Nonprofit expands eviction prevention efforts

Nonprofit

Jun 22

Written By Staff

Photo courtesy of Good Samaritan Ministries

Good Samaritan Ministries is using $50,000 in grant funding from the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area (CFHZ) to strengthen its Ottawa County Eviction Prevention Program (OCEPP), which helps households at risk of eviction remain stably housed. The funding supports housing stability coaching, landlord coordination, financial wellness education, and direct financial assistance for past-due rent.

CFHZ funding will support OCEPP’s staffing and financial resources over two years. In year one, Good Samaritan is expanding financial literacy coaching for low-income households; in year two, a larger share of funding will provide rent assistance for at least ten households.

“Rather than waiting until people lose their housing, we take a proactive, data-driven approach that helps stabilize households quickly and prevent eviction,” said Erin Kamphuis, Executive Director, Good Samaritan Ministries.

As demand for rental housing in Ottawa County has grown over the past decade, rising rents have placed increasing pressure on local households. According to 58th District Court data, eviction filing rates rose from 10.8% to 13.5% of renter households countywide between 2022 and 2024, representing approximately 2,900 to 3,000 households annually. Eviction can often result from a short-term financial emergency, such as a car repair, medical bill, job loss, or reduced hours, and can lead to financial instability, family stress, and homelessness.

Since 2022, Good Samaritan has operated OCEPP in partnership with the 58th District Court, serving 1,664 residents in 588 households across Ottawa County. Over 98% of OCEPP participants have remained stably housed for at least 12 months after receiving support, at an average cost of just $1,371 per person, compared to roughly $38,000 per person annually for emergency shelter services.

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