Community Mental Health of Ottawa County awards $906K to residential home facilities
The funding is designed to act as a local safety net, addressing urgent operational deficits, workforce shortages and rising non-Medicaid service costs that threaten to force home closures.
HOLLAND — Community Mental Health of Ottawa County has allocated $906,000 in local millage funds to stabilize specialized residential homes housing some of the county's most vulnerable residents.
The funding is designed to act as a local safety net, addressing urgent operational deficits, workforce shortages and rising non-Medicaid service costs that threaten to force home closures. Officials emphasized that the local millage dollars will supplement, rather than replace, existing federal and state Medicaid obligations.
Following a fiscal year 2026 review, CMHOC prioritized funding for residential providers deemed at moderate to high risk of closure. Officials said financial strains and staffing shortages at these facilities have increasingly jeopardized continuity of care for individuals with complex behavioral health and developmental needs.
Three area providers received awards:
- Heritage Homes: $350,000
- Benjamin’s Hope: $323,000
- MOKA: $233,000
According to CMHOC, provider requests centered on capital improvements, property enhancements, or vehicle purchases were deferred for future consideration. Officials noted those requests did not present an immediate threat to consumer safety or residential continuity.
"By directing these funds to providers at highest risk, we are safeguarding stability, safety and continuity of care for some of Ottawa County’s most vulnerable residents," said Dr. Michael Brashears, CMHOC CEO.
— Submitted by the Community Mental Health of Ottawa County. To submit a news tip, email newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.
