MV Update

• Nov. SNAP benefits will stop if the federal government remains shut down
• MDHHS Resources - Kent Co Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, Common Verification Requirements for Programs, Diaper Assistance Programs, Direct Support Services Request, Helpful Contacts for MI Residents, InContact IVR (Phone) Prompts, FOR Helpline
• Nov. 6th - Covenant House's Sleep Out - click to learn more
• Allegan County Resource List
• Allegan County Food Pantry Collaborative

• We are still waiting on MDE to post preliminary and final allocations
• Once they are posted and have been loaded into NexSys we will be able to begin reimbursement
• Keep any itemized receipts from this month
• Our reimbursement process will move to a new platform this year to help streamline the request process
• Casey will send directions on the new platform when it goes live

• Oct. 30th - Allegan Local Planning Body meeting, 12:30 - 1:30pm
• Nov. 1st - 4th - NAEHCY National Conference in Dallas, also has virtual option
• Nov. 5th - AYA's Tour Night - get free tickets
• 🏠Nov. 13th - WE EXIST: The State of Youth Homelessness in Kent County - in person event is invite only but the livestream will be available for all, 8:30am - 10am
• Nov. 13th - Allegan - Poverty Simulation at Christian Neighbors in Plainwell - registration
• Virtual Sessions from the MDE LGBTQ+ Students Project

• Students who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence are MV eligible
• November is Homelessness Awareness Month - this is a great time to send flyers, infographics, and videos to staff members to increase MV awareness
• Videos - MV in 90 Seconds, Elmo's Message, Do You See the Child Experiencing Homelessness?, Dez Says (Youth), video list from Hear Us
• Winter wear - check to see if MV students need winter coats, boots, hats, gloves, etc.
• Interested in the livestream of WE EXIST: The State of Youth Homelessness in Kent County? Set time aside in your calendar between 8:30am - 10am on Nov. 13th

• Major federal policy actions tracker from SchoolHouse Connection
• Low cost immigration services through Immigrant Connect at Kentwood Community Church, consultations can be done online or in person, ic@kcconline.org or 616-827-3211
• Reminder of Kent County's Eviction Prevention program (household must have a source of income)
• Housing vouchers for youth aging out of Foster Care are available in both Allegan and Kent counties
• VSP Eyes of Hope free vision care / eye glasses

Prevention resources are difficult to find through federal, state, and local funds. During and after the pandemic there were a multitude of prevention resources to help with rental arrears, security deposits, and more. These programs and funds have ended which leaves many households without help.

Resources to Try -

• Kent - Mel Trotter's Diversion and Prevention referral
• United Way's Eviction Prevention program referral (household must have income)
• Legal Aid of West Michigan (17 counties)
• The Salvation Army at (616) 454-5840 sometimes has Prevention resources
• Community Action Agencies sometimes have prevention resources
• Community Centers like FROM, North Kent Connect, Baxter, etc.
• Some pantries offer additional services for their clients
• Some non-profits may have funds to assist with rent / eviction
• CarePortal requests (need to be a member school / district, many congregations and businesses respond to these requests)
• Mutual Aid groups (https://www.grmutualaid.com/ or others)