Eight Organizations Unite to Tackle Homelessness in Ottawa County

The Salvation Army in Holland has recently joined seven other organizations to help those experiencing homelessness in Ottawa County, with the opening of a new community kitchen.

In late July, a ribbon cutting was held at the new kitchen which serves a hot meal five days a week for anyone for anyone who needs it. It is part of a larger program called “Project Home” to connect Holland and Zeeland residents in crisis with a coordinated network of services including emergency shelter, eviction prevention, recovery support, and behavioral health.

Captain Matt Winters is the co-pastor and administrator at the Holland Corps/Community Center. He says the goal is to initially have the kitchen serve as a hub to offer additional resources while people are having a meal. “My dream ever since I came to the Holland Corps, has been to have a community kitchen,” Winters said. “And while people are there and we are helping to meet some of the physical needs, with the help of some of our case managers we want to also say, is there anything else we can help with.”

The seven other participating organizations are Community Action House, Community Mental Health Ottawa County, Family Promise of the Lakeshore, Good Samaritan, Gateway Mission, Reach for Recovery, and the Lakeshore Housing Alliance.  

The new kitchen is just the first phase of a Project Home. All the agencies will continue to work together to look for additional resources and programs to help with showers, case management, housing navigation, and health referrals.