Newaygo/Cedar Springs/Reed City, MI
Community Resources

Description: 

GO!Bus is an accessible, shared-ride transportation service for seniors and individuals with disabilities in Kent County who cannot use fixed-route public transit.

What It Offers: 

ADA paratransit transportation, rides to medical appointments, employment, shopping, and other essential destinations.

How to Apply: 

Visit https://www.ridetherapid.org/services/bus-services/gobus-service or call (616) 456-6141.

Documents Needed: 

ADA application and professional verification form, or proof of age for seniors 65+

Description:

Provides transportation services for adults age 60+ and individuals with disabilities throughout Newaygo County. Vehicles are wheelchair accessible and can be used for medical appointments, grocery shopping, food pantries, banking, and other essential errands.

What It Offers:

Medical transportation

Grocery and food pantry trips

Shopping transportation

Transportation for seniors and people with disabilities

How to Apply:

Call (231) 689-2100 or 1-800-689-2100. Reservations are required.

Description:

MOTA is the primary public transportation provider serving Osceola County, including Reed City. It offers demand-response transportation for residents traveling to work, medical appointments, shopping, and other essential destinations.

What It Offers:

Public transportation throughout Osceola and Mecosta counties

Demand-response rides

Medical transportation

Veteran transportation discounts through the Rides to Wellness Program

How to Apply:

Call (231) 796-4896 to schedule a ride. Reservations are required.

Description:

Provides transportation for Osceola County residents age 60 and older, including trips to medical appointments, shopping, and other essential services.

What It Offers:

Medical transportation

Group transportation

Wheelchair-accessible van service

Transportation for seniors throughout Osceola County

How to Apply:

Contact the Osceola County Commission on Aging.

Description: 

Head Start provides free early childhood education, health services, nutrition support, and family assistance to eligible families in Kent County

What It Offers: 

Preschool programs, Early Head Start, home visiting services, transportation assistance, family support, and developmental screenings.

How to Apply: 

Visit https://hs4kc.org/apply/ or call (616) 696-3990.

Documents Needed: 

Proof of income, birth certificate, proof of residency, immunization records, insurance information, and health records.

Description:

A free preschool program for eligible children and families in the Reed City area through Mid Michigan Community Action Agency.

What It Offers:

Free preschool

School readiness programming

Family support services

Nutrition and developmental support

Location:

 220 W. Lincoln Avenue, Reed City, MI 49677

Phone:

 (989) 356-3474

Documents Needed:

Child's birth certificate

Proof of income

Proof of residency

Documentation of special needs (if applicable)

Description: 

Feeding America West Michigan helps individuals and families facing food insecurity by providing access to mobile food pantries and partner food distributions throughout Ionia County.

What It Offers: 

Mobile food pantries, fresh produce, dairy products, emergency food assistance, and referrals to local food resources.

How to Apply: 

Visit https://www.feedwm.org/findfood/

Documents Needed: 

Most distributions do not require extensive documentation. Requirements may vary by location.

Description:

The Cedar Springs Community Food Pantry provides groceries and food assistance to residents experiencing food insecurity. The pantry operates through referrals from North Kent Connect.

What It Offers:

Emergency groceries, monthly food assistance, and senior pantry services.

How to Apply:

Contact North Kent Connect at (616) 866-3478 for a referral, or call the pantry at (616) 439-4665.

Documents Needed:

Valid photo ID, proof of residency, and referral from North Kent Connect.

Description:

The primary community food pantry serving Reed City, Hersey, Chase, and Paris residents experiencing food insecurity.

What It Offers:

Emergency groceries

Food assistance for individuals and families

Basic household food support

Location:

831 S. Chestnut Street, Reed City, MI 49677

Phone:

(231) 832-2500

Hours:

Tuesdays, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Documents Needed:

Photo ID

Proof of residency

Birth dates for household members

Description:

The primary food pantry serving Whitehall and the surrounding White Lake area. Located at Lebanon Lutheran Church.

What It Offers:

Weekly food distribution

Emergency groceries

Food assistance for individuals and families in need

Location:

1101 S. Mears Avenue, Whitehall, MI 49461

Phone:

(231) 893-5745

Documents Needed:

Driver's license or photo ID on first visit.

Description: 

Community Rebuilders serves Kent County residents who are homeless or at risk of homelessness by helping them obtain and maintain stable housing.

What It Offers: 

Rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, rental assistance referrals, case management, veteran housing services, and housing navigation.

How to Apply: 

Visit www.communityhousingconnect.org, call 211, or call (616) 458-5102.

Documents Needed: 

Identification, proof of income, and housing-related documents depending on program eligibility.

Description:

The primary agency providing housing and homelessness prevention services in Reed City and Osceola County. Offers assistance for families facing eviction, homelessness, utility shutoffs, or housing instability.

What It Offers:

Rent assistance

Security deposit assistance

Temporary shelter assistance

Homelessness prevention

Utility assistance

Case management

Weatherization programs

Location:

 240 E. Church Street, Reed City, MI 49677

Phone:

 (231) 791-7078

Description:

SHARE Mobility offers customized transportation solutions, assisting companies and job

seekers by addressing commuting challenges for shift and remote workers. This service helps

with transportation to work.

What It Offers:

Commuter shuttles, ride services, fleet optimization, and route planning for teams of all sizes.

How to Apply:

Visit the SHARE Mobility website to explore options and request information.

Documents Needed:

Contact SHARE Mobility to confirm specific requirements.

Description:

MI 211 is a statewide resource network that connects Michigan residents with essential

community services and support, from food and housing assistance to mental health and

employment services. Available 24/7, this helpline offers personalized guidance to help

individuals and families meet their immediate needs and achieve long-term stability.

What It Offers: 

Information and referrals to local services, including housing assistance, food

programs, utility help, employment resources, mental health support, and more.

How to Apply:

Dial 2-1-1 from any phone in Michigan or visit the MI 211 website to search for resources online.

Documents Needed: 

Varies by service; a 211 representative can advise on any necessary

documentation for specific assistance programs.

Description:

Healthy Michigan Plan (Medicaid) provides healthcare coverage to low-income individuals and

families, including essential services like doctor visits, prescriptions, and preventive care. This employment resource in Michigan supports job seekers by ensuring access to health services.

What It Offers:

Medical services include doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and preventive care.

How to Apply:

● Online: Via MI Medicaid

● Phone: Call Michigan Enrolls at 1-888-367-6557

● In-Person: At an MDHHS office

Documents Needed: 

Proof of identity, residency, income, and household size.

Description:

WIC offers nutrition education and food vouchers to pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and

young children, promoting family health and supporting Michigan’s workforce. As part of

Michigan’s job readiness resources, this program helps young families access nutritious food

and healthcare referrals.

What It Offers: Vouchers for nutritious foods, nutrition advice, and health care referrals.

How to Apply:

● Online: Apply via MI WIC

● Phone: Contact a local WIC agency office

● In-Person: Schedule an appointment at a WIC clinic

Documents Needed: 

Proof of identity, residency, income, and medical or health information as

required.

Description:

The CDC Program helps families with childcare costs, which may include transportation needs

related to childcare, making it easier for Michigan job seekers to attend work or training.

What It Offers:

Financial support for childcare services and may also help cover transportation

needs related to childcare.

How to Apply:

● Step to Apply: CDC

● Apply Online: Child Development of Care

● Apply through the MDHHS portal or at a local MDHHS office.

Documents Needed: 

Proof of income, residency, and childcare needs.

Description:

YMCA locations across Michigan provide affordable daycare, preschool, and after-school

programs, often with scholarships or financial aid. YMCA services contribute to Michigan’s

resources for job seekers by offering childcare solutions.

What It Offers: 

Affordable daycare, preschool, and after-school care programs.

How to Apply:

● Apply Online: YMCA

● Contact your local YMCA branch for program details and financial assistance options.

Documents Needed: 

Documents may vary based on location; contact your local YMCA for

specifics.

Description:

These federal programs offer early childhood education and nutrition services, supporting

low-income families in Michigan as they work toward employment readiness.

What It Offers:

Preschool and childcare programs, along with health and nutrition support.

How to Apply:

Locate a nearby program via the Head Start Locator and contact them directly.

Documents Needed:

Proof of income, residency, and child’s age.

Description:

The Child Care Assistance Program, offered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human

Services (MDHHS), provides financial support for child care to low-income families, helping

parents access affordable care while they work, attend school, or complete job training.

What It Offers: 

Financial assistance to cover partial or full child care costs at approved

providers, including licensed child care centers, group homes, family homes, and relative care

providers.

How to Apply:

Apply online through the MDHHS Child Care Assistance website or visit a local MDHHS office

for in-person assistance.

Documents Needed: 

Proof of income, residency, employment or school enrollment, and details

about the child care provider.

Description:

Michigan’s Food Assistance Program (FAP), part of the federal Supplemental Nutrition

Assistance Program (SNAP), provides food resources for low-income households, supporting

their nutritional needs as they work toward job readiness. This state support program offers an

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to help individuals purchase food at participating stores. 

What It Offers:

An EBT card to purchase approved food items, providing direct support for household food

needs.

How to Apply:

● Online: Visit the MI Bridges portal.

● In-Person: Go to your local Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

(MDHHS) office.

Documents Needed:

Applicants must provide proof of identity, income, expenses, and Michigan residency.

Description:

The Food Assistance Employment and Training (FAE&T) Program, offered by Michigan’s

Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), provides employment and training

services to individuals receiving food assistance, supporting them in gaining skills to enter the

workforce and achieve self-sufficiency.

What It Offers: 

The program offers career counseling, job search assistance, training

programs, and educational resources for eligible food assistance recipients, helping them build

employable skills and secure job placements.

How to Apply:

Visit the Michigan FAE&T Program website for more details on eligibility and to apply.

Alternatively, inquire at your local Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

(MDHHS) office for assistance.

Documents Needed: 

Proof of eligibility for food assistance, identification, and any relevant

documents required by MDHHS.

Description:

SER offers financial help for households facing emergencies, such as utility shutoffs or eviction.

As a vital workforce assistance program in Michigan, SER helps job seekers and workers stay

secure and stable in times of crisis.

What It Offers:

Aid for utilities, housing, and home repairs.

How to Apply:

● Online: Through MI SER

● In-Person: Visit an MDHHS office

Documents Needed: 

Proof of emergency situation, income, and household expenses.

Description:

MI 211 is a statewide resource network that connects Michigan residents with essential

community services and support, from food and housing assistance to mental health and

employment services. Available 24/7, this helpline offers personalized guidance to help

individuals and families meet their immediate needs and achieve long-term stability.

What It Offers: 

Information and referrals to local services, including housing assistance, food

programs, utility help, employment resources, mental health support, and more.

How to Apply:

Dial 2-1-1 from any phone in Michigan or visit the MI 211 website to search for resources online.

Documents Needed: 

Varies by service; a 211 representative can advise on any necessary

documentation for specific assistance programs.