616.846.2701 love@loveinactiontricities.org

Co-op

$431,485 raised so far!

Help us meet our goal and create a sustainable solution for our neighbors!

Why it matters

The Need:

Workforce families and individuals who live paycheck to paycheck often have zero wiggle room for emergencies and necessities. In the Tri-Cities area, one in four residents is employed, earning above the poverty threshold, and still struggling to make ends meet. Families and individuals must regularly choose between paying rent or utilities, a car repair or a medical bill, and sometimes even food on the table.

The Next Step:

Love in Action already provides urgent resources to our neighbors in need, serving local residents a week’s worth of groceries through nine pantries and fresh produce through LIA food trucks. A food co-op is the next step, offering a model of personal choice and sustainability with community, an authentic grocery shopping experience, and opportunities for personal growth. A membership-based model relationally creates opportunities for connecting, volunteering, and learning that bring people together in empowering, long-term relationships to combat personal challenges.

The Value:

A community is strengthened when people have autonomy over their lives with the opportunity to use their strengths and gifts to meet their needs and build life-changing connections.

Imagine a membership-based community where people can use their God-given gifts and abilities to provide food and other material needs for themselves and their families while also serving the greater community…

Membership

Three ways to join

Monthly fee. $5 per individual or $10 per multi-person household. Shopping at the market is included at no additional cost.

Participate. Participate in LIA programs such as budgeting and cooking classes.

Serve. Volunteer through the Co-op for 2 hours a month.

Membership Benefits

Community

We have learned that people want to be a part of a community where they are recognized, feel connected, and supported. 

 

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Clothing

Members will have access to the clothing ministry. 

The Market

A member’s only market where members can shop using points that are distributed based on family size. Members can shop as often as they like until they have spent all of their market points.

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Appliances

Members will have access to the appliance ministry.

Plan 2 Thrive

Members will have the opportunity to work with a partner to help them identify goals and assist with navigating potential roadblocks that may prevent them from accomplishing their goals.

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Furniture

Members will have access to the furniture ministry.

We believe that life transformation and growth primarily occur in community and through relationships

How you can help

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Our Community Partners

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FAQ

Most frequent questions and answers

The Co-op is designed to honor each person’s dignity as well as to provide support and opportunities for development for those living below area financial thresholds. We expect it to benefit work-force families who are working and finding it hard to make ends meet. Love in Action housing residents, graduates and clients may also benefit. The goal is to create a community of support!

Existing LIA food provision programs have great resources, especially for in-the-moment needs. This program adds community support and learning to a food market in a unique blend that is a more intense approach with members taking initiative for each other.

Co-op is short for “cooperative” – a team building word. We see each person as part of their own solution but also a part of the solution for others. The co-op creates the unique opportunity for people to work together towards their own food provision while also learning, growing and supporting each other.

LIA is making use of almost 7,000 square feet of underutilized space already existing on the north end of the sheltered housing complex. It makes sense to use this space as it already has a food provision design and areas for gathering. This location is also close to many existing LIA clients and local manufacturers where future Co-op members are employed.

The goal is to create a space where connections are available at every level​

1500 Despelder St. Grand Haven MI 49417

Thank you for your gift. Lives are changed, not merely because resources make a difference, but also because compassion does.

Donation Impact

  • ♥ $25 one month of Backpack Blessings
  • ♥ $50 One night of shelter including meals and support
  • ♥ $167 cost per patient visit at the clinic
  • ♥ $200 one week’s worth of groceries
  • ♥ $270 average cost of utility assistance
  • ♥ $1150 average cost of rental support

Love in Action is a non-profit ministry organized as a 501c3 in the State of Michigan.