By Luke Ferris, Habitat for Humanity of Kent County

LINC Up and Habitat for Humanity of Kent County have received $1 million from Project Reinvest: Neighborhoods for affordable housing projects in Grand Rapids’ southeast and southwest neighborhoods.

This is the first time the Project Reinvest: Neighborhoods grant has been made available and Grand Rapids is one of just four cities in the country to have more than one nonprofit awarded the grant.

“True success for Grand Rapids can only be realized when everyone has an opportunity to thrive,” said Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. “We are thankful for the innovative work of our local affordable housing providers. They are making home ownership opportunities accessible to those who need safe, stable and affordable housing.”

Project Reinvest: Neighborhoods provides grant funding to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to help stabilize and revitalize distressed communities suffering from the direct and/or indirect effects of the foreclosure crisis. The grants will support and further existing multi-faceted, place-based initiatives working to transform communities.

LINC Up will use the funding to build five affordable homes in the Madison Square Neighborhood in partnership with Grand Rapids Community College’s MTEC construction program. The funding will also support the creation of a construction trades contractor incubator in LINC’s Business Center at 1258 Madison to focus on training and growing local contractors.

“The Project Reinvest goal of reversing negative effects from the foreclosure crisis aligns with the ongoing work of LINC Up to facilitate new housing development and economic opportunities for residents. Along with immediate impacts of new housing and jobs, this grant supports a long-term investment in local construction talent who will work directly on reinvestment activities taking place in the neighborhood over the next several years.”

Habitat Kent will use the funding to rehabilitate four homes in the Roosevelt Park Neighborhood that will be available to purchase for affordable home ownership.

The funds will also help support the annual Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Curb Appeal Contest and the development of pilot programs to encourage and provide resources for more affordable home ownership opportunities to residents.

“Home ownership is a critical element in providing families with strength and stability for a brighter future.” said Habitat Kent Executive Director BriAnne McKee. “The need for affordable housing is great in our community and we’re thankful for fellow organizations like LINC Up who are helping meet that need.”

LINC Up and Habitat Kent both are members of the Kent County Permanent Housing Coordinating Council, a group of affordable housing providers, funders, and related partners who meet regularly to share best practices and coordinate housing development efforts. LINC Up and Habitat Kent will each receive $500,000. Both applications were filed separately.