Western Theological Seminary Announces Next Chapter for Community Kitchen Partnership

A new chapter is on the horizon for one of Holland’s longest-running services for unhoused and underserved neighbors. After more than three decades at Western Theological Seminary (WTS), the Community Kitchen—co-founded by the Seminary and Community Action House and powered by hundreds of volunteers each year—will soon begin its transition to a new permanent home at The Salvation Army of Holland.

This move is part of a broader, community-wide vision to create an integrated service hub where neighbors can access nourishing meals and a variety of resources in one place. Following its final meal service at WTS on February 20, the Community Kitchen will enter an interim phase while preparations are made for its new location. As part of this transition, Western Theological Seminary is transferring a previously established designated fund to the Holland/Zeeland Community Foundation to help ensure continued, stable support for the Kitchen program through Community Action House and The Salvation Army. This fund began with a donor gift in the 1990s and has been carefully stewarded and invested for this purpose over many years.

Construction at The Salvation Army will begin in March to upgrade and enhance its commercial kitchen, dining room, and service areas for expanded use. Once renovations are complete later in April, The Salvation Army will become the new, permanent home of the Community Kitchen, with future hopes of welcoming additional partners onsite to better serve neighbors.

In the meantime, Community Kitchen operations will shift from Western Theological Seminary to First United Methodist Church (57 W. 10th Street) beginning Monday, February 23. As close partners through the Refresh shower program, First United Methodist is already a familiar and trusted space for both staff and guests. Meal service will continue on weekdays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

“We are so thankful for more than 30 years of shared mission through the Community Kitchen and look forward to continued partnership in Christ-centered service to the Holland community. We remain deeply grateful for these organizations and the impact they will make for years to come. We are excited for this next chapter for Community Action House and are thrilled to be able to support our long term partners in this endeavor” says President Felix Theonugraha

For information regarding the Community Action House and Community Kitchen and how to get involved you can contact Katy Russner-Travis | [email protected] | (616) 392-2368 ext. 140. For questions regarding Western Theological Seminary and the logistics of this transition please contact Betsy Maxwell – [email protected] | (616) 372-3678