How a library and a church are tackling housing insecurity

As housing insecurity continues to challenge communities nationwide, Community Action House is supporting those in need with practical, people-centered solutions. 
This month, the Holland-based nonprofit celebrates the sixth anniversary of Refresh: Hygiene and Hope, a program that meets the urgent needs of unhoused people and paves pathways to permanent housing.

The milestone comes as CAH expands its partnership with Herrick District Library to bring access to critical services directly into the community. 

Courtesy CAHSince 2019, the Refresh program has provided: 10,510 showers, 1,223 haircuts, more than 300 mailing services, and nearly 4,900 case management meetings.

Immediate help, long-term change

Since launching in 2019, Refresh has offered showers, haircuts, personal care items, mail services, and light meals three times a week at First United Methodist Church of Holland (FUMC). The program is intended to restore dignity while providing a stable environment, giving individuals the chance to begin planning their futures.

“For many of our unhoused neighbors, Refresh is more than just a place to meet basic needs, it’s a starting point to rebuild hope and stability,” says Scott Rumpsa, CEO of Community Action House. “This partnership with FUMC is part of a larger solution addressing housing insecurity by creating immediate access to services that lead to long-term change.”

Once immediate needs are met, Community Action House steps in with on-site case managers who work with guests to break down barriers to housing, providing personalized support and tools to navigate complex systems. 

The numbers behind Refresh reveal the need the program is meeting. In 2024, 486 people received case management, with 118 transitioning into housing, a 55% increase from the previous year.

Courtesy CAHVolunteers help provide hot meals and showers to Refresh guests.

Since 2019, the program has provided:
10,510 showers
1,223 haircuts
Over 300 mailing services
Nearly 4,900 case management meetings
31,999 total visits

In total, more than 370 guests who regularly accessed Refresh services have transitioned into housing, demonstrating how consistent support and partnership drive sustainable change.

“Refresh shows that when we meet people where they are, with respect and practical support, progress follows,” Rumpsa adds.

Library partnership

Transportation is often a barrier for unhoused individuals. Recognizing this, CAH is expanding its partnership with HDL to bring resource navigation directly into neighborhoods.

Beginning this month, CAH staff will hold weekly office hours at HDL’s North Branch at 155 Riley St., offering case management, housing support, and assistance with applications for essential programs like Medicaid and supplemental nutrition programs. This expansion builds on a partnership that began in 2021. It connected 304 library patrons with critical resources last year alone.

Courtesy CAHCommunity Action House operates on a principle of being radical welcoming to all who come for help.

“We envision a community where all our neighbors have what they need to thrive, and no one faces challenges alone,” Rumpsa says. “Our expanded partnership with Herrick District Library helps us remove transportation barriers, ensuring more families have the support they need to achieve stability.”

Rob Carpenter, HDL’s North Branch manager, believes the partnership aligns with the library’s mission. 

“Herrick District Library loves to connect people with, well, everything—books, movies, games, and information. This partnership allows us to connect patrons with resources that change lives, showing that libraries can be a gateway to community solutions,” Carpenter says.

To celebrate the new service hours, Community Action House will host an open house at HDL’s North Branch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28.

Community Action House invites community members to learn more about its programs at communityactionhouse.org and to sign up using the volunteer interest form.