Head Start supports the whole family, and we know every family’s needs are different. We want to connect you with trusted local resources for food, housing, health care, jobs, and other basic needs.
If you ever need help or have questions, please reach out to your Family Advocate or program staff—we’re here to help you reach your goals.
Grand Rapids Community Resources
- Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) – Statewide Public Assistance
Apply for SNAP food assistance, cash benefits (FIP), Medicaid/Healthy Michigan, child care subsidies, emergency relief (utilities, home repairs), and other supports through MI Bridges. https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/assistance-programs
- Grand Rapids Housing Commission – Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance
Administers Section 8 vouchers, public housing, Senior/Disability housing, Rapid Re‑Housing, Homeownership programs, and rental search tools. https://www.grhousing.org/
- Michigan 2‑1‑1 – Statewide Directory for Food, Housing, Utilities & Crisis Services
Search 27,000+ social service programs or dial/text 2‑1‑1 for real‑time assistance with food, rent, utilities, transportation, and family support.
https://mi211.org
- WIC – Women, Infants & Children (Women, Infants & Children Nutrition Program)
Provides supplemental healthy foods, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, infant formula, health screenings, and referrals for pregnant/postpartum individuals, infants, and children under age 5. Families apply through their local MDHHS office or WIC clinics in Kent County. https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/assistance-programs
- West Michigan Works! – Federally & State‑Funded Employment & Training Center
Provides no‑cost employment services. Supports job seekers with career coaching, job search help, skills training, apprenticeships, and unemployment registration assistance. https://www.westmiworks.org/
- Early On Kent County – Birth–3 Early Intervention Services
Early On provides free early intervention for infants and toddlers (birth–36 months) with developmental delays or disabilities. https://www.kentisd.org/early-childhood/early-on/
- Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) – Free State‑Funded Preschool (Age 4)
Michigan’s top‑ranked preschool program offering free, full‑day early learning for eligible 4‑year‑olds. Grand Rapids Public Schools and Kent ISD operate GSRP classrooms across the city with research‑based curriculum, health screenings, family engagement, and school readiness support. https://grps.org/departments/early-childhood/
