With the holiday season approaching, the scent of wood smoke drifts through the air. Kitchens begin to fill with the sounds of simmering pots and laughter. Thanksgiving reminds us that belonging is built not only around food and family, but around the places that hold our memories and connections. For many older adults, the holiday season can be daunting and lonely. Each year, TrueNorth’s Senior Thanksgiving Luncheon embodies a spirit of connection. It brings older adults together for a warm meal, shared stories and a reminder that they are valued members of a caring community.

Continue reading to learn how thoughtful placemaking and community design can help that sense of belonging last well beyond the holiday season.

TrueNorth’s Senior Thanksgiving Luncheon

Each year, TrueNorth hosts a free Senior Thanksgiving Luncheon for low-income seniors in Newaygo County. This cherished tradition brings warmth, fellowship and comfort. It supports those who might otherwise spend the holiday season alone. On the second Tuesday of November, the TrueNorth Service Center fills with laughter and conversation. The familiar aroma of a family-style Thanksgiving meal adds to the warmth. TrueNorth served nearly 300 lunches this year. For many, it’s not only a meal but a reminder that they are seen, valued and part of something larger. Rising food costs and limited access to transportation make gatherings like this essential. They provide vital connection and care, ensuring no one in our community is left behind during a season meant for gratitude and togetherness.

The Meaning of Aging in Place

Many older adults want to remain in their homes and communities as they age, and Michigan is no exception. A report by the State Advisory Council on Aging (SAC) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services explains that aging in place depends on thoughtful planning, access to services, safe housing, mobility and connection.

Aging in place is not just about staying in one’s home. It’s about living where one can continue to participate, connect, engage and be valued. As the report notes, “Aging in place is sustaining participation in your daily life in home and community.”

This concept aligns beautifully with the spirit of Thanksgiving. Holiday meals, gatherings, shared memories and rituals of gratitude offer more than food; they reflect belonging, generational continuity and activation of community space. For older adults, it becomes an excellent opportunity to make their home and community more meaningful, accessible and connected.

Designing Holiday Spaces That Welcome Everyone

What does this look like in practice? One model is the caring holiday‐meal approach used by senior services communities. A guide from Grace Village Senior Living suggests practical ways to make Thanksgiving gatherings more senior-friendly. These include making the location accessible, reducing transportation stress, offering healthy food choices mindful of dietary needs and creating comfortable spaces free of mobility hazards.

This is a micro‐version of placemaking, shaping the physical and social environment of a holiday moment to support dignity, participation and joy.

At a larger scale, research from the UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies on placemaking for an aging population shows that public spaces, parks and neighborhoods must evolve to support older adults’ well-being. Older adults are often underserved in open space planning, even though they benefit from access to safe, social outdoor places.

When we craft a Thanksgiving gathering at home, we can think the same way: Is the space welcoming? Is there good lighting and safe flooring? Are conversation areas arranged for comfort? Is it easy to move between rooms? Each thoughtful detail becomes an act of inclusion.

Rural Challenges and Opportunities in Newaygo County

In rural areas like Newaygo County, the challenge can be even greater. Many older adults face mobility limitations, transportation barriers or social isolation. As a result, participation in community events can be difficult. A Michigan Medicine study found that one in three older adults in Michigan reported feeling lonely at least some of the time in the past year.

Thanksgiving serves as a moment of reflection and action: how can our homes and communities be places of inclusion for older adults, not just for one meal, but for the years ahead?

Imagine hosting a Thanksgiving in a home that’s been proactively adapted: a clutter-free entryway, grab bars in the bathroom, smooth flooring for walkers, generous lighting and cozy seating. Now imagine that gathering expanding into the neighborhood, perhaps a short walk to a neighbor’s home for dessert, a friendly chat on a park bench or a shared outdoor cider toast under a pavilion.

That’s placemaking at its most heartfelt, where home and neighborhood work together to create connection and dignity.

Belonging at the Table

At this time of year, when gratitude fills the air, belonging becomes especially vital. Older adults carry a wealth of memories, traditions and connections with place. They may feel displaced when neighborhoods change or when homes become harder to manage. A Thanksgiving table, then, becomes more than a meal; it’s a space of memory, identity and hope.

Bringing senior voices into the process, inviting them to plan, decorate or share stories, strengthens that sense of belonging. As Grace Village’s guide suggests, seniors thrive when they are included meaningfully, not simply served. This reflects the essence of placemaking: creating spaces with people, not just for them.

Community as the Gathering Space

Across Newaygo County, this season invites us to reimagine how community spaces can support inclusion. If a senior cannot host at home or travel far, a local hall, church or community center could become the gathering spot. When designed thoughtfully, these places foster connection across generations.

The SAC report emphasizes that housing design, transportation and social connection are all key to aging in place. When a community ensures that its public spaces are accessible with clear signage, wide walkways, good lighting and comfortable seating, it sends a message: you belong here.

Intergenerational Placemaking

Thanksgiving naturally brings generations together. When we intentionally position older adults as storytellers and custodians of tradition, we reinforce their sense of place in the community. A grandparent sharing family history, a senior leading a blessing or a simple neighborhood walk together before dinner these moments weave the social fabric tighter.

In these acts, placemaking becomes more than design; it becomes a lived experience of connection.

Planning for Comfort, Safety and Future Connection

Planning remains essential for both the holiday and long-term aging-in-place. Yet only about half of older adults in Michigan report having made home modifications to support safe aging. According to the University of Michigan’s Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, just 46% of adults aged 65 and older have taken steps to make their home age-friendly, even though 84% expect to remain there for the rest of their lives.

Thanksgiving offers a natural opportunity to begin those conversations gently, through shared activity and observation. Is the lighting bright enough? Are walkways clear? Is the seating sturdy? These practical reflections during the holiday can inspire year-round improvements that help seniors remain safe and independent.

For rural residents, transportation is another vital consideration. Snow removal, driveway access and reliable rides can make or break participation. Hosting at the seniors’ home, when possible, reduces travel stress and keeps them at the center of celebration. This, too, is placemaking: designing the experience around inclusion rather than convenience.

Community Events as Placemaking Opportunities

Small towns have a special opportunity to use public spaces for seasonal gatherings. A Thanksgiving lunch at a library, a potluck at the township hall or an outdoor cider social at a park pavilion can turn isolation into community.

These events create what planners call “third places” spaces beyond home and work, where people naturally connect. For older adults, these spaces are essential for preventing loneliness and sustaining well-being. The SAC report notes social isolation is one of the most significant health risks for Michigan seniors. When we build social and spatial supports into our traditions, we strengthen both community bonds and individual health.

Building the Future, One Table at a Time

As the pumpkin pie is sliced and the table quiets, we might ask our older loved ones: What would make this easier next year? What do you wish for your home or your neighborhood?

At TrueNorth Community Services, those questions inspire action every day. Through programs that provide meals, housing support and community connection, TrueNorth ensures older adults in Newaygo County have the resources and relationships they need to age with dignity and a sense of belonging. Through the Senior Thanksgiving Luncheon along with our year-round outreach, TrueNorth helps strengthen the bonds that make our community feel like home.

For older adults in Newaygo County and beyond: may this season bring warmth, connection and the comfort of knowing they have, and always will have, a place at the table.

Each November, Homelessness Awareness Month encourages communities to deepen their understanding of people affected by housing instability. People in Newaygo County rarely see homelessness in public view. More often, it looks like families staying in vehicles or living in old RVs. Some are forced to shelter in the woods, situations easy to miss unless you know where to look. Others may be imminently homeless or temporarily doubled up. Some are couch-surfing while searching for a permanent home. This invisibility can unintentionally lead to misunderstanding. When homelessness does not look like what people expect, it becomes easier to underestimate, overlook or dismiss. Awareness is the first step toward reshaping that perception.

Continue reading to learn how homelessness affects rural communities like Newaygo County, what factors contribute to local housing instability and why prevention plays such a critical role in protecting vulnerable families

Why Rural Homelessness Is Hard to See

Unlike in urban areas, rural homelessness is rarely visible in parks, underpasses or city streets. In rural counties like Newaygo, people experiencing housing instability are more likely to be imminently homeless, staying with friends or relatives or living temporarily in motels, campers or vehicles while they search for stable housing. Rural communities have very few emergency shelters. Many residents do whatever they can to avoid becoming literally unsheltered.

People often live in technically ‘indoor’ spaces or hide in wooded areas. Because of that, traditional homelessness statistics often leave them out. According to an article by the Michigan Interagency Council on Homelessness, rural homelessness across the state is consistently underreported because most people experiencing it are not visible to outreach teams or counted during the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count. What appears from the outside to be “no homelessness” is often simply “unseen homelessness.”

This invisibility creates a disconnect: community members may not realize the extent of the need because they do not see it happening in public spaces, yet local supports remain overwhelmed by the number of people seeking help with rent, utilities or emergency housing.

How Many People Are Affected in Newaygo County

Rural homelessness is hidden more often than seen. Realistic estimates give a more accurate picture than official counts alone. The PIT count may only reflect a small fraction of those who are actually homeless or housing-insecure.

Statewide trends help contextualize the local reality. According to an article by the Michigan Campaign to End Homelessness, Michigan saw an 8% increase in reported homelessness between 2021 and 2022, with an even higher proportional increase in rural counties where housing markets are smaller and more fragile. Newaygo County mirrors this pattern: Although official counts list only dozens of individuals each year, service agencies regularly assist hundreds of households that are at risk of losing housing or that have already been displaced from stable shelter. 

School systems also feel the ripple effects local agencies observe. According to an article by University of Michigan Poverty Solutions, thousands of Michigan students experience “couch surfing” and other forms of hidden homelessness every year, a trend that is especially pronounced in rural districts where families live far from rental markets and supportive housing services. Families doubling up, living in campers or moving between motels add to the total. Shelter-based counts underestimate how many Newaygo County residents experience housing instability.

293 households in Newaygo County experience homelessness or near-homelessness each year, not a small or isolated issue, but a steady and ongoing strain on families living paycheck to paycheck in a limited housing market.

Contributing Factors to Housing Instability in Rural Communities

Rural homelessness has different causes than urban homelessness. In Newaygo County, limited rentals, rising costs and economic instability create fragile conditions. Families can lose housing quickly and have very few alternatives. The local housing market is small. There are fewer rentals overall. Even modest price increases can displace longtime residents from homes they’ve lived in for years. Transportation also plays a major role. People who live far from work rarely have backup options for childcare or services. Without public transit, a move often results in the loss of both employment and housing.

Housing quality is another factor. Many older homes in the area need expensive repairs or upgrades that tenants cannot afford, forcing families to leave unsafe or unlivable homes. Many rural residents rely on seasonal or fluctuating income from tourism, agriculture or part-time work. That instability makes it hard to recover from even one unexpected setback. A vehicle breaking down, a medical bill or a short gap in wages can create a snowball effect that quickly becomes a housing crisis. In a rural area with so few alternatives, prevention is often the only real buffer against homelessness.

Who Is Most Affected

Homelessness in rural areas touches a broad range of people. Some groups are especially vulnerable. Working families often live paycheck to paycheck and a single unexpected expense, such as a medical emergency or car repair, can push them into housing instability. Youth are another highly impacted group. Many move between friends or relatives while trying to finish school or attend work. This constant movement can disrupt both education and mental health. Seniors face unique challenges. Fixed incomes make it hard to absorb rent increases, property taxes or utility spikes. For some, living in campers or trailers becomes a necessity. Hidden homelessness is the norm in these cases. Unlike the stereotypical image of park benches or shelters, it is subtle and often overlooked, which can make support systems feel invisible or inadequate.

According to an article by the University of Michigan Poverty Solutions, the experience of homelessness in rural areas often differs from what people expect: it is quietly pervasive and those affected may remain out of sight to avoid stigma. This invisibility can amplify isolation and social isolation for families and individuals, leaving them unsure where to turn for assistance.

Why Prevention Matters Most in Rural Areas

Prevention matters most in rural counties because people who lose housing have few options for recovery. Urban centers often have multiple shelters, transitional housing programs and vouchers. Rural communities rarely do. Their housing options and support services are limited. According to an article by Housing Kent, keeping families stably housed is far more effective than remedying homelessness after it occurs. Programs offering rent, utility or housing assistance can stop a short setback from becoming a prolonged crisis. When rural families remain in their homes, they can maintain employment, attend school and maintain community connections, all key factors in long-term stability. Assisting families in times of crisis is critical to a child’s development as research shows a child experiencing homelessness are likely to as an adult.

Furthermore, prevention reduces stress and trauma associated with sudden displacement. Frequent moves and temporary living conditions take a toll. They can cause sleep disruption, physical strain and mental health challenges. By focusing on proactive interventions, communities protect not only residents’ immediate safety but also their long-term well-being.

Local Response and Resources

In Newaygo County, organizations like TrueNorth Community Services play a pivotal role in addressing housing instability. TrueNorth serves as a Housing Assessment and Resource Agency (HARA), providing families and individuals with access to emergency rent assistance, housing navigation and connection to other resources like utilities support. Our team works with residents to prevent homelessness whenever possible and to secure housing when displacement occurs. TrueNorth’s services span several counties, including Newaygo, offering a vital local lifeline for those navigating a housing crisis. By connecting families with resources, our team helps mitigate immediate crises and support longer-term stability in a rural context where options are limited.

Other regional and state-level resources also contribute to housing support. According to an article by the Michigan Campaign to End Homelessness, statewide initiatives such as emergency rental assistance programs, housing stabilization grants and coordinated outreach help families who may not be visible in official counts. These efforts show why collaboration matters. Local nonprofits, government agencies and community members work together to keep families stably housed.

Unseen Struggles

Homelessness in rural communities like Newaygo County is a complex and often invisible issue. Unlike urban images that dominate media coverage, rural homelessness manifests in quiet, dispersed ways, families moving between homes, seniors living in campers or youth shifting between friends’ couches. 596 people in Newaygo County experience housing instability each year, underscoring that this is not a distant problem but a local one.

A Safe Place

No one deserves to go through homelessness alone. Finding trusted agencies like TrueNorth is essential for individuals and families navigating housing instability. The trust our participants place in our team helps them regain a sense of security and hope for the future.

When you give to TrueNorth, you help ensure that families in crisis have access to the support, stability and housing resources they need before homelessness becomes their only option.

Make a gift today at truenorthservices.org to help more of our neighbors find and keep a safe place to call home.

As Michigan settles into another long winter, many families brace themselves for the inevitable rise in heating bills. The thought of keeping a home warm during freezing temperatures can feel daunting, especially when utility costs already stretch household budgets to the limit. While people often expect higher energy bills in the coldest months, the reality is that heating expenses can climb throughout the entire season — and even in the unpredictable weeks of fall and spring. A chilly October morning or a late freeze in April can be just as costly as the deep cold of January, often catching households off guard.

Continue reading to learn more about why heating costs fluctuate, how to manage them and where to find support if bills become overwhelming.

Why Heating Bills Fluctuate

Heating costs are influenced by far more than just outdoor temperatures. The length of your billing cycle, fluctuations in occupancy and the efficiency of your heating system all play a role. A longer billing period in December can make one month’s bill appear shockingly high, while a few unexpected nights of below-freezing weather in March can cause a sudden spike in usage. Even small changes in daily patterns, such as having more family members home during school breaks, can add to the draw on heat, hot water and electricity. For families already balancing tight budgets, these variations can be stressful and destabilizing.

Consumers Energy highlights that many households are surprised by these variations. In their feature Winter Doesn’t Have to Be Cold, they stress how energy use depends not only on temperature but also on family routines, habits and the condition of your home.

The Role of Home Efficiency

Beyond household habits, the condition of the home itself has a direct impact on costs. Older homes with poor insulation, leaky ductwork or drafty windows force furnaces and boilers to work overtime just to maintain comfortable temperatures. A clogged air filter or an overdue tune-up can cause systems to run less efficiently, wasting both fuel and money.

Even renters face unique challenges. While they may not be able to replace old windows or invest in insulation upgrades, they still feel the pinch when energy slips through cracks and gaps. This lack of control can leave many residents resigned to high bills they cannot prevent, further underscoring the importance of community programs and support systems.

Rising Rates and Growing Pressure

Even as residents work to tighten up their homes and adjust thermostat habits, systemic pressures make keeping energy affordable harder each year. As Bridge Michigan reports in its article “Michigan heating bills expected to rise this winter,” the Public Service Commission recently approved a rate increase for DTE Gas, affecting over 1.3 million customers across hundreds of communities statewide. This change includes both a base rate hike and additional surcharges tied to infrastructure investments, which are expected to grow further in the coming years. 

The article notes that the rate changes take effect as energy use is already climbing — meaning many households will face dual pressure: higher consumption and steeper pricing per unit. Bridge Michigan also emphasizes that while programs such as the Michigan Energy Assistance Program, State Emergency Relief and Michigan’s Home Heating Tax Credit exist to cushion hardship, navigating them can be confusing.

Smart Steps to Reduce Heating Costs

The good news is that there are ways to manage these costs, even in the most unpredictable months. Small steps can lead to meaningful savings and larger changes can transform a household’s energy profile altogether.

DTE Energy’s resource Understand and Take Control of Your Winter Energy Bill notes that thermostat management is one of the most effective starting points. Experts recommend keeping the thermostat at about 68 degrees when you are home and awake, then lowering it slightly at night or when the house is empty. A two or three-degree difference might not feel dramatic in the short term, but over the course of a season, it can significantly reduce heating costs.

Draft-proofing is another powerful measure. Heat escapes easily through gaps around doors, windows and even electrical outlets. Applying weather-stripping, caulking cracks and closing curtains at night can reduce this loss and allow systems to operate more efficiently. On sunny winter days, opening blinds on south-facing windows can help capture free heat from the sun, while closing them again at dusk maintains warmth inside.

Regular maintenance also makes a difference. The team at West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning emphasizes the importance of furnace maintenance, noting that changing filters routinely or scheduling annual inspections helps systems run efficiently and prevents unexpected breakdowns.

Meanwhile, Michigan Saves — the state’s green financing authority — outlines how families can take bigger steps, such as improving insulation or upgrading to energy-efficient equipment. With the help of rebates, financing and partnerships, many households can access these improvements with little or no upfront cost.

The Support of TrueNorth’s emPower

While these practical steps can be helpful, the reality remains that many families require additional support to stay warm during Michigan winters. That is why programs like TrueNorth’s emPower exist. As a Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) grantee, emPower provides direct assistance to households struggling to pay energy bills, but it goes beyond emergency aid. The program connects families with long-term solutions, including budgeting, energy education and partnerships with utility companies. 

Imagine a single parent facing the choice between paying a utility bill and buying groceries. A few cold nights in early November send the furnace running more than expected and suddenly the utility bill is nearly double what was budgeted. Without assistance, that parent might face late fees, the threat of disconnection or the impossible trade-off of leaving children in a cold home. Through emPower, that same household can receive support to keep the heat on, connect with resource referrals and learn sustainable strategies for managing costs.

A Community-Wide Impact

Support programs also play an essential role at the state level. The Michigan Energy Assistance Program, State Emergency Relief and the Home Heating Credit provide critical safety nets; however, navigating eligibility and paperwork can be overwhelming. TrueNorth helps bridge this gap by guiding families through the application process and connecting them with the right combination of services.

There’s also a broader community benefit to reducing energy burdens. Families who spend less on heating can redirect those savings toward other essentials such as food, healthcare and transportation. Warm, stable homes improve health outcomes and reduce stress. Across communities, lowering energy burdens strengthens resilience and economic stability.

Lasting Energy Solutions

Energy efficiency improvements can sometimes feel out of reach, particularly when the initial cost of upgrades is high. However, through rebates, financing and partnerships, many households can make these improvements with minimal upfront investment. From installing smart thermostats to upgrading insulation, there are practical ways to enhance home efficiency while maintaining affordability. TrueNorth’s emPower team helps families identify and pursue these opportunities, ensuring that savings are both immediate and sustainable.

Staying Warm with Confidence

Managing energy costs is not only about saving money; it is about maintaining dignity and energy security in the face of rising expenses. Every family deserves to live in a home that is warm, safe and affordable. Yet each year, thousands of Michigan residents face the threat of having to choose between heat and other basic needs.

By raising awareness, sharing practical strategies and connecting people with programs like emPower, we can begin to change that narrative. Small actions, such as adjusting the thermostat, sealing drafts or replacing air filters, may seem minor, but together, they ease the strain on both households and heating systems. And when those small steps aren’t enough, emPower is there to ensure no one faces a Michigan winter alone.If you are a Michigan resident struggling with rising energy bills or know someone who is, TrueNorth’s emPower program is here to help. Reach out to emPower to learn more about available resources, connect with assistance and explore options to make your home more energy-efficient.

As autumn settles over Newaygo County, it signals more than a change in weather. It ushers in the season of warm sweaters, colorful leaves and cherished traditions. At Camp Newaygo, fall events are some of the most anticipated of the year—and this season, the camp is reimagining its annual festival with Costumes & Campfires. During this family-friendly fall festival, laughter, creativity and the warmth of campfires combine to create lasting memories. Camp Newaygo’s community events are cherished as powerful examples of placemaking – the process of turning spaces into meaningful places where people feel connected, welcomed and part of something bigger.

Continue reading to learn how placemaking works, why it matters and how Costumes & Campfires brings it to life in our community.

The Spark of Costumes & Campfires

At Camp Newaygo, Costumes & Campfires is more than just a festival. It’s designed to welcome families and individuals of all ages into a world of fall traditions, fun challenges and cozy moments. Guests can enjoy a wide range of activities—from pumpkin painting to rock climbing, high ropes, ziplining, archery and boat rides. Campfires offer warmth, conversation and connection. Guests sip cider, enjoy treats, laugh with children and see neighbors in playful costumes—an escape from daily routines.

What makes this event so special is its creativity, nature and adventure, all layered together to create a meaningful sense of place. Shared rituals like dressing up, painting pumpkins or sipping cider reinforce the rhythms of the season. Just as important, the activities connect directly to Camp Newaygo’s setting. Families paint, play, zipline through the woods, ride along Pickerel Lake and gather under the open sky.. By using the camp’s woods, lake and trails, Costumes & Campfires roots participants in the beauty of Newaygo County. The experience feels distinctly local.

These experiences are designed to be inclusive, offering opportunities for adventure, creativity and relaxation so everyone can find their place in the celebration. Thanks to scholarships and family rates, the event is accessible to all, welcoming everyone into the celebration. The result is a multi-generational gathering where parents, children, grandparents and young adults all contribute to the atmosphere of belonging.

What Is Placemaking?

Placemaking is a concept that comes from community development and urban planning, but it is really about people. At its core, placemaking asks a simple question: How can we design and use spaces in ways that bring people together, foster a sense of belonging and strengthen community ties? An article from Project for Public Spaces emphasizes successful placemaking creates environments where people naturally want to gather, interact and build lasting relationships.

Think of the difference between a bench in a parking lot and a bench in a park surrounded by trees, with a playground nearby and a coffee kiosk within walking distance. The bench is the same, but the context changes the experience. In one setting, it is just a place to sit; in the other, it becomes part of a gathering space where families, neighbors and friends can connect. That transformation—from space to place—is an example of placemaking in action.

Placemaking is not limited to city squares or large civic projects. It happens in small towns, local parks, libraries and community centers. It comes to life when neighbors share meals, families enjoy story time or people gather for celebrations like Costumes & Campfires. These events turn physical locations into shared experiences, thus creating a sense of belonging.

Why Placemaking Matters

Research shows that events, like Costumes & Campfires, strengthen social ties. By intentionally designing the gathering to create a sense of place through diverse methods, organizers achieve not only a deeper impact but also an enjoyable experience. A study from the Knight Foundation found three main drivers of community attachment: social offerings, openness and aesthetics. Events like Costumes & Campfires deliver all three. Events like Costumes & Campfires offer social opportunities for people to interact. Welcoming to everyone, regardless of age or background, the festival creates space for true connection. Highlighting the natural beauty of the camp and the season, it brings people together in ways that last long after the event.

Driving Civic and Economic Health

Public events also play a vital role in economic and civic health. The National Endowment for the Arts’ Creative Placemaking program defines such efforts as integrating arts, culture and design into community development. These efforts yield social, physical and economic benefits. Their research shows cultural events promote pride in place, strengthen civic life and encourage people to invest in their communities. Local gatherings like Costumes & Campfires do just that. They support small businesses, attract visitors and showcase the natural beauty of Newaygo County. These events also build trust and strengthen civic identity. In this way, a day of fun outside is also a lasting investment in community vitality.

Furthermore, NEA Arts & Livability Indicators highlight measurable outcomes. Some of the results are increased arts participation, improved perceptions of safety and walkability and strengthened community attachment. Seasonal gatherings like Costumes & Campfires mark time and reinforce community rhythms and traditions. Families anticipate them year after year, which builds not just joy but also long-term place identity and well-being. Annual traditions also mark time in ways that connect generations. Parents who once attended fall events at Camp Newaygo now bring their children, creating a layered sense of history and belonging.

How TrueNorth Community Services Supports Placemaking

TrueNorth Community Services is committed to fostering a stronger, healthier and more connected community. 

Offering events like Costumes & Campfires is one way we live out that mission, but it is far from the only way. Behind the scenes, our team works to ensure events are affordable, inclusive and welcoming. Scholarships make it possible for families of all income levels to attend, while thoughtful programming ensures every age group can find something meaningful to do: toddlers painting pumpkins to teens testing their courage on the high ropes.

But our role extends beyond logistics. By investing in events that bring people together, we plant seeds of long-term community health. In joyful, safe and inclusive spaces, neighbors build trust and form bonds that carry into daily life. These bonds matter when challenges arise—whether it’s rallying around a family in need, volunteering for a community project or supporting local businesses. The fun days of Costumes & Campfires are an investment in the social fabric that makes Newaygo County thrive

When families leave Camp Newaygo after Costumes & Campfires, they take more than pumpkins or costumed memories home with them. They carry with them a sense of connection to their neighbors, to the season and to the place they call home. That connection is exactly what TrueNorth seeks to nurture—not just at Camp Newaygo, but across every program, partnership and event we support throughout the year.

Join Us Around the Fire

So this fall, as families gather at Camp Newaygo for Costumes & Campfires, they’re enjoying a seasonal festivity and helping shape the story of their community. They’re practicing placemaking—finding common ground at Camp Newaygo and creating spaces where everyone feels at home.

We invite you to join us for the very first Costumes & Campfires at Camp Newaygo. Bring your costume, your creativity and your family traditions—and help begin a new chapter in our community’s story. This inaugural celebration is your opportunity to create memories that can evolve into lasting traditions for years to come. When you gather around the fire, you’re not only enjoying the warmth of the flames—you’re helping spark the warmth of community spirit.

The first crisp mornings of fall in Newaygo County signal more than just the return of school buses on rural roads. For many families, the school year brings relief knowing their children will have consistent access to breakfast and lunch each day. These meals are essential to fight hunger and give kids the energy to learn, grow and thrive.

But hunger doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Weekends, snow days and long holiday breaks leave gaps that place children and families at risk. And as winter approaches, rising heating costs, icy roads and power outages make it even harder for households to keep food on the table. Recent reductions in federal food assistance benefits have only deepened these seasonal struggles, leaving many families with fewer resources just as expenses rise.

Continue reading to learn about how schools, food pantries and local organizations are working together to prevent hunger in Newaygo County.

Hunger Prevention in the Classroom and Beyond

Schools are often the first line of defense in preventing hunger among children. During the academic year, breakfast and lunch programs provide hundreds of thousands of Michigan students with nourishing meals. These meals also support their ability to learn and focus in the classroom. For many children, these meals are the most reliable source of nutrition they receive all day.

But hunger does not end when the dismissal bell rings. Many families in Newaygo County struggle to ensure their children eat during evenings, weekends and school breaks. Local backpack food programs, like TrueNorth’s Weekend PowerPacks, are designed to fill this gap. These programs are more than just a stopgap measure — they are a proactive way to prevent hunger from taking root in the first place.

The Broader Cost of Food Insecurity

According to Feeding America, 1 in 9 people in Michigan — including 1 in 8 children — experience food insecurity. This reality has long-term consequences. Children without regular nutritious meals risk developmental delays, school struggles and long-term health challenges. Preventing school-year hunger means more than meals; it builds the foundation for healthier, more successful futures. Food insecurity also carries an economic cost for communities. Poor health outcomes from inadequate nutrition increase medical expenses, strain health systems, and reduce workforce productivity. Investing in hunger prevention is, in many ways, an investment in community well-being and economic stability.

In Newaygo County, where approximately 16.2% of residents face food insecurity, these school-linked prevention efforts are crucial. Schools and local organizations must collaborate to fill the gap between family resources and children’s nutritional needs.

Preparing Families Before Winter Arrives

Fall is a time of transition — not only in the classroom but also in the community. As the leaves change, families in Newaygo County begin to prepare for the realities of Michigan’s winter. For many, that preparation includes making difficult choices. Heating bills rise just as holiday expenses and other seasonal costs pile up. Families often face the “heat or eat” dilemma: deciding between paying for warmth or putting food on the table.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) notes that food insecurity tends to worsen during colder months as rising winter costs stretch household budgets thin. According to the USDA, households experiencing food insecurity often face trade-offs between food and utilities, particularly during the winter months. In rural Newaygo County, transportation barriers worsen as icy roads and snowstorms hinder access to grocery stores and pantries.

Food pantries and nonprofits are not waiting for the storm to hit — they are preparing now. TrueNorth and local partners stock shelf-stable goods and run mobile distributions to ensure food access during limited travel. Preventive strategies also include encouraging families to create emergency food kits at home, ensuring that basic nutrition is available even if access is temporarily cut off.

These efforts highlight an important shift in perspective: hunger prevention is not simply about responding to empty shelves. It is about anticipating the pressures winter will bring and putting safeguards in place so households are not pushed into crisis.

The Role of Community Support

Community support is at the heart of hunger prevention in Newaygo County. Food pantries, backpack programs and mobile distributions rely heavily on local donations, volunteers and partnerships. Organizations often host events to plant a seed towards ending hunger, not only to raise funds but also raise awareness, reminding neighbors that families experience hunger firsthand, not as an abstract issue.

Community engagement is about more than short-term relief. It fosters a culture of resilience, where families know they can rely on their neighbors and local organizations during times of need. This network of support helps prevent the isolation that accompanies food insecurity, especially in rural areas where resources may be difficult to reach.

Supporting Seniors and Vulnerable Populations

While children are often the focus of hunger prevention conversations, seniors and other vulnerable populations face unique challenges that cannot be overlooked. In Newaygo County, many older adults live on fixed incomes. Rising heating costs, medical expenses and limited mobility make winter a tough season.

According to Feeding America, 5.5 million Americans age 60 and older experienced food insecurity in 2021, highlighting the widespread challenge. In Newaygo County, this reality is felt acutely, where seniors often face the dual burdens of limited income and the difficulties of living in a rural area. Feeding America partners with local organizations to reduce senior hunger by providing direct food support and coordinating wraparound services. These efforts provide meals while tackling aging challenges like transportation barriers, health concerns and social isolation.

By strengthening these supports before winter arrives, local organizations can help ensure that no senior has to choose between staying warm and staying nourished.

Beyond Food: Tackling the Root Causes of Hunger

Hunger is rarely an isolated problem. It is often intertwined with other challenges such as unemployment, housing instability and high energy costs. Preventing hunger in Newaygo County means addressing these root causes head-on.

Programs like emPower, which provide energy assistance and self-sufficiency services, play a critical role in this broader prevention strategy. By easing utility costs and the “heat or eat” dilemma, these services help families stretch limited resources further. Housing stability initiatives and transportation support are also essential to ensure families can consistently access food.

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, programs that combine food assistance with wraparound support services are the most effective in reducing long-term food insecurity. In Newaygo County, nonprofits, schools and agencies collaborate to build a safety net that prevents hunger.

How You Can Help Build Food Security Before the Storm

Hunger prevention is a community-wide effort. Individuals, businesses and organizations all have a role to play in ensuring Newaygo County families are supported through the school year and into the challenges of winter.

Donating to local food assistance organizations, volunteering time at community events and supporting initiatives like TrueNorth’s Empty Bowls are all ways to make a direct impact. Advocating for stronger public policies that support food security and energy assistance also contributes to long-term solutions. Even small actions — such as checking in on a neighbor or sharing resources — can make a significant difference.

By working together now, before the storm, we can build a stronger, more resilient Newaygo County where every family has the food and resources they need to thrive.

Building Tomorrow’s Food Security Today

Schools, food pantries, community organizations and residents all have a role to play in building food security before the storm. Focusing on prevention ensures children, seniors and families receive lasting support beyond today’s immediate needs.

Together, we can create a community where no one has to face hunger alone.

In West Michigan, hunger is not an abstract problem; it’s a reality many families face. Too often, families open the refrigerator and realize food won’t last the week. Parents sacrifice meals, seniors ration soup, and families choose between groceries, rent, and utilities.

The federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, has long been a lifeline, but upcoming changes to benefits are deepening the crisis. Community organizations and events such as Empty Bowls are working harder than ever to fill the widening gap.

Continue reading to learn how food insecurity is rising in West Michigan, what proposed SNAP changes mean for Michigan families and how Empty Bowls offers a way for all of us to respond.

The Growing Need for Food Assistance in West Michigan

Food insecurity in Michigan is climbing at an alarming rate. According to Arc West Michigan, demand for food assistance has surged dramatically, with a 71% increase in the number of families relying on food distribution since 2021. That means more than 100,000 additional households are now turning to local food pantries and mobile food banks for support.

Inflation has added to the struggle. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported in July that food prices rose by 2.2% annually, adding further pressure to household budgets. Struggles began in 2020 with the 25% increase in food costs. Families spending $600 on groceries per month in 2021 might now pay closer to $725 for the same cart of food. For households living paycheck to paycheck, that increase is devastating.

Arc West Michigan notes that food banks in West Michigan counties struggle to keep up with the demand. Hunger is no longer a challenge faced only by the unemployed or the homeless. It is affecting working families, seniors and even college students trying to balance tuition costs with daily meals.

SNAP: The Backbone of Food Security

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food benefits to low-income families through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. It works like a debit card to help households purchase nutritious groceries. In fiscal year 2024, SNAP accounted for a significant share of USDA nutrition assistance spending and served about 70.41 million participants nationally monthly, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service.

In Michigan alone, an estimated 1.47 million residents—approximately 15% of the state’s population—received SNAP benefits in 2024. According to a memo from the Governor’s office, that underscores the program’s vitality for many Michiganders.

But this critical lifeline is under threat. Federal policy changes now proposed would reduce monthly benefits for hundreds of thousands of households. Axios Detroit and Michigan Public report the shift burdens states with costs, straining families and agencies

What’s Changing with SNAP in Michigan

An Axios Detroit report explains that the recently passed “One Big Beautiful Bill” includes provisions that will reduce SNAP benefits. It will cost at least $25 per month for hundreds of thousands of Michigan households. Another change is an Increase in work requirements for families with children over the age of 14. For a family of four, that reduction can mean several meals lost each week.

Previously, work requirements for SNAP applied primarily to adults under fifty. Under the new law, individuals 55 to 64 must also meet work or training requirements to maintain benefits. The Guardian notes that this change disproportionately affects older workers facing barriers like health conditions or limited job opportunities.

According to The Washington Post, the bill also changes how SNAP is funded. States like Michigan will be required to cover between five and 25% of SNAP benefit costs. It will depend on error rates, as well as 75% of administrative costs. This shift could place enormous strain on Michigan’s state budget, forcing lawmakers to make difficult trade-offs in areas such as education, public health and public safety. Not only that, but the loss of revenue from SNAP dollars also affects local businesses in rural communities.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has warned that these changes could cost Michigan as much as $900 million annually. A report by Our Midland states that such a financial burden has effects across state services, even as demand for food assistance continues to climb.

The funding cuts will not happen all at once. Instead, they will ramp up gradually, with the steepest reductions projected to take effect by 2028. Reuters notes that families will feel the pinch now, but the full impact on budgets and communities will grow over the next three years.

What This Means for Families in West Michigan

According to the Food Research & Action Center, the average SNAP benefit in Michigan was $173 per person per month in 2024—just under $5.70 per person per day. That means even before cuts take effect, benefits are already stretched to the breaking point. A small reduction could push the daily allotment closer to five dollars or less, covering all meals.

With grocery prices stubbornly high, that amount does not go far. Families are forced into difficult trade-offs: skipping meals, relying on cheaper but less nutritious processed foods or turning to emergency food pantries more frequently.

Children and seniors are particularly vulnerable in this environment. Research cited by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services shows that children experiencing food insecurity are more likely to fall behind academically. Seniors facing hunger are at increased risk for chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

Empty Bowls: A TrueNorth Tradition of Fighting Hunger

One way the community can step up is through Empty Bowls, TrueNorth Community Services’ signature hunger-prevention fundraiser. For more than two decades, TrueNorth has hosted Empty Bowls as both a fundraiser and a community gathering, bringing people together to address hunger in Newaygo County.

This year’s events will take place on October 9 at the TrueNorth Service Center in Fremont and October 10 at the VFW Post 4249 in Newaygo. Guests will share a simple meal of soup and bread, served in a hand-painted bowl and take home a hand-painted bowl as a lasting reminder of the cause.

The symbolism is powerful: a handcrafted bowl, representing both the fragility and resilience of those experiencing hunger. Each bowl is a reminder that, together, we can help fill the empty places at family tables across our community.

Proceeds from Empty Bowls directly support TrueNorth’s Hunger Prevention programs, providing food to thousands of families throughout Newaygo County and neighboring communities. Attendees not only share a meal but also support TrueNorth’s mission to meet neighbors’ basic needs.

Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.truenorthservices.org/event/emptybowls/  or in person at the TrueNorth Service Center, located at 6308 S. Warner Avenue in Fremont.

A Call to Action

The challenges facing Michigan families are daunting. Food insecurity is on the rise, SNAP benefits are under threat and local organizations are stretched thin. But there is hope. Events like Empty Bowls remind us that when neighbors come together, Good Happens Here.

We all have a role to play—whether by advocating for strong food assistance programs, volunteering at a local pantry or attending community fundraisers like Empty Bowls. Each action is a step toward ensuring that no one in West Michigan has to wonder where their next meal will come from.