Socios estratégicos

Queremos dar las gracias a las personas con experiencia que comparten sus historias, puntos de vista y esfuerzos. Es con su voz contribuyente que somos capaces de avanzar hacia un condado de Kent más equitativa.

Asóciese con nosotros

Nosotros apreciamos y reconocemos a quienes han sido fundamentales en la financiación de la Alianza para la Estabilidad de la Vivienda al principio de este trabajo. Y también agradecemos y reconocemos a quienes han proporcionado financiación a Housing Kent para que siga trabajando por un sistema de vivienda que que funcione para todos en el condado de Kent.

Socios del sector filantrópico

Banco de América
Fundación CDV5
Fundación de la Familia DeVos
Fifth Third Bank
Fundación Frey
Fundación Comunitaria de Grand Rapids
Heart of West Michigan United Way
Banco Independiente
Asientos Irwin
Fundación Jandernoa
Fundación Kate y Richard Wolters
Fundación Keller
Fundación Peter C. & Emajean Cook
Comunidades más sanas de Spectrum Health
Fundación Steelcase
Fundación W.K. Kellogg
Fundación Wege

A continuación se ofrece un reconocimiento a las 130 personas y organizaciones que trabajaron en el proceso de planificación comunitaria a lo largo de tres años. en el proceso de planificación comunitaria durante tres años.sentando las bases de la Alianza para la Estabilidad de la Vivienda.

Socios del sector social

3:11 Vivienda para jóvenes
Acceso al oeste de Michigan
Círculo Arbor
Colectivo Juvenil AYA
Defensor de la Comunidad
Reconstructores comunitarios
Casa del Pacto
Asociación de Vecinos de Creston
Ministerios Degage
Defensores de los discapacitados del condado de Kent
Centro Dorothy A. Johnson para la Filantropía
Morada de Grand Rapids
Colaboración vecinal para el aprendizaje temprano
Grupo de trabajo sobre necesidades esenciales
Futuro de la familia
Promesa Familiar
Primeros pasos Kent
Ministerio Flat River Outreach
Coalición de la zona de Grand Rapids para acabar con los sin techo
Liga Urbana de Grand Rapids
United Way del condado de Ottawa
Hábitat para la Humanidad del condado de Kent
Health Net del Oeste de Michigan
Heart of West Michigan United Way
Casa de Ayuda de Grand Rapids
Centro Hispano del Oeste de Michigan
Red Esperanza
HQ Centro de acogida para jóvenes fugados y sin hogar
KConnect
Cesta de alimentos para niños
Alianza para la Vivienda de Lakeshore
Centro de Alfabetización del Oeste de Michigan
Ministerios Mel Trotter
Red180
LeerGR
Raíces resistentes
Soluciones para acabar con la explotación
Comienzos fuertes – Comienzo sano
Ejército de Salvación
Casa Comunitaria Metodista Unida
Colectivo del Núcleo Urbano
Asociación para la Infancia del Oeste de Michigan
Colaboración Westside
YMCA de Grand Rapids
YWCA Centro Oeste de Michigan

Socios del sector público

Colaboración Black Impact
Pensamiento de cielo azul
Bohnsack y Asociados
Byrum & Fisk
Centro de Investigación Social de la Universidad Calvin
Campamento Blodgett
Ingeniería Cascade
Banco Químico
Salud de las cerezas
Ciudad de Grand Rapids
Ciudad de Wyoming
Defensor de la Comunidad
Alcance creativo
Creative Reach LLC Consultoría sin ánimo de lucro
CTE Elizabeth Helminski
Universidad de Davenport
Design Group InternationalDVApple Logistics LLC
 Dyer-IvesFoundation
East Grand Rapids Public Schools
Centro de Vivienda Justa del Oeste de Michigan
Cámara de Comercio de Grand Rapids
Comisión de la Vivienda de Grand Rapids
Biblioteca Pública de Grand Rapids
Colegios públicos de Grand Rapids
Universidad Estatal de Grand Valley
Grandville Avenue Artes y Humanidades
Head Start para el condado de Kent
Vivienda Siguiente
Estrategias de rendimiento inclusivo
Federación Cristiana de Ciudades del Interior
KCCA
KD Coaching & Consulting
Consultoría Kennari
Administración del condado de Kent
Tribunal de Circuito del Condado de Kent
Comisión del condado de Kent
DHHS del condado de Kent
Distrito escolar intermedio de Kent
Kent ISD
Red de servicios escolares de Kent
Cooperativa de crédito Lake Michigan
Lavanda Servicios Jurídicos
Lim Consulting
Cambio mensurable
Mercy Health
MI DHHS
Red de Acceso a la Universidad de Michigan
Departamento de Derechos Civiles de Michigan
Liga de Michigan para la Política Pública
MSHDA
Antiguo Banco Nacional
Proponentes LLC
Construcción Rockford
Comienzos sagrados
Spectrum Health
Invernadero STEM
Prácticas empresariales sostenibles LLC
Talento 2025
El Grupo Eureka
El lugar adecuado
LA FUENTE
Consultoría THiNC
Turner Thole Consulting
West Michigan Partería
WMCAT
Departamento de Seguridad Pública de Wyoming

Asociarse con Housing Kent para
apoyar a los residentes del condado de Kent

Su opinión y participación son vitales para este movimiento. Invitamos a miembros de la comunidad, organizaciones y empresas de todos los sectores a conectar con nosotros. Buscamos personas que formen parte de nuestros consejos comunitarios para abordar los distintos aspectos de la inestabilidad en la vivienda. O también podría servir como miembro de un equipo de acción para compartir datos medición, la participación de la comunidad, prevención de desahucios, y política y promoción.

Asóciese con nosotros
Nuestro enfoque

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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

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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.
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.