CARES Act
Ottawa County Community Action Agency has funding available through the CARES Act to assist families with their past due utilities, access to emergency food, hygiene and sanitation supplies as well as to assist with transportation if needed. Contact OCCAA for information and eligibility requirements by calling 616-393-4433 or apply online.
How Community Action Agency Helps Your Community
Holland, Zeeland & West Olive
Utility Assistance: 210 households
Walk For Warmth 56
Weatherization: 17 households
CSFP: 276
Tax Assistance: 144
Migrant Program: 35
Lower My Bill: 54
Home Rehabilitation: 1
Holland BPW Customer Assistance Program: 38
The Emergency Food Assistance Program: 918
Grand Haven, Ferrysburg, Spring Lake, Fruitport & Nunica
Utility Assistance: 42 households
Walk For Warmth: 11
Weatherization: 15 households
CSFP: 138
Tax Assistance: 48
Migrant Assistance: 2
TEFAP: 679
Coopersville, Marne & Conklin/Tallmadge Township
Utility Assistance: 21 households
Walk For Warmth: 3
Weatherization: 1 household
CSFP: 74
Tax Assistance: 7 households
TEFAP: 369
Hudsonville, Jenison & Grandville (Ottawa County Portion)
Utility Assistance: 29 households
Walk For Warmth: 6
Weatherization: 2 households
CSFP: 46
Tax Assistance: 19 households
TEFAP: 262
Key Terms
Weatherization - updating qualified homes to be more energy-efficient.
Utility Assistance - assistance with utility bills, also assisted by Walk For Warmth funds.
Tax Assistance - qualified households are provided tax assistance.
Migrant Program - qualified migrant workers are provided emergency assistance.
CSFP - Commodity Supplemental Food Program - USDA-provided 25 lb boxes of boxed and canned food to qualified households.
Lower My Bill - (Holland) - Perform home energy audit to give ideas on
reducing energy consumption and lowering energy bills for Holland BPW customers.
Special Note: TEFAP - The Emergency Food Assistance Program - Federally-funded program that helps
low-income families. In Ottawa County CAA provides TEFAP assistance quarterly at specific locations. Last year, at
each location, CAA provided food for an average of 667 households PER LOCATION.
About Community Action Agency
The purpose of this agency is to help the individuals and families of Ottawa County who are struggling
with financial self-sufficiency. Our programs are mainly related to 
housing and food issues. Many of the
programs include loans or general assistance to participants, but generally the recipients must prove their
economic sustainability. CAA assistance is meant to help individuals or families reach a point where they
can assist themselves without public funding. The Community Action Agency is part of an extensive regional
network of faith-based and non-profit agencies that work on a knowledgeable referral basis. If we cannot
help a client, we will help that recipient find the appropriate channel to meet their needs.
How to Apply for Services
12251 James St., Ste. 300
Holland, MI 49424
Phone: (616) 393-4433
Toll-free: 1 (800) 764-4111 Ext. 4433
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Office hours by appointment only
Documentation needed:
- Proof of income for all adults in the home - examples include check stubs from last 30 days, child support, SSI, disability, DHS cash assistance, unemployment, etc.
- Proof of household size - examples include social security cards or birth certificates for all household members.
- Photo ID and social security card of the applicant.
- Shut off notice from utility company (if applying for Utility Assistance).
