Announcements from CoC Staff
INTRODUCING THE NEW CoC WEBSITE
We’re excited to announce that our new website is officially live! This marks the completion of our rebranding journey and represents a significant effort in creating a more user-friendly, accessible, and valuable resource for our community partners.
Some of the new features you’ll find include:
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Interactive data dashboards
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Accessibility features and built-in translation capabilities
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Multiple pathways for individuals seeking resources to get connected to help
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Fully online membership applications and renewals
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A filterable membership directory
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Meeting agendas and minutes, plus a new event calendar to help you stay informed about CoC activities.
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A newsletter archive
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A library of policies, service standards, HMIS resources, and more
As we continue fine-tuning the site, we’re actively collecting feedback and addressing any bugs or issues that arise. If you notice something that doesn’t seem quite right, please let us know by contacting Maddie Martin at mmartin@hwmuw.org or submitting feedback through the website’s contact form by October 26.
We hope you find this resource to be helpful and informative!
TSHIRT SALE: WEAR GREEN FOR YOUTH HOPE MONTH
In partnership with the Kent County Youth Action Board (YAB) and Youth Solutions Council, we are selling green “365, We Exist.” t-shirts to raise awareness of youth homelessness in Kent County. The message highlights the 365 youth experiencing homelessness in our community and serves as a reminder that these young people are seen, valued, and deserving of support.
Community members are encouraged to wear their shirts on November 13 for Wear Green Day in recognition of Youth Hope Month and to help raise awareness of youth homelessness.
All proceeds from shirt sales will directly support the Youth Action Board’s efforts to purchase supplies for backpack kits that will be distributed to youth in need.
T-shirts are available for $25 minimum donation. To place an order, please complete the form below. Orders close at 1 PM this Friday, October 23, so be sure to place your order before the deadline!
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A WARMING CENTER?
As the weather keeps getting cooler, our team is compiling a list of Warming Centers for the upcoming Winter Season 2026-27. If you are interested in becoming a warming center, please email the following information to Maddie Martin at mmartin@hwmuw.org:
- Organization Name
- Location
- Contact Information
- Days and Hours Open
- Services Offered
If you served as a Warming Center last year, we will reach out shortly to confirm whether you plan to participate again this year and, if so, update your information.
Community Resources
OCTOBER COMMUNITY RESOURCE CALENDAR
This collated monthly calendar for October highlights community resources available throughout the region. This resource is designed to help agencies and clients quickly identify where services will be available each day.
COORDINATED ENTRY OVERVIEW DOCUMENT
Intended for community partners who may have clients that need help navigating/entering the system, this one-pager gives a brief overview of what Coordinated Entry is and how to help people get connected to Coordinated Entry. It also includes a simple script for directing participants toward help.
Q & A: CANDIDATES FOR SENATE AND HOUSE ON ESSENTIAL NEEDS
The Kent County Essential Needs Task Force asked everyone running for the Michigan Senate or House of Representatives in Kent County how they plan to prioritize essential needs, so you don’t have to.
Upcoming CoC Committee Meetings
OUTREACH WORKGROUP
Tuesday, October 27 | 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
In Person – Location TBD
YOUTH SOLUTIONS COUNCIL
Thursday, November 12 | 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
In Person – Heart of West Michigan United Way
Upcoming Community Events
WEST MICHIGAN MEDICAID TASK FORCE – COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP BRIEFING
October 22 at 8 – 9:30 AM at 1534 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
The West Michigan Medicaid Task Force invites you to an upcoming opportunity to share changes to Medicaid eligibility, renewals, work requirements, and coverage that may affect individuals and families across West Michigan.
BREAKING BARRIERS: CATHERINE’S HEALTHCARE FOR THE HOMELESS
November 11 at 6 PM (Doors at 5 PM) at Wealthy Theatre
Catherine’s Health Center invites community members to a special screening of Breaking Barriers: Catherine’s Healthcare for the Homeless, a mini-documentary that follows their Healthcare for the Homeless program over a one-year period. Following the screening, a panel of health and housing partners will explore the collaborative efforts needed to reduce and end chronic homelessness.
COVENANT HOUSE MICHIGAN – CANDLELIGHT VIGIL FOR SLEEP OUT
November 21 at 7 PM at 26 Antoine St. SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Covenant House Michigan invites you to a heartfelt event highlighting the challenges of youth homelessness, celebrating resilience, and fostering community support. This gathering will serve as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by youth experiencing homelessness, while also celebrating the resilience and hope that our community embodies. Through personal stories and symbolic candle lighting, the event will foster a sense of connection and commitment to supporting vulnerable youth.
Upcoming State & Federal Events
WEBINAR: UNPACKING THE SHORTAGE REPORT – WHAT FEDERAL DATA REVEALS ABOUT GAPS IN RESOURCES TO END HOMELESSNESS
October 22th at 12 PM on Zoom
The National Alliance to End Homelessness’ new findings in The Shortage Report demonstrate that homeless service providers do not receive enough funding to rehouse everyone in need. Despite a proven track record of helping people find and stay in affordable housing, persistent resource shortages make it impossible for them to serve everyone experiencing homelessness. Learn more about this report’s key findings and steps you can take to urge your elected leaders to address these shortages.
WEBINAR: HOW TRAUMA AFFECTS THE BODY
November 12 from 1-2:30 PM on Zoom
This webinar equips service providers with an evidence-informed understanding of how trauma and chronic stress show up in the body. This webinar is for anyone who works with persons who have experienced trauma. Attendees will learn the effects of trauma/stress on mahor body systems, explain the relationship between trauma exposure and long-term physical and mental health outcomes, and understand how to provide trauma-informed client service delivery and relational case management.
COLD WEATHER RESPONSE: SUPPORTING PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS IN MICHIGAN
November 19 from 1-2:30 PM on Zoom
Michigan winters create serious and sometimes life-threatening challenges for people experiencing homelessness, making effective cold-weather response an essential skill for frontline providers. This webinar will provide practical strategies for supporting individuals living outdoors, in vehicles, or other places not meant for habitation during extreme winter conditions. Participants will leave with practical tools for assessing risk, responding appropriately, and providing person-centered support that prioritizes both immediate safety and longer-term connections to housing.
HOUSING JUSTICE NETWORK CONFERENCE
November 9-11 in Atlanta, Georgia
Join 500+ legal aid attorneys, organizers, and advocates at this year’s Housing Justice Network Conference to build the collective power that is needed to protect tenants and homeowners, save our homes, and make the housing system work for all of us. The conference focuses on topics of building the capacity of the housing justice movement by training on hot topics and sharing legal, advocacy, and organizing strategies that keep people housed.
2027 LEADERSHIP SUMMIT ON ENDING HOMELESSNESS
March 1-3 in Oakland, CA
Join leaders from across the homelessness response system will come together to connect, collaborate, and tackle the challenges shaping our work. Through multiple days of informative sessions, attendees will exchange ideas, strengthen relationships, and build solutions alongside leaders from across the country.
NLIHC’s 2027 HOUSING POLICY FORUM
March 2-5 in Washington DC
In March, the National Low Income Housing Coalition will convene community leaders, policy experts, researchers, tenant advocates, affordable housing practitioners, and members of Congress for thought and action partnership on ending the housing crisis impacting lowest-income and most marginalized renters in America.
CSH SUPPORTIVE HOUSING SUMMIT
April 6-8 in Denver, Colorado
In April, the Corporation for Supportive Housing is hosting a housing summit with the theme: Ready for What’s Next: Innovation, Resilience, and the Future of Housing Stability. Through expert‑led sessions, immersive site visits, and cross‑sector collaboration, the Summit accelerates innovation, elevates proven practices, and strengthens the future of supportive housing nationwide.
State & Federal Resources
NAEH ADVOCACY TOOLKIT
Strengthen your advocacy efforts with this FY2027 appropriations guide. The toolkit includes background on key federal homelessness programs, updates on current policy and funding challenges, and resources to help you make a compelling case using local data and lived experience stories.
MCAH LEGISLATIVE TRACKER TOOL
Find current advocacy opportunities and email templates, look up your legislators, view current bills, and see how your legislators have voted on recent legislation.