The Access of West Michigan Congregation Connections program projects an increase in financial requests due to COVID-19 coming through congregation partners in the coming months. Due to this, we have set up the Congregation COVID-19 Response Initiative to supplement congregation giving to individuals seeking financial help.  

We are partnering with several local efforts and collaboratives to offer a multi-dimensional approach to the increase in urgent financial needs in our community. These resources include the promotion of or facilitation of: 

Gap funding* for financial requests that are brought to us through the current Congregation Connections program. Housed at Access. 

• The casework program will continue as normal, we will use this fund to supplement any gap in funding for a family referred to us. 
• Dollar amount used per request will vary depending on need, between $150-$300 
• Casework Fund Criteria for usage (to determine if a case/client is eligible to receive gap funds): One time assist from Access casework fund within a two-month period, will only assist with $150.00 =140 cases (Flexible), for cases related to rent, utilities, car insurance, or auto repair

Undocumented families funding for requests referred to us on behalf of families in our community who do not qualify for other federal, state, or local assistance due to their documentation status.  

• This is a funding collaborative of Access, the Micah Center, and local congregations to support rent and utilities and other extenuating needs