Nonprofit launches campaign to create affordable housing

Mar 26

Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of Kent County

Habitat for Humanity of Kent County has launched an $8 million campaign called Imagine that aims to build 100 affordable homes in Grand Rapids to help address the need for more housing at lower price points. Through this effort, the nonprofit will also invest resources in building and preserving existing homes for long-term affordable homeownership.

The first seven homes in Pleasant Hills will be available close to the end of 2025. Plans also include a high-density development in Roosevelt Park, consisting of approximately 54 new homes.

In addition, this campaign will focus on leadership development and neighborhood revitalization that will impact an additional 350 residents.

Leading the campaign are co-chairs Attah Obande of Elizabeth Rosario Law, Janet Veldhouse, a retired Steelcase executive, and Doug Young, CEO of Behler-Young. They are joined by 49 additional community leaders serving on the campaign cabinet and honorary cabinet.

"This campaign is a testament to the dedication of our community and the true need for more housing options for families who struggle to compete in the open market," said Bev Theil, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Kent County. "We are committed to ensuring that families and individuals that seek home ownership can find a safe, secure, quality home in partnership with Habitat Kent. With the support of our friends and supporters, we can make this vision a reality."

Habitat for Humanity of Kent County has already raised more than $6 million toward the $8 million goal.

"If you really want to make an impact on our community, there is no better way than helping to provide a home for families that want to live, work and thrive in West Michigan," Theil said. "We're dedicated to ensuring that children grow up in safe and loving neighborhoods."

Abby, a Habitat for Humanity of Kent County homeowner since 2023, applauded the effort.

"There is no way to describe the feeling that comes with finding a safe space that you can afford in which to raise your family," she said. "This is a concern for SO many of our peers, and was for us when we moved to Grand Rapids two years ago before we found Habitat. These new homes will bless SO many people in the Grand Rapids community who will now have homes that are financially, emotionally, and spiritually uplifting and constructive to their lives and futures."

Habitat for Humanity of Kent County is currently accepting submissions for the homeownership program and the first seven homes of Pleasant Hills.

For more information, visit https://www.habitatkent.org/imagine-campaign/.