The Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness is a community collaborative that is actively working on systems change in the area of homelessness and affordable housing. The goal of the Coalition is to prevent and end systemic homelessness in Kent County. The Coalition serves as the Continuum of Care (CoC) for Kent County with specific responsibilities to comply with the HEARTH Act, the guiding legislation for US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funding.

Membership in the Coalition is free and open to all. Relevant organizations include nonprofit homeless assistance providers, victim service providers, faith-based organizations, governments, businesses, advocates, public housing authorities, school districts, social service providers, mental health agencies, hospitals, universities, affordable housing developers, law enforcement, organizations that serve veterans. Individuals include homeless and formerly homeless individuals.

Members are expected to support the community strategic plan, actively engage in planning to update community priorities, regularly attend Continuum of Care meetings, and are strongly encouraged to participate in Coalition committees and workgroups.

While membership is voluntary, organizations and homeless or formerly homeless individuals are required to formally sign-up as members and affirm their commitment to the mission of the Coalition to End Homelessness in order to have voting and other privileges with the group. Member organizations or entities must designate one person to serve as the voting representative. 

Membership applications can be found by clicking here or by contacting Brianne Czyzio. Questions and completed forms should be directed to Brianne Czyzio.