HEART OF WEST MICHIGAN UNITED WAY

The kent county essential needs task force and grand rapids area coalition to end homelessness focus on system change with an emphasis on collective impact and the interconnectedness of all systems. The committees are a reflection of those basic needs the community has deemed essential to the success of all residents. In addition to housing/homelessness, committees include energy efficiency, food and nutrition, kent county food policy council, economic and workforce development, transportation, and digital inclusion.

The great start collaborative (gsc) of kent county serves as the local infrastructure for governance, planning, investment, advocacy, and innovation for michigan's great start system. Our collaborative is part of a network of 54 great start collaboratives and 60 great start parent coalitions working through the michigan office of great start (ogs). Charged with ensuring that all children birth to age eight, especially those in highest need, have access to high-quality early learning and development programs and enter kindergarten prepared for success.