Newaygo County Rental Grants and Loans

Newaygo County residents who are already stretched thin by high commuting costs may find it difficult to cover the rent and utilities, especially when a financial emergency occurs. The rental assistance programs operating locally are designed specifically to help individuals and families manage a short-term crisis to ensure that it does not cause permanent harm.

These programs provide much-needed rental aid to residents who might otherwise find themselves with no place to live. Despite the rural nature of Newaygo County, there is actually a higher level of support to those who need a little help to avoid a rent crisis. Here are some of the organizations that may be contacted for emergency aid.

Newaygo County Department of Human Services

Many residents are reluctant to go through social services. However, it is important to understand that many aid programs first require that an applicant visit DHS and meet with a social worker.

Newaygo County DHS operates an Emergency Needs Program that can provide cash aid towards tenants who are falling behind on rent. Only very low-income households will qualify. To schedule an appointment with a social worker, call 231-689-5500.

Note that DHS is the provider of rental grants within the county. The Department of Community Development provides grants of up to $2,000, but these are solely for owner-occupants of homes, not tenants.

Truenorth Community Services

This organization focuses primarily on homeownership as a solution for dealing with housing for the poor. The homeless services operated by the agency are designed to first stabilize the situation and help the family retain suitable housing.

Total aid packages often include utility and food aid along with clothing and medical attention. The goal though is to help lower-income families move beyond the struggles of rent increases and decide if they can make the leap to homeownership. Call 231-924-0641.

Domestic Violence Victims

Women who have suffered abuse in the household may be able to gain emergency shelter from two community partners.

  • Every Woman’s Place is an emergency shelter program for women who are recovering from domestic violence. Call 231-722-3333 to speak with a counselor on the crisis hotline.
  • Women’s Information Service also provides emergency shelter to those who have experienced domestic violence. Call the hotline at 800-796-6600.

Both agencies provide individual counseling and emergency shelter. Placements into transitional housing programs are common.

FiveCAP, Inc.

One of the most active rental aid programs to serve Newaygo County residents is the community action program that serves a four county area. The agency focuses more on a hand up rather than a hand out.

FiveCAP, Inc. goes well beyond the typical benefit of a single month’s rent help. Many studies show that such aid only postpones an inevitable eviction. Instead, this agency invests in affordable housing.

By developing cheaper rental properties, families who struggle to keep up with rent increases may take advantage of lower rental rates while still enjoying a clean and safe home. It is a better alternative than the types of decrepit rental properties that are often in their price range.

Anyone who is ready to stop struggling with rent payments is encouraged to call FiveCAP, Inc. at 231-689-6688, which is the contact number for the White Cloud office on North Evergreen Drive.

Habitat for Humanity

Tenants who are extreme low-income with no other means for support could actually benefit from sweat equity. By helping others build their homes, participants can also have a home built for them.

Mortgage payments are typically less than rent payments, providing an awesome alternative to increasing rents. Call 231-924-0350 to complete the screening questionnaire.

Low Cost Loans

Gaining free funding through a local rental assistance program is the ideal objective. Those funds do not have to be repaid. For those who cannot qualify, there may be certain situations where a low-cost loan for rent is a reasonable solution. This is generally only valid in situations where the applicant is earning a living wage, but fell behind on rent payments due to a disruption in income or an emergency expense.

Two area credit unions provide low-cost unsecured loan products that may be used towards rent arrears. Neither has an “open” membership policy, so applicants must qualify based on their affiliation with one of the approved employers or community groups.

  • Gerber Federal Credit Union has branches in Fremont and Newaygo. Call 231-924-4880.
  • Newaygo County Service Employees Credit Union has an office in Fremont. Call 231-924-5510.

Other lenders may advertise more expensive loan products. When choosing between for-profit loan providers, it is generally best to skip the finance companies and instead apply through one of the local community banks:

  • Chemical Bank. Call 231-924-5600.
  • ChoiceOne Bank. Call 231-928-1290.
  • Independent Bank. Call 231-689-6608.
  • Shelby State Bank. Call 231-854-6455.

Rental loan products are usually called unsecured loans or personal loans, and they can even take the form of a line of credit. The important steps are to ensure that all grant-based aid has been obtained first, as well as comparing any competing loan APRs to ensure that the best product is selected.