Block by Block, supported by Invest Detroit, Michigan CDFI, and CEDAM, explores the people, projects, and partnerships expanding affordable housing across Michigan. The series highlights emerging and diverse developers, innovative housing models, and the community leaders working to create more attainable housing and stronger neighborhoods.
As the statewide housing crisis continues, communities of all sizes are looking at how to increase affordable housing options for current and future residents. In Kalamazoo County, the Portage Community Land Trust is helping residents become homeowners affordably with their new workforce housing development, Stanwood Crossings.
In an effort to serve the underserved, One Detroit Credit Union is expanding its reach with two new branches, both in shuttered former financial institutions. In doubling-down on their commitment to provide more than banking to Metro Detroiters — these branches offer the community products, services and resources for financial health and wealth building.
As Michigan's affordable housing shortage continues, developers are exploring modular construction and 3D printing as innovative ways to reduce building time and address labor shortages.
CEDAM has released a new housing TIF guide to help Michigan communities understand and apply tax increment financing as a tool to support local housing development and affordability goals.
Sometimes nonprofits need help to fulfill their mission of helping others within their communities. For Volunteers of America Michigan, when costly necessary roof repairs and upgraded lighting arose, they found a supportive partner in IFF. The community development financial institution that has provided millions of dollars of loans to five of the VOA Michigan thrift stores.
Michigan’s first-ever Statewide Housing Plan was released in June 2022, almost three years ago. A little over the halfway point of the comprehensive five-year plan, stakeholders and collaborative partners look at just how critical regional housing partnerships are in their own communities — moving the needle forward across the entire state.
IFF, a community development financial institution based in Illinois, has invested and shown a commitment to uplifting communities by providing financial support all over the state, including Grand Rapids neighborhoods. Part of IFF’s investment in Grand Rapids has been focused on the 49507 zip code, centered in a collection of neighborhoods southeast of downtown Grand Rapids. They're working with local nonprofits including Amplify GR and LINC UP and neighborhood residents to help propel development.
FHLBank Indianapolis HomeBoost program offered up to $15,000 in down payment and closing and counseling costs assistance in its pilot year. For the program's return, those who qualify can receive up to $25,000.
Traverse City's Commongrounds is a mixed-use building, offering affordable housing, co-working space, a coffee shop, child education center, and performance venue. It's the first real estate cooperative in northern Michigan.
Quality child care is necessary, but not always available or affordable. The MiLEAP Caring for MI Future: Facilities Improvement Fund has launched a $59 million fund to provide new and expanding home-based and center-based facilities across the state.
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