Good Samaritan expands eviction prevention efforts with $50K community foundation grant

HOLLAND — As eviction filings climb across Ottawa County, a local nonprofit is scaling up its defense against housing instability.

Good Samaritan Ministries announced it has secured a $50,000 grant from the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area to bolster its Ottawa County Eviction Prevention Program.

The two-year funding injection will back a combination of proactive measures, including housing stability coaching, landlord negotiation, financial wellness literacy, and direct emergency rent assistance.

"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 of Good Samaritan Ministries.

A growing housing crisis

The expansion comes at a critical time for local renters. Over the past decade, surging demand for rental housing in Ottawa County has driven up prices, leaving many families living paycheck to paycheck.

According to data from the 58th District Court, eviction filing rates jumped from 10.8% to 13.5% of renter households countywide between 2022 and 2024. That percentage translates to approximately 2,900 to 3,000 households facing the threat of displacement every year.

Advocates note that evictions are rarely borne out of chronic financial failure, but are instead triggered by sudden, short-term emergencies — such as a medical bill, a sudden job loss, reduced working hours, or a broken-down vehicle. Left unchecked, these minor setbacks can cascade into long-term financial ruin, severe family stress and homelessness.

High success at a fraction of the cost

Since Good Samaritan launched OCEPP in 2022 in partnership with the 58th District Court, the program has aided 1,664 residents across 588 households. Its track record is remarkably strong: over 98% of participants have remained stably housed for at least a year after receiving support.

The data also highlights the program's cost-effectiveness. Preventing an eviction through OCEPP costs an average of just $1,371 per person.

By contrast, taxpayers and community resources spend roughly $38,000 annually per person to provide emergency shelter services once a family becomes homeless.

The two-year rollout

The CFHZ grant will be distributed across two phases to maximize long-term stability for low-income residents:

• Year one: Focuses heavily on expanding financial literacy coaching to help families build stronger financial cushions and budget effectively.
• Year two: Shifts a larger share of the funds directly into emergency financial aid, providing critical back-rent assistance to keep at least ten vulnerable households from losing their homes.

Founded in 1969, Good Samaritan Ministries serves as the designated Housing Assessment and Resource Agency for Ottawa County. The organization partners with local governments, businesses, faith-based groups and fellow nonprofits to combat poverty and homelessness.

Residents seeking resources or more information can visit goodsamottawa.org.

— Submitted by Good Samaritan Ministries. To submit a news tip, email newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.