North Kent Connect tells Cedar Springs council it served about 4,500 people in 2025, outlines mobile market and housing supports

Katherine Landers, director of operations at North Kent Connect, told the Cedar Springs City Council on Feb. 12 that the nonprofit’s work in 2025 focused on housing stability, transportation assistance and expanding access to fresh food.

“Every person matters, no matter their circumstances,” Landers said, describing an array of services the organization offers from emergency rent and utility assistance to job-readiness coaching. She told the council North Kent Connect helped about 4,500 individuals last year and that more than 500 households visit the pantry each month for fresh produce, dairy, meat and staples.

Landers said the nonprofit has begun delivering pantry items to households with transportation barriers and plans to launch a refrigerated mobile market in summer 2026 to serve remote areas such as Sand Lake, Gowen and Cedar Springs. “We have secured the funds to purchase a refrigerated food truck,” she said, and staff will work with local partners to identify the highest-need sites.

The presentation emphasized partnerships with municipalities, housing organizations and businesses to make housing more attainable in rural Kent County; Landers said North Kent Connect provides emergency aid alongside case management intended to move families toward stable housing and employment.

During the public-comment period a Cedar Springs resident identifying himself as Talon urged stronger local action on food quality and community food production. “We live in the wealthiest nation in the world. Yet, we are sicker than ever,” he said, criticizing processed foods and asking the city to consider using a nearby field for community gardening.

Council members thanked North Kent Connect for its work and for the presentation. No formal council action was taken at the meeting; the council’s public-comment policy states remarks will be referred to the city manager for follow-up.