Privacy Policy

Effective Date: July 9, 2026

Housing Kent (“Housing Kent,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting it through this Privacy Policy. This policy describes how we collect, use, and share information when you visit housingkent.org (the “Site”) or otherwise interact with us.

1. Information We Collect

Information you provide to us directly, such as when you:

  • Sign up for our newsletter or email updates (first name, last name, email address, organization, sector type, county residency, and role/affiliation)
  • Submit our contact form
  • Apply for a job through our Careers page
  • Otherwise communicate with us by email, phone, or in person

Information collected automatically, such as when you browse the Site:

  • IP address, browser type, device type, and operating system
  • Pages visited, time spent on the Site, and referring/exit pages
  • Cookies and similar technologies (see Section 4)

We do not knowingly collect sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers, financial account details, or health information through the Site.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

  • Send newsletters, policy updates, and other communications you’ve signed up to receive
  • Respond to inquiries submitted through our contact form
  • Evaluate and process job applications
  • Understand how visitors use the Site so we can improve it
  • Comply with legal obligations and protect the rights, safety, and property of Housing Kent, our partners, and the public

We do not sell your personal information.

3. How We Share Your Information

We may share information with:

  • Service providers who help us operate the Site and manage communications (e.g., email marketing platforms, form and CRM tools, web hosting), under obligations to protect your information
  • Housing Stability Alliance partners and collaborators, only where you’ve consented or where necessary to fulfill a request you’ve made
  • Legal and safety purposes, if required by law, subpoena, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of Housing Kent, our users, or others

We do not share your information with third parties for their own marketing purposes.

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

The Site may use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Remember your preferences
  • Analyze site traffic and usage patterns
  • Support embedded content (such as maps and data dashboards)

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect how some parts of the Site function. The Site is not designed to respond to “Do Not Track” browser signals at this time.

5. Third-Party Links and Embedded Content

The Site includes links to and embedded content from third-party sites, including LinkedIn, Facebook, Google Maps, and data sources such as the Zillow Observed Rent Index and HUD reporting tools. Housing Kent is not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing information to them.

6. Donations

If you make a donation through the Site, we (or our third-party payment processor) will collect information necessary to process your gift, such as your name, email address, billing address, and payment details. Payment information is processed securely by our payment processor and is not stored on our servers. We use donor information to process your gift, send tax receipts, and, unless you opt out, keep you updated on our work. We do not sell or rent donor information to third parties.

7. Email Communications

If you subscribe to our newsletter, we will only send you communications you’ve opted in to receive. Every email includes an unsubscribe link, and you can opt out at any time. We comply with the CAN-SPAM Act and will honor opt-out requests promptly.

8. Children’s Privacy

The Site is not directed at children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn we’ve inadvertently collected such information, we will delete it.

9. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, or as required by law. Newsletter subscriber information is retained until you unsubscribe or request deletion.

10. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on where you live, you may have rights to:

  • Access the personal information we hold about you
  • Request correction or deletion of your information
  • Opt out of email communications at any time
  • Request a copy of your information in a portable format

To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the information in Section 12. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe and in accordance with applicable law (including, where applicable, the California Consumer Privacy Act and the EU General Data Protection Regulation for visitors located in those jurisdictions).

11. Data Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information. However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The “Effective Date” at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision. Material changes will be noted on this page.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, contact us at:

Housing Kent Grand Rapids, MI Phone: 616-358-9866 Email: info@housingkent.org Contact form: housingkent.org/contact-us

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

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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

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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.

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. 

Meet Tiana Hawver, M.S.

Director of Operations

Tiana Hawver is the Director of Operations 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 & CEO

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.