No, we are an independent nonprofit organization that is governed by a Board of Directors.

Christian Neighbors also helps with emergency financial assistance, such as rent, utilities and prescriptions. We also have educational programs and classes to help individuals and families create stability in their lives.

In 2025 we had 2,869 pantry visits and helped 376 individuals with emergency financial assistance in the Martin, Otsego, and Plainwell School Districts. We also had 1,802 participations at our Education Resource Center.

Food assistance and Emergency Financial Assistance is available for anyone residing in the Otsego, Plainwell, or Martin school districts, including Alamo, Cooper, and Watson Townships. Our Education Resource Center does not have boundaries; anyone is encouraged to participate no matter what part of the county they reside in.

Christian Neighbors is a faith-based agency; however, we are an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit and are not affiliated with any specific church or denomination. We serve all people in need regardless of faith, background, or beliefs and strictly adhere to a comprehensive non-discrimination policy. Our commitment is to treat every individual with dignity, respect, and care.

Christian Neighbors is committed to a policy of non-discrimination in both its employment practices and the delivery of its program services. This policy applies to staff, volunteers, volunteer board members, and guests (clients). This agency will pursue a practice where the education, health and human service needs of residents within our service area are addressed without regard to age, race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, or any other legally protected status. Further, this policy prohibits job discrimination and ensures equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment.

ERC Purpose Statement: Christian Neighbors Education Resource Center (ERC) provides programs, classes, and services free of charge to anyone in our community, regardless of their income. We connect community members through shared learning and life experiences. We offer several classes and programs including energy savings, credit repair, healthy cooking classes, budgeting skills, Matter of Balance, organizational classes and several others.

The majority of our funds come from community donations – individuals, churches, businesses and others. We also receive grant funds from foundations and other agencies. We are a United Way Agency.

Christian Neighbors knows it is vitally important to be good stewards of the funds we receive. We are proud to say that ninety cents of every dollar we spend is spent directly on our programs and those in need.

You can support our mission with a monetary donation, by purchasing something on our Amazon Wishlist, dropping food off in the donation bin on the front of our building, or by volunteering your time or expertise.

Absolutely! Volunteers are an important part of our mission. There are many ways to get involved, including helping with food drives, picking up donations from food banks, delivering items to our pantry, assisting in the Demonstration Kitchen, stuffing newsletters, serving as a cooling center attendant, and more.

If you’re interested in making a difference, click here to explore volunteer opportunities.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Christian Neighbors also sends out a monthly e-newsletter and a printed newsletter 3 times a year. Signup for our newsletter here.

Our case managers stay up to date on policies, resources and programs that help those in need in our area. We participate in several initiatives and programs at the local and county levels, including our local planning body, Allegan County Food Pantry Collaborative, Kalamazoo Hunger Free Coalition, Matter of Balance, Emergency Food & Shelter Program, DHHS Navigation and others.