Representative Kristian Grant was a featured 60th Anniversary Celebration speaker, offering attendees an insightful look at the roots of housing inequity and measures government and institutions can take to help even the playing field for marginalized populations—See more event photos on Facebook! |
|
|
60th Anniversary Celebration Raises Funds forGRHC Resident Education, Self-Sufficiency Programs |
|
|
Many thanks to all who joined us for our late-April 60th Anniversary Celebration at the GVSU Eberhard Center! Through the generosity of our sponsors and donors, the event raised nearly $26,000 for our Jean McKee Resident Scholarship Program and resident self-sufficiency programs.
The festivities kicked off with a reception followed by a welcome from Grand Rapids Housing Commission (GRHC) President Monica Steimle-App, recorded comments from U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten and comments from State Representative Kristian Grant. Dinner was followed by remarks from GRHC Executive Director Lindsey Reames, and the event wrapped with several community partner award presentations: Gateways to Opportunity Award presented to the McKee Family for exceptional support of the legacy of Jean McKee and the ideal that everyone should have the opportunity to achieve Foundation of Community Award presented to Mercantile Bank for exceptional support of GRHC housing and supportive services initiatives Pathways to Self-Sufficiency Award presented to Huntington Bank and Lake Michigan Credit Union for exceptional support of GRHC resident self-sufficiency programs.
Our board and staff are sincerely grateful to 60th Anniversary Celebration emcee Rodney Savage and to our sponsors and donors!
60th Anniversary Celebration Event Sponsors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AYA Youth Collective Dégagé Ministries Doeren Mayhew Doug and Amy McKee Grand Rapids Black Nurses Association |
|
|
|
The Salvation Army Urban League of West Michigan Völker Development West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hurst Mechanical Mercantile Bank |
|
|
|
Rhoades McKee Völker Development |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A special thank you, also, to all our individual donors who supported our resident services programs! |
|
|
|
GRHC Welcomes New Housing Commissioner |
|
|
| The Grand Rapids City Commission recently approved the appointment of Joshua Lunger to the Grand Rapids Housing Commission governing board; Josh fills the seat vacated by Brooke Oosterman.
Josh is the Vice President of Government Affairs for the Grand Rapids Chamber and also serves on the Kent County Community Action Agency board. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Free Community Resource and Family Fun Fair |
|
|
|
The annual Grand Rapids Housing Commission (GRHC) “Health & Unity in the Community” resource fair is right around the corner! Hosted by the GRHC Resident Services team, this year’s event focuses on heart health, and the fair will include free health screening opportunities as well as health care and community resource information, music, free food and children’s activities.
Mark your calendar, because you don’t want to miss...
“The Key to a Healthy Heart”
Health & Unity in the Community Resource & Family Fun Fair Friday, June 26, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Campau Park, 51 Delaware St SW FREE FUN FOR EVERYONE! |
|
|
|
GRPS Summer Meals Program Returns to Campau Commons and Creston Plaza |
|
|
|
The community centers at Campau Commons and Creston Plaza Apartments will once again host the USDA-funded “Meet Up and Eat Up” summer meals program. Administered locally by the Grand Rapids Public Schools Nutrition Services Department, the program strives to ensure that children who rely on school meal programs during the school year don’t go hungry in the summer months.
Meals will be served at both developments Monday through Thursday, 12:30 - 1:00 p.m. from June 8 through August 6. The program is open to all children ages 18 and younger. There is no enrollment or registration for this program; children can simply visit during the lunch period to enjoy a balanced meal. |
|
|
|
GRHC Establishes Eviction Prevention Program with Ottawa County Nonprofit |
|
|
The GRHC has formed a partnership with Good Samaritan Ministries that establishes an Eviction Prevention Program under which the GRHC will allocate up to 10 Housing Choice Vouchers for seniors referred by Good Samaritan Ministries; the program is designed to help seniors age in place and to ensure their continued access to safe, stable and affordable housing. Good Samaritan is an Ottawa County nonprofit organization that serves older adults.
Good Samaritan Ministries will also serve as a referral organization for the GRHC’s Mainstream Voucher Program; the Mainstream Program provides rental assistance for non-elderly (under age 62) people with disabilities. |
|
|
|
Grand Rapids EnVision Center Event Shedule |
|
|
|
The Grand Rapids EnVision Center will host a variety of helpful financial management, parenting and career development workshops this summer—see schedule below. The EnVision Center is located within the Campau Commons Community Center at 821 Division Avenue South. All events are FREE and open to the public.
June 11, 10:00 a.m.: College Admissions, Financial Aid and Career Planning The Grand Valley State University Educational Opportunity Center will offer a free information session for those seeking to explore a new educational or career path. June 11, 5:30-7:30 p.m.: “Start Now” Parenting Series continues with a session on the topic “Grounding During Challenging Parenting” Presented by Family Outreach Center Prevention and Education Coordinator Taj Caviness, LMSW. June 23, 5:30 p.m. Credit Repair and Budgeting for Homeownership Huntington Bank CRA Mortgage Loan Officer Jeffrey Brazier will offer advice for building or repairing credit as well as budgeting and financial management tips for aspiring homeowners. July 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m.: “Start Now” Parenting Series continues with a session on the topic “Navigating Challenges with Strength” Presented by Family Outreach Center Prevention and Education Coordinator Taj Caviness, LMSW.
For more information or to register, please contact fss@grhousing.org |
|
|
|
“What Home Means to Me” Poster Contest Winners |
|
|
|
From left, poster design by local contest Grades K-5 winner Samara Alicia; poster design by Grades 6-8 winner Rihanna Brown; Rihanna (right) accepting her state contest award, with GRHC Executive Director Lindsey Reames |
|
|
Congratulations to the winners of the GRHC’s local 2026 NAHRO “What Home Means to Me” Poster Contest: Samara Alicea, grades K-5 Rihanna Brown, grades 6-8
Local winners each received a $25 Visa gift card, and Rihanna’s poster also earned her top honors and a $100 gift card at the state-level NAHRO Poster Contest in the middle school category!
Rihanna’s "What Home Means to Me" Poster Contest entry has been sent with other state winners’ entries to NAHRO's regional poster contest, and regional winners will move on to the national contest and a chance to win a cash prize and a trip to Washington, D.C.
Thanks to all of the young artists who shared their artwork and thoughts about home with us!
NAHRO is the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, a professional membership organization that represents more than 26,000 housing and community development providers and professionals nationwide. |
|
|
|
Touch Foundation Offers “My Whole Self” Mental Health Series at Creston Plaza |
|
|
|
Aundrea Robinson-Burris from the TOUCH Foundation for Community Health (standing in foreground) leads Creston Plaza residents through emotional wellness exercises |
|
|
GRHC Resident Services Specialist Maria Lara worked with TOUCH Foundation for Community Health to offer Creston Plaza Apartments residents a six-week series designed to help participants tap into their feelings and learn strategies for emotional wellness and coping with emotional challenges. Held in the Bobbie Butler Community Center at Creston Plaza, the “My Whole Self” series included dinner and activities for the whole family.
Many thanks to Aundrea Robinson-Burris from the Touch Foundation for facilitating this helpful new program! |
|
|
|
Calvin University Nursing Students Host “Screening & Smoothies” at Campau Commons |
|
|
|
|
Clockwise from top: Calvin University DNP/Assistant Professor Cynthia Betcher (left) with the Nursing students who hosted “Screenings & Smoothies”; students help a resident complete pre-screening paperwork; Assistant Professor Betcher chats with residents |
|
|
Staff and students from the Calvin University Nursing Department recently hosted a special event at the Campau Commons Community Center that offered residents a free blood pressure checkup served up with a delicious, nutrition-packed smoothie. Many thanks to Assistant Professor Cynthia Betcher and her Nursing students for helping GRHC residents maintain optimal health! |
|
|
|
HCV Homeownership Program Orientation Meetings |
|
|
|
The GRHC Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Homeownership Program offers Housing Choice Voucher recipients the opportunity to use their monthly Housing Assistance Payment toward a home mortgage payment rather than rental housing expenses.
The program will offer two additional free HCV Homeownership Program Orientation Meetings this year—both will be held at Wyoming Public Library, 3350 Michael Avenue SW in Wyoming.
Meeting dates—both meetings start at 2:00 p.m.: September 15, December 8
HCV Homeownership Program and Orientation Meeting details |
|
|
|
|
GRHC Awarded “Top Employee Benefits” Honors by National Benefits Ranking Group |
|
|
The GRHC has received a 2026 Top Employee Benefits Award from Mployer, a national leader in employee benefit benchmarking. Mployer independently rates employee benefit plans by conducting a data-driven analysis of their design, cost-sharing, generosity and many other features, comparing employers matched by their industry, geographic region and size. The Top Employee Benefits Award means that “the employer offers an elite benefits package surpassing industry standards, providing unique and comprehensive advantages for retention and recruitment.”
This recognition reflects our agency’s ongoing investment in supporting employee health, well-being and financial security. |
|
|
|
GRHC Human Resources Update |
|
|
|
Resident Services Restructured |
|
|
The GRHC recently restructured the Resident Services division that provides on-site resident support at our agency-owned housing developments, with Resident Services Specialists now reporting directly to each property’s Asset (Housing) Manager. The change in organizational structure does not change the services and programming offered to keep our residents safely, stably and affordably housed, and community partners interested in providing site-specific services should continue to work with their Resident Services contacts: Adams Park Apartments: Erin Shibley, erin.shibley@grhousing.org Antoine Court Apartments: Rachel Siebert, rachel.siebert@grhousing.org Campau Commons Apartments: Maria Lara, maria.lara@grhousing.org Creston Plaza Apartments: Maria Lara, maria.lara@grhousing.org Hope Community: Latasha Maberry, latasha.maberry@grhousing.org Leonard Terrace Apartments: Eulondon Reeves, eulondon.reeves@grhousing.org Mount Mercy Apartments: Janae Couch, janae.couch@grhousing.org Ransom Tower Apartments: Eric Turkaleski, eric.turkalseski@grhousing.org Scattered Sites: Maria Lara, maria.lara@grhousing.org Sheldon Apartments: Rachel Siebert, rachel.siebert@grhousing.org Larger initiatives involving programming at multiple GRHC developments will be facilitated by Acting Director of Asset Management José Capeles, jose.capeles@grhousing.org. Partners interested in supporting GRHC EnVision Center and resident self-sufficiency initiatives should continue to work with GRHC Family Self-Sufficiency Program Manager Wanda Couch, wanda.couch@grhousing.org. |
|
|
|
|
Destiny Walker, from Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Intake Specialist to HCV Coordinator Cindy Wadell, from Custodian to Office Assistant for Mount Mercy Apartments |
|
|
|
|
Janae Couch, from Housing Choice Voucher Coordinator to Resident Services Specialist for Mount Mercy Apartments |
|
|
|
|
Mallory Connor, from Housing Choice Voucher Coordinator to Asset Manager for Adams Park Apartments |
|
|
|
|
Dan Kowalewski, Maintenance Technician for Leonard Terrace Apartments Juan Monterrosas Rodriguez, HCV Customer Service & Intake Coordinator at the GRHC Administrative Office
|
|
|
|
|
