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Community Action Agency outlines food and utility aid, weatherization and outreach
Summary
Ottawa County Community Action Agency reported serving roughly 1,500 individuals directly in 2025 (thousands through food programs), made about 400 utility payments averaging $200, and ramped up weatherization and outreach work; staff said the senior food program ended but emergency food assistance and volunteer deliveries continue.
Jennifer, representing Ottawa County Community Action (OCAH), summarized key outcomes from the agency's 2025 annual report and noted both programmatic wins and constraints. "Just under 1,500 individuals" were assisted through core programs, she said, and the agency continues to track food programs separately where the reach is broader. She described utility assistance as a major gateway service—about 400 payments averaging roughly $200 each—and highlighted the Walk for Warmth fundraiser, which raised just under $13,000 in one year and was later noted to have grown to about $17,000.
Jennifer emphasized weatherization and home‐sustainability work as investments that keep people housed and reduce long‑term costs, and she described expanded outreach—events at mobile home parks, churches and local partner agencies—to connect residents to services. The agency also announced a branding change to OCAH and work to improve data collection to better target services. Commissioners thanked staff; no board action was required beyond receipt of the report.
