a variety of nutrition services for senior citizens, including home-delivered meals, senior food pantries and congregate meal sites. Meals on Wheels operates on-site Dining Centers at three GRHC senior apartment communities.
Phone: (616) 459-3111
Email: info@mowwm.org
2900 Wilson Ave. SW, Suite 500
Grandville, MI 49418
Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan
Offers a variety of resources to help older and disabled adults live independently.
3215 Eaglecrest Dr. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
(616) 456-5664
(888) 456-5664
aaainfo@aaawm.org
Grand Rapids Area Hoarding Task Force
The Grand Rapids Area Hoarding Task Force (GRAHT) is a partnership of public and private organizations. We work to:
Raise public awareness
Ensure safe housing for individuals struggling with hoarding
Email: hoarding@grcity.us
Phone: 616-456-3460
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Grand Rapids Environmental Services
The Environmental Services Department works to improve the quality of life for our citizens. We use sustainable practices to protect the environment, and public health and welfare.
The Environmental Services Department operates the Water Resource Recovery Facility. The facility collects and treats an average of 40 million gallons of wastewater a day. We also oversee storm water management, green infrastructure, and air quality in the City.
Phone: 311 or 616-456-3000
Website: Grand Rapids Environmental Services
Community Collaboration on Climate Change
Although we are all negatively impacted by climate change, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) are disproportionately impacted and aren’t genuinely represented in the current environmental and climate change movement. C4 provides the resources for our communities in the fight for climate justice.
Phone: (616) 893-5336
Website: Community Collaboration on Climate Change
Project Coordinator: Ned Andree
c4projectcoordinator@gmail.com
Are We Missing Something?
Do you have a local resource that we should share with neighbors? Please send us a note with the information!