Housing Kent

Alex Kontras, our Senior Director of Data and Policy, will be a Lincoln Vibrant Communities Fellow in 2025! This fellows program is through Claremont Lincoln University and the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. Alex will be part of a six-month cohort designed for leaders who are currently engaged in or aspiring to create change in their communities. Congratulations, Alex!

Housing Kent was named the 2024 Neighborhood Champion grant recipient from Bank of America. This is a two-year grant and recognizes our work across the housing system in Kent County, working to ensure there is a housing system that works for everyone as we increase affordable housing, dissolve homelessness, and eliminate the racial disparities in housing. Congratulations to Eureka People and the Housing Kent team!

Across Kent County, many are working hard to exercise their right to vote, while others are unable to cast a ballot this election. With critical issues on the line, voting directly impacts our community’s future. Today, we encourage all eligible voters to head to the polls and make your voice heard! If you're unable to vote, you can still play a vital role—stay informed, follow election updates closely, and support efforts to increase civic engagement. Every action counts in shaping the future of our communities! Check your polling location at: https://mi.gov/vote

It's important to track homelessness in Kent County. By tracking homelessness in the region, we can assess the progress and effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing the crisis. Swipe to learn more about the impact of tracking this crucial data. Discover more data today:?https://bit.ly/3At2t12 #Homelessness?#KentCountyHousing

As the election approaches, we recognize the human right to participate in this year's election and every election. Whether you have stable housing or are facing housing challenges, your right to vote remains available. Learn more about where and how to vote no matter where you fall on the housing continuum:?https://bit.ly/47EVmPw #ElectionDay?#VotingForAll?#EquitableVoting?

Big congratulations to our amazing board members, funders, and HSA partners for being recognized in Crain's Grand Rapids Business' '200 Most Influential Leaders in West Michigan'! Special shoutout to the following for their exceptional contributions: Housing Kent Board of Trustee members: Tasha Blackmon (Cherry Health), Brad Kessel (Independent Bank), Raquel Guzman (Avanti Law Group, PLLC), Mark Washington (City of Grand Rapids), Al Vandenberg (Kent County) Funders: Holly Johnson (Frey Foundation), Michelle Van Dyke (Heart of West Michigan United Way), Renee Tabben (Bank of America), LaSandra Gaddy (Grand Rapids Community Foundation), Cheri DeVos (CDV5 FOUNDATION), Kate Pew Wolters (KRW Foundation), Michael Jandernoa (42 North Partners, LLC) Housing Kent/HSA Partners: Joe Jones (Hekima Group), Rosalyn Bliss (City of Grand Rapids), David Bulkowski (Disability Advocates of Kent County), Cheryl Schuch (Family Promise, Inc), Brooke Oosterman (Housing Next), Ryan Kilpatrick, AICP EDFP (Flywheel), Ryan VerWys (ICCF Community Homes)

Meet our president, Eureka C. People! As President of Housing Kent, a housing data leader in Grand Rapids, Eureka is the conductor of our collective impact efforts to end homelessness, expand affordable housing, and address racial disparities in Kent County. She ensures everyone plays the same sheet music to create a housing system that works for everyone. Eureka's experience as a facilitator through her firm has helped her lead systems change efforts for nonprofits, foundations, and government, including developing strategies and facilitating community projects to address housing inequities. Eureka desires to see the American Dream become possible for more households across our communities, providing everyone with the opportunity to secure quality, safe, and affordable housing in the neighborhood they choose. #MeetTheTeam #KentCountyHousing

Deondre 'Dee' Jones is a powerful voice for change in Grand Rapids, advocating for equity in housing and community support. Reflecting on his own experiences, Dee shared, 'I don’t like to see people struggling. It’s policies and politicians that keep people struggling because of inequity. All communities are impacted—black, white, everyone.' His journey—from growing up and escaping the dangers of his Chicago neighborhood to facing barriers in Kent County—highlights the urgent need for equitable housing solutions. Dee's advocacy extends beyond words; he’s actively involved in supporting those on SSI and delivering beds to those in need through the Grand Rapids Dream Center. Read more on Dee's story and find out more about our Kent County neighbors and their lived experience: #AffordableHousing #CommunityAdvocate #EquityForAll

On Indigenous People's Day, it's crucial to recognize the diverse living conditions of Indigenous communities. According to the National League of Cities, today, 22% of Indigenous peoples live on Tribal lands, while 72% reside in urban or suburban areas. Despite these different settings, the challenges remain significant. While about 1 in 1,000 people in the U.S. experience homelessness, the rate is 1 in 200 among Indigenous peoples. Additionally, overcrowding affects 16% of Tribal residents, compared to just 2% of the general U.S. population. Let’s honor Indigenous communities by acknowledging these disparities and working towards solutions ensuring everyone can access stable housing. #IndigenousPeoplesDay #HousingEquality #SustainableHousing

The American Dream of achieving success and access to upward mobility is becoming increasingly out of reach, especially when it comes to homeownership—particularly for first-time buyers. Homeownership remains a significant milestone that many in our community struggle to reach. The HSA Data Dashboard shows that in every city and town, the median wage falls short of what is necessary to afford a typical entry-level home. This issue impacts not only individuals but also entire communities striving for stability and growth. Explore Key Performance Indicator #1 of The HSA Data Dashboard, Homeownership Affordability, to understand the disparities between wages and income and their impact on achieving the American Dream. As a community, we can create better housing outcomes through policy changes, strategic investments, and collaboration. #AffordableHousing #KentCountyHousing