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Priority Projects

From preventing evictions to financing new developments, these priority projects work together to create a comprehensive approach that will add 34,500 new housing units by 2027 while ensuring existing residents can stay in their homes.

Priority Project

100 in 100

Lead

Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness

Project Snapshot

House 100 individuals experiencing chronic homelessness in Grand Rapids in 100 days or less.

Problem Statement

Chronic homelessness drives up public costs, strains healthcare systems, and shortens lives. People experiencing it often face complex physical and mental health challenges that cannot be resolved without a coordinated effort between housing providers and social services.

Solution

100 in 100 works to end chronic homelessness by scaling new best practices from the program to all 1,200 estimated individuals experiencing homelessness nightly.

Expected Impact

Scalable strategies and cost savings related to ending chronic homelessness within three years.

Project Status

Initiation

Planning

Execution

Learning

Closeout

Priority Project

Enhanced Coordinated Entry

Lead

Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness

Project Snapshot

Enhance the efficiency and transparency of Coordinated Entry, process used by housing providers to connect people experiencing homelessness to housing resources.

Problem Statement

Inefficient and unclear processes in the Coordinated Entry system can increase wait-times for housing resources, cause confusion, and erode trust among both service providers and people in need of housing.

Solution

Enhanced Coordinated Entry will increase efficiency and transparency by streamlining stages in the process, leveraging technology platforms, and incorporating lessons learned from those with lived experience.

Expected Impact

Faster resolution of housing crises, prioritizing individuals in the most vulnerable situations.

Project Status

Initiation

Planning

Execution

Learning

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Priority Project

Eviction Prevention Pilot Program

Lead

United Way and Housing Kent

Project Snapshot

Redesign and pilot an eviction prevention system that helps keep families in their homes.

Problem Statement

Eviction prevention is a highly cost-effective strategy for maintaining housing stability, yet it receives only 1% of local housing investment. Many households face eviction due to short-term financial setbacks—such as an unexpected car repair—that could have been resolved with timely assistance.

Solution

The Eviction Prevention Pilot Program reimagines the eviction prevention system in Kent County to stabilize families before an eviction filing occurs. By prioritizing early intervention, intensive case management, and data-driven decision-making, this approach will prevent displacement, reduce homelessness, and improve long-term community outcomes.

Expected Impact

Improved renter stability has positive effects in employment, education, and future housing opportunities.

Project Status

Initiation

Planning

Execution

Learning

Closeout

Priority Project

Employer Housing Programs

Lead

Bank of America and Housing Kent

Project Snapshot

Develop a pilot program to help employers implement housing programs.

Problem Statement

Employee housing instability is a top issue for businesses affecting productivity, retention, and talent acquisition. 60% of employers report that economic stress negatively impacts employee focus and performance. Without a strategic approach, businesses risk losing talent to locations with more affordable housing, driving up turnover costs and disrupting operations.

Solution

This pilot program provides employer-assisted housing support designed to reduce employee turnover, enhance productivity, and attract top talent. Support will be customized to align with each employer’s objectives and may include employer-backed loan and savings programs, housing navigation services, and down payment or rental assistance.

Expected Impact

Strengthened workforce stability to enhance competitiveness in a tight labor market.

Project Status

Initiation

Planning

Execution

Learning

Closeout

Priority Project

Gap Financing

Lead

Permanent Housing Coordinating Council and Housing Next

Project Snapshot

Raise an additional $45 million per year in gap financing to scale housing development.

Problem Statement

Kent County faces a critical housing shortage across all income levels. The gap between market price of new housing and what current residents can afford continues to widen, displacing increasing numbers of working-class families and individuals.

Solution

Gap Financing will help facilitate the development and preservation of 25,000 affordable, income-restricted and market-rate housing over five years.

Expected Impact

Sustainable housing market growth supporting regional economic vitality and accessibility across income levels.

Project Status

Initiation

Planning

Execution

Learning

Closeout

Priority Project

Kent County Corridor Strategy

Lead

Housing Next

Project Snapshot

Enable the development of desirable, mixed-income neighborhoods with ample housing choices where the necessary infrastructure already exists.

Problem Statement

Kent County must add 34,500 new housing units by 2027 and over 70,000 by 2050 to meet regional growth demands. Yet most available residential land is in rural areas, far from job centers and lacking essential infrastructure like water and sewer—making development costly and inefficient.

Solution

Kent County Corridor Strategy will drive strategic housing development by partnering with local governments to unlock underutilized land in inner-ring corridors, leveraging existing infrastructure for smart, sustainable growth.

Expected Impact

Increased housing production, leading to stabilized prices and greater affordability.

Project Status

Initiation

Planning

Execution

Learning

Closeout

Priority Project

Fair Housing Education and Enforcement

Lead

Fair Housing Center of West Michigan

Project Snapshot

Address housing disparities by ensuring fair access and choice in the housing market.

Problem Statement

Persistent racial disparities in homeownership, housing affordability, and homelessness hinder economic mobility and community stability. As an example, closing the racial homeownership gap requires significant investment—achieving equity would mean 400 new Black homeowners and 200 new Hispanic or Latino homeowners per year for the next 20 years. When fair housing protections fall short, families face limited choices, reducing access to high-quality schools, wealth-building opportunities, and safe, thriving neighborhoods.

Solution

This project assists both housing providers and seekers with the knowledge and tools to navigate fair housing laws, minimize discrimination, and expand access to stable, high-quality housing for all communities.

Expected Impact

Unlocked potential for economic and social mobility for community prosperity.

Project Status

Initiation

Planning

Execution

Learning

Closeout

Priority Project

100 in 100

Lead

Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness

Project Snapshot

House 100 individuals experiencing chronic homelessness in Grand Rapids in 100 days or less.

Problem Statement

Chronic homelessness drives up public costs, strains healthcare systems, and shortens lives. People experiencing it often face complex physical and mental health challenges that cannot be resolved without a coordinated effort between housing providers and social services.

Solution

100 in 100 works to end chronic homelessness by scaling new best practices from the program to all 1,200 estimated individuals experiencing homelessness nightly.

Expected Impact

Scalable strategies and cost savings related to ending chronic homelessness within three years.

Project Status

Initiation

Planning

Execution

Learning

Closeout

Priority Project

100 in 100

Lead

Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness

Project Snapshot

House 100 individuals experiencing chronic homelessness in Grand Rapids in 100 days or less.

Problem Statement

Chronic homelessness drives up public costs, strains healthcare systems, and shortens lives. People experiencing it often face complex physical and mental health challenges that cannot be resolved without a coordinated effort between housing providers and social services.

Solution

100 in 100 works to end chronic homelessness by scaling new best practices from the program to all 1,200 estimated individuals experiencing homelessness nightly.

Expected Impact

Scalable strategies and cost savings related to ending chronic homelessness within three years.

Project Status

Initiation

Planning

Execution

Learning

Closeout

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Driving Directions

Fulton Lot Driving Directions: MapQuest/Google Maps Address 312 W. Fulton, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

From Chicago: I–94 East to I–196/US–31 (Exit 34) at Benton Harbor. Take I–196 toward Grand Rapids to US–131 South. Take US–131 South to Pearl Street exit (keep to the right of the on–ramp to US–131 as this becomes the off–ramp for Pearl Street). You will then merge onto Mt. Vernon Ave. Continue on Mt. Vernon until you come to a light at Fulton St, turn left here. Under the US–131 Overpass, the Fulton Lot will be on your right. Approximately 200 miles from Chicago. PLEASE NOTE: Michigan is one hour ahead of Illinois (EST).

From Detroit/Lansing: I–96 West to I–196 West (Gerald R. Ford Freeway) to US–131 South. Take US–131 South to the Market Street exit (keep to the right of the on–ramp to US–131). Turn left onto Market from the exit. Turn left on Fulton. Under the US–131 Overpass, the Fulton Lot will be on your left. Approximately 2 hours from Detroit, and 60 minutes from Lansing.

From Holland: I–196 East to US–131 South. Take US–131 South to the Pearl Street exit (keep to the right of the on–ramp to US–131 as this becomes the off–ramp for Pearl Street). You will then merge onto Mt. Vernon Ave. Continue on Mt. Vernon until you come to a light at Fulton St, turn left here. Under the US– 131 Overpass, the Fulton Lot will be on your right. Approximately 30 miles from Holland.

From Kalamazoo: US–131 North to the Pearl Street Exit, #85B. Turn left onto Pearl Street and proceed one block beyond the US–131 overpass to Mt Vernon Ave and turn left, in two blocks turn left on Fulton St. The Fulton Lot will be on your right. Approximately 50 miles from Kalamazoo.

From Muskegon: I–96 East to US–131 South. US–131 South to the Market Ave Exit. Turn Left on to Market, and then Left on Fulton St. The Fulton Lot will be on your left. Approximately 45 miles from Muskegon.

From Northern Michigan: US–131 South to the Market Ave Exit. Turn Left on to Market, and then Left on Fulton St. The Fulton Lot will be on your left. Approximately 150 miles from Traverse City.

KPI 3 — Homelessness

Map

Dora Ferrier Headshot

Dora Ferrier

Executive Assistant

Dora Ferrier proudly serves as the Executive Assistant to Eureka People. Her career has been characterized by substantial contributions in positions focused on enhancing organizational efficiency, relationship development, and community outreach. Dora excels in introducing change management initiatives, ensuring flawless project execution, and boasts certifications in both Microsoft Office and ChatGPT. She also holds a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate, leveraging her expertise to support refugees and non-native English speakers in their community integration efforts. Dora is a skilled public speaker, providing invaluable insight and assistance to child protective workers and law enforcement personnel in identifying signs of child abuse. Dora’s heartfelt mission centers around elevating the quality of life for underprivileged Kent County residents and promoting community empowerment as a catalyst for positive change.

KPI 2 — Rental Housing Affordability

Map

KPI 3 — Homelessness

Cumulative Homeless Count

Source: Continuum of Care System Performance Measures (US Department of Housing and Urban Development)

About Rental Housing Affordability

An estimate of how much annual household income is needed to rent an apartment at a particular price.

Source: Housing Kent

Our Methods
We define housing costs as affordable if they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

About Typical Rent Costs

A measure of typical monthly rent for an apartment in the middle cost tier, defined as the 40th to 60th percentile.

Source: Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI)

Our Methods
The ZORI is published on a monthly basis. To calculate an annual figure, we take an average of the monthly figures.

About Homeownership Affordability

An estimate of how much annual household income is needed to purchase a home at a particular price.

Source: Housing Kent

Our Methods
We assume current interest rates, a 3% downpayment, and $500 in outside household debt.
Alex

Meet Alex Kontras, M.P.A.

Senior Director of Data and Policy

Alex Kontras is the Senior Director of Data and Policy at Housing Kent. Alex’s passion for housing justice, combined with his experience in public policy, housing crisis response, and data-informed decision-making adds immeasurable value to our team. Previously Alex worked with Public Sector Consultants, translating federal special education policy into data-driven collaboration tools for the Michigan Department of Education. Prior to that, at the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance, Alex managed programs in supportive housing, rapid-rehousing, and homelessness prevention. He holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Grand Valley State University and a Bachelor’s in Sociology from Calvin University.
Adisa

Meet Adisa Chaney, M.S.W.

Senior Director of Community Engagement and Equity

Adisa Chaney is the Senior Director of Community Engagement and Equity for Housing Kent. An experienced community organizer, facilitator, and thought partner, Adisa has worked extensively with politically and economically marginalized communities to build capacity and support residents’ efforts to effect change in their communities. He currently teaches at the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University Schools of Social Work, principally focusing on courses involving community engagement, grant-writing, and social work in and with communities of color. His work in recent years has included development and administration of several community projects in the metro Detroit area, as well as being responsible for the training and evaluation of community facilitators for foundation initiative. The initiative is a collaborative partnership with an area school district, focused on improving educational outcomes of K-12 youth in economically disadvantaged communities in and around Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

TIana

Meet Tiana Hawver, M.S.

Communications Manager

Tiana Hawver is the Communications Manager for Housing Kent. Tiana has over 15 years in marketing, public relations, and communications, including 10 in marketing and media. Prior to joining Housing Kent, she served as the Office Coordinator for the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University for five years. Tiana is a gifted speaker and writer, and produced a documentary, “Reconnecting the Dots,” sharing her journey as an adult adoptee reconnecting with her birth family. Tiana has a Master of Science in Communication from Grand Valley State University.

Housing Kent Headshots Eureka 32

Meet Eureka People, M.A.

President

Eureka People has answered the call to lead as President of Housing Kent’s efforts to dissolve homelessness, increase affordable housing, and eliminate the shocking racial disparities in the housing system in Kent County. Prior to accepting this position, Eureka spent 10 years as Principal Consultant of her own strategy and facilitation consultancy specializing in systems change for nonprofits, foundations, and government. In this capacity, she developed strategies for a foundation initiative, facilitated the design of a school district’s nationally recognized attendance campaign and strategic plan, facilitated a nonprofit’s community development project, and facilitated another nonprofit’s board of trustees leadership experience program, among other projects.  She then guided the Housing Stability Alliance network to the building of a roadmap to address housing inequities and racial disparities. It was this that led to her being asked to apply to lead further housing efforts here in Kent County.

Eureka’s career before extensive consulting in Kent County included several years as VP of Finance and Operations for the National Community Development Institute in Oakland, California. She also served three years as Associate Pastor of Assimilation and Discipleship at Eastern Star Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. Before being drawn to humanitarian and nonprofit work, with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Eureka worked as a Project Engineer for Eli Lilly & Company in Indiana.

Eureka has recently moved to Grand Rapids and looks forward to getting to know her new home and to leading our community to greater awareness of and motivation to addressing and healing one of our most pervasive and limiting societal problems.

Eureka holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, M.A. in Theology.

Operationalizing the Common Agenda and Roadmap

With the release of the community plan in August 2020, KConnect completed the work that it had committed to accomplishing when agreeing to take on the project in 2018. The four co-chairs of the Housing Stability Alliance – Mayor Rosalynn Bliss, Chair Mandy Bolter, Lynne Ferrell, and Christina Keller – committed to moving the Alliance forward. However, without a backbone organization focused solely on advancing the movement, it lost momentum. It was apparent that it was necessary to quickly get a backbone in place in order to keep the work moving forward. After a series of discussions, KConnect agreed to partner with the Alliance co-chairs to temporarily take the lead to create a nonprofit organization that served as a backbone for the Alliance’s work.

The role of KConnect was NOT to serve as the Alliance backbone. However, we served as temporary support to launch the permanent backbone that became Housing Kent. Launched in February 2022, the new organization is its own 501c3 with its own bank account, bylaws, and five-year budget.

The Second Phase

We delivered a common agenda and roadmap that has created and sustained a movement to build systems between sectors and empowers lived experience to dissolve housing instability and homelessness for children and families from the landscape of Kent County.

The scope and agreed-upon purpose of the last six months of work is presented to the side. Creating an equitable housing system will not happen overnight. It will decades of hard work and dedication from the entire community. However, if 2019 was any indication that the Kent County communities share a passion for this issue, we are well poised to create change.

Scope

Recognizing the disparate overrepresentation of families of color among homeless populations, our work through June 2020 will be focused on creating a community framework that will reduce the disparity in our housing efforts over the next five years.

Purpose Statement

Increase access to quality affordable housing and dissolve homelessness in Kent County with an intentional focus on eliminating racial disparities among families, children, and youth and other data-driven priorities.

Getting Started: The First Twelve Months

In May 2018 concerned community stakeholders asked KConnect to bring people together to examine how the housing system is working, establish shared goals, and develop collaborative strategies to reach those goals with a focus on children, families, youth, and people of color. KConnect initiated its work in Fall 2018, KConnect began a yearlong process to convene organizations, funders, and other stakeholders within the housing and homeless system. Together we will develop a comprehensive community plan specifically calling for equitable outcomes for children and families.

This work was originally anticipated to be completed in December 2019. However, in October 2019, after careful consideration and reflection, the Board of Trustees approved a request from the Design Team for a six-month extension in order to create a more comprehensive community plan. During the final months, the teams will move into a collaborative designing phase.

Purpose Statement

The purpose of our work is to align and connect system-level interventions that address homelessness and increase access to housing. Strategies must be intentionally designed with the end user in mind and targeted to people of color.

Mission Statement

The mission is to increase access to affordable housing and decrease homelessness for families, children, and youth, with an intentional focus on eliminating racial disparities in Kent County.