Scattered Sites Renovations Campau Commons Hosts HUD GVSU Expands Services at Completed EnVision Center Mount Mercy Clinic The GRHC has completed a total HUD has designated the Campau The GVSU Kirkhof College of of $673,000 in improvements Commons Community Center as Nursing has received a grant to to 20 Scattered Sites units. The the Grand Rapids EnVision Center, support the addition of behavioral renovations were funded through recognizing GRHC programs health services at the GVSU HUD Capital Fund Program that help residents attain self- Health Center at Mount Mercy. grants. Details on page 2! sufficiency. Details on page 3! Details on page 7! GRAND RAPIDS HOUSING COMMISSION AUTUMNWinter 20212018 NEWS

Cares Act Funds 75 Additional Mainstream Vouchers

The Grand Rapids Housing Commission grateful to have expanded capacity to provide (GRHC) was recently awarded a $495,593 HUD housing stability to some of our most vulnerable Mainstream Voucher program grant authorized applicants,” noted GRHC Interim Executive under the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Director Hattie Tinney Beenen. Economic Security (CARES) Act. The grant will fund an additional 75 Mainstream Vouchers to In addition to a rental housing subsidy, the support the housing needs of non-elderly persons Mainstream program provides supportive who have disabilities; HUD defines “non-elderly” services coordinated by the GRHC’s on-staff as under age 62. This award brings the total social work professionals in collaboration with number of Mainstream Vouchers the GRHC The Salvation Army, Disability Advocates, the administers to 207. Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan, Cherry Health, Care Resources, local hospitals The Mainstream Voucher program is targeted to and nursing homes, and other community people with disabilities who are transitioning out of partner organizations that serve people who institutional settings, at risk of institutionalization, have disabilities. These services are designed experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing to promote independence and dignity and homelessness. The new vouchers are being awarded may include home modifications, case to eligible non-elderly disabled applicants who are management, counseling services, chore currently on our Section 8 waiting list. workers, legal help, medication management, meal delivery, medical equipment and supplies, “Especially at a time when so many families are transportation, fall prevention services and struggling, the Housing Commission is deeply emergency response services. $673,000 Scattered Sites Renovation Project Completed

The GRHC has completed a total of $673,000 in improvements to 20 Scattered Sites units that are rented to low-income households through our Section 8 Project-Based program. The renovations have been funded through HUD Capital Fund program grants.

Improvements were completed in December and include... • Sewer line and drainage renovations • Concrete and driveway repairs • Interior and exterior lighting improvements • Landscaping improvements The kitchen at 929 Thomas St. SE before (left) and after renovation • Kitchen improvements, including new flooring, cabinets, counter tops, appliances • Energy- and water-saving Antoine Court Apartments Construction Update improvements • Exterior and storm door replacement • New roofing • New smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

Residents affected by the improvement project were offered alternate housing while their unit was being renovated.

Welcome, New Board Members!

Jay Connor has been appointed to As of February, construction at veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. The the Ransom Avenue Development Antoine Court Apartments is on development is also open to adults who Corporation, the governing entity schedule, with utilities installed have a disability as well as seniors ages for Ransom Tower Apartments. and work progressing on the second 62 and older. Jay brings more than 25 years of and third floors of the three-story information technology expertise structure. Located on Division The GRHC leveraged $1.4 million to the board; he is currently the Avenue between Antoine Street SW in federal Low-Income Housing GRHC’s Computer Network and Delaware Street SW, Antoine Tax Credits (LIHTC) to fund the Systems Administrator. Court will feature fifty 690-square- $13.5 million development project. The foot one-bedroom apartments and a GRHC is the developer for Antoine Ellen Fitzgerald has been appointed community room. Court; the project architect is Isaac to our Resident Advisory Board. V. Norris & Associates and Triangle Ellen represents the Mount Mercy Supported by the Section 8 Project- Associates is the construction manager/ Apartments community. Based Voucher program, Antoine general contractor. The building is Court will provide a preference to scheduled to open in October 2021.

2 RAC Pilot Concludes GRHC Opens HUD EnVision Center at Campau Commons The Rental Assistance Center (RAC), a two-year pilot program the GRHC has administered since late 2018, concluded in October 2020. Funded by the City of Grand Rapids, the RAC provided rental readiness services to Grand Rapids residents who earn 80 percent or less of the Area Median Income and who have had a rental housing application denied by a landlord. The center also provided a clearinghouse for rental property owners seeking qualified tenants. From left, Mrs. Candy Carson, former U.S. Department of HUD Secretary Ben Carson, HUD Midwest Regional Administrator Joseph Galvan and GRHC Executive Director Carlos The RAC received more than 900 A. Sanchez (retired August 2020) tour the Campau Commons Community Center, site of a applications from prospective renters new Grand Rapids EnVision Center. during its two years of operation; 593 eligible renters were referred During late summer 2020, the Homeownership programs that support to community resources. Fourteen Housing Commission welcomed HUD GRHC residents on their journey percent of applicants were experiencing Secretary Ben Carson, his wife Candy toward economic independence. homelessness at the time of application Carson, and HUD Midwest Regional Services at the new center will support and 48 percent were “doubled up” with Administrator Joseph Galvan to the households that reside in the City of relatives or friends. Campau Commons Community Grand Rapids and are at or below the Center; the visitors toured the facility federal poverty level. Referral services provided included in celebration of its designation as help with identifying prospective HUD’s Grand Rapids EnVision Center. The GRHC recently applied to rental opportunities and accessing the AmeriCorps VISTA program emergency housing as well as referrals The EnVision Center Demonstration to recruit a full-time AmeriCorps- to credit and financial counseling and program seeks to help participants in funded worker who will work with employment, legal, educational and HUD-assisted programs work toward the GRHC Resident Services team eviction prevention resources. self-sufficiency by establishing central and partner organizations to engage hubs that offer support in the areas of residents and community leaders The primary barriers to successful economic empowerment, educational in innovative activities that foster housing rental were low income (51 advancement, health and wellness, stable neighborhoods and workforce percent), low credit score (28 percent) and character and leadership. The development. and prior eviction (10 percent). EnVision Center initiative is based on the idea that financial support The VISTA worker will help to shape The National Low Income Housing alone is insufficient to solve the service offerings through research on: Coalition reports that in 2020 the fair problem of poverty. Intentional and • Community neighborhood market rent for a two-bedroom unit in collective efforts across a diverse set of stabilization planning efforts the Grand Rapids area was $962. In organizations are needed to empower • Key issues impacting workforce order to afford this rent without paying households to self-sufficiency. development more than 30 percent of income on housing, a resident would need to earn The GRHC is the host of the Another focus will be identifying an hourly wage of $18.50 per hour Grand Rapids EnVision Center in funding opportunities that would help assuming a 40-hour work week; the recognition of well-established Resident the Grand Rapids EnVision Center minimum wage in Michigan is $9.65. Services, Family Self‑Sufficiency and grow capacity and service offerings.

1 3 Earnings and unemployment rate by educational attainment, 2019 Median usual weekly earnings Unemployment rate COLLEGE PAYS. Master’s degree $1,497 2% Bachelor’s degree $1,248 2.2% FACTS FROM THE U.S. BUREAU Associate’s degree $887 2.7% Some college, no degree $833 3.3%

OF LABOR STATISTICS High school diploma $746 3.7% Less than a high school diploma $592 5.4%

GRHC Offers $2,000 Resident Scholarships—Apply by May 11

The 2021 Jean McKee Resident • Applicants seeking to return to college • Copy of letter of acceptance from an Scholarship competition is underway! or vocational school must provide accredited vocational school, college or Established in 2000 in memory of an official high school or college university. longtime Housing Commissioner transcript which demonstrates that Jean McKee, the Resident Scholarship the applicant is a high school graduate Current College or Vocational program offers college scholarships to and had a cumulative high school or School Student: eligible residents of GRHC housing college GPA of at least 2.5. Complete • Letter or email of recommendation programs. Scholarship winners receive application requirements follow. from an instructor or counselor at $500 per year for up to four years, • Must attend an accredited vocational applicant’s school; email must be from for a total scholarship award of up to school, community college, college or the instructor’s school email account. $2,000. Since the program’s inception, university as a full-time student. • Official school transcript that shows: the GRHC has awarded scholarships • Scholarship winners are eligible to - A cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. totaling $40,000, helping 39 residents renew the scholarship annually for up - Enrolled full-time during the term pursue higher education. to four years. Continuing requirements: preceding application. - Maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA. - Enrolled full-time for the upcoming Eligibility Requirements: - Maintain full-time enrollment. fall term. • Must have been a resident of a GRHC housing program for the past year. Application Requirements by Adult Seeking to Begin or Return • Household must be in good standing Applicant Status: to College: with the GRHC in accordance • Official high school or college with our Housing Choice Voucher All Applicants: transcript which demonstrates that Administrative Plan and Admissions • Completed Jean McKee Resident the applicant is a high school graduate & Continued Occupancy Policies. Scholarship Application Form. and had a cumulative high school or • Open to graduating high school • Short essay (300 words) on the college GPA of at least 2.5. seniors, current college or vocational topic “My career goals and how the • Copy of letter of acceptance from an school students, and adult residents educational program I am pursuing accredited vocational school, college or seeking to begin or return to college will help me reach these goals.” university. or vocational school. Graduating • Proof of full-time enrollment for the high school seniors, FSS Program Graduating High School Senior: upcoming fall term. participants and undergraduate • High school transcript that shows students will receive priority status. graduation and minimum GPA of 2.5. Jean McKee Resident Scholarship • Graduating high school seniors and • Letter or email of recommendation Program application materials are those currently attending college must from a teacher or administrator at available at www.grhousing.org. have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 the applicant’s high school; email (C+ letter grade). Complete application recommendation must be from the Application deadline: requirements follow. teacher’s school email account. May 11, 2021

4 To Our Community Partners and Volunteers: Thank You!

The GRHC board and staff are Life EMS sincerely grateful to all of the LINC UP, Shaquille Anthony community organizations, donors Mainstreet Association, Leonard Leek and volunteers who have stepped up Manpower throughout the year to help the families Meals on Wheels of Western Michigan Meijer we serve maintain housing stability, Michigan Department of Health food security and access to health and Human Services (DHHS) care and educational opportunities Michigan Rehabilitation Services during uniquely challenging times. MSU Extension While our staff could not host our Multitude Ministries annual “Thanks for Giving” partner National Heritage Academies recognition event this year, we salute Neighbors of Belknap Lookout all of the wonderful organizations and New Hope Baptist Church individuals who support our residents First Park Church North End Community Ministry (NECM) and agency, including: First United Methodist Church Nonprofit Innovations, Inc. Alpha Women’s Center Forest Hills Presbyterian Church Notions Marketing Alternatives in Motion Kurt and Margaret Freund Oakdale Neighbors Area Agency on Aging of Western Mich. Friends of Grand Rapids Parks Oakdale Park Church Assoc. for the Blind & Visually Impaired Fuller Avenue Christian Reformed Church Pastor Ron Marckini Aimee Baskovic Garfield Park Neighborhood Association Patriot Agency, Charlie Batizy Baxter Community Center Genesis Non-Profit Housing Corporation Podiatry West Senior Foot Care Services Baxter Neighborhood Association Grace Hill Church Reliance Community Care Partners Boston Square Christian Reformed Church Dr. Meridell Gracias The Salvation Army Bridge Street House of Prayer Grand Rapids Fire Department Samaritas Brookside SERVE Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) Senior Neighbors Calvin University GRPD Community Officer Tony Leonard Senior Sing A-Long Campus Elementary GRPD Community Officer Tyler Smith Simply a Loving Touch (SALT) Care Resources Grand Rapids Public Library Emily Sluiter The Care Team Grand Rapids Public Schools SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access & Catherine’s Health Center Lunch Program Recovery) Central Reformed Church Grand Rapids Symphony St. Alphonsus Parish Change at the Edges Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing St. John’s United Church of Christ City of Grand Rapids Crime Prevention Griffin Pest Solutions St. Luke A.M.E. Zion Church City of Grand Rapids Mobile GR & Guardian Angel Home Health Care St. Robert of Newminster Parish Parking Services Grand Valley State University (GVSU) Gary Stowie Clancy Street Ministries Family Health Clinic at Mount Mercy Temple Emanuel Comcast, Hugo Carmona GVSU Kirkhof College of Nursing The Rapid Covenant House Academy Head Start for Kent County James Trimble CQI Coverage Quest Insurance Group Heartside Gleaning Initiative Two Men and a Truck Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services Hispanic Center of West Michigan United Health Care Mara Deckinga Holland Home United Way 2-1-1 Delaware Manor, Susan Liden Home Repair Services Unity Christian High School Disability Advocates of Kent County Hurst Mechanical University of Detroit Mercy Dwelling Place Inner City Christian Federation (ICCF) Village of Heather Hills Easterseals Kathleen Jackson Visiting Physicians Association Effex Management Solutions Kent County Community Action Volunteers in Service Family Outreach Center Kent County Health Department West Michigan Works Feed My People Ministry Kent School Services Network Women’s Resource Center Feeding America West MI Food Bank Keystone Retirement Services Wyoming Housing Commission Fifth Third Bank LaGrave Ave. Christian Reformed Church YMCA l YWCA

1 5 Human Resources Update Section 8 Homeownership Program Orientation Meetings Scheduled Staff Promotions The GRHC offers eligible Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Deshario Collins has been promoted from Part-Time recipients the opportunity to use their Section 8 Housing Custodian at Hope Community and Sheldon Apartments to Assistance Payment toward a home mortgage payment rather Full-Time Custodian at Ransom Tower Apartments. than rental housing expenses. Our staff works with West Michigan lenders and realtors to bring prospective home Shakerah McRae has been promoted from Section 8 owners a flexible, supportive program that provides not only Coordinator to Admissions and Leasing Supervisor. In her administrative assistance but also information families can new role, Shakerah will administer the admissions process for use to plan and finance a home purchase. GRHC housing programs, ensuring that admissions activities are in compliance with HUD regulations and agency policies. The GRHC is offering four Section 8 Homeownership program orientation meetings this year; all will be held at Vickie Nystrom has been promoted from Section 8 2:00 p.m. Meeting dates: Coordinator to Housing Choice Voucher Compliance 3/16/21 6/15/21 9/21/21 12/14/21 Coordinator. In her new role, Vickie will implement the GRHC’s Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program’s leasing The March meeting will be virtual, and a link to the online and occupancy policies and procedures in accordance with meeting will be provided to those who register to attend. The HUD regulations and agency policies. format for the June, September and December meetings has Welcome, New Staff not yet been finalized. For more information about the program and to register Kimberly Brown is a new Section 8 Coordinator at the for the March orientation meeting: GRHC main office. Kimberly comes to the GRHC from an www.grhousing.org/home-ownership-program.php FSS/Section 8 Coordinator position with Wyoming Housing Commission.

Ziyah Dock is the new Resident & Family Self-Sufficiency In Memoriam, Shelley Wisdom Services Specialist serving the residents of Sheldon Apartments. Ziyah has 22 years of social work experience, Shelley chats most recently with Forest View Hospital in Grand Rapids. with a neighbor while showing off Elisabeth Gladyness is the new Office Assistant at a holiday craft Mount Mercy Apartments. Elisabeth has more than ten during a 2018 years of office and customer service experience and comes to Leonard Terrace the GRHC from Network 180. Art Fest event.

Erica Kurban is a new Section 8 Coordinator at the GRHC The GRHC board and staff are saddened to report main office. Erica comes to the GRHC from Professional the December passing of Shelley Wisdom, a longtime Property Management where she was a Property Manager. GRHC resident and, since 2007, a valued member of the Leonard Terrace Housing Corporation board. Bradley Moore is the new Custodian at Campau Commons and Creston Plaza. Bradley comes to the GRHC from a Shelley was a beloved resident of Leonard Terrace custodial position at Metro Health Hospital. Apartments where she served as Resident Assistant for many years. The staff who had the pleasure to know Jesston Whitley is the new Financial Analyst at the GRHC Shelley as well as her neighbors will remember her main office. Jesston has more than three years of accounting friendly, cheerful demeanor and unfailing kindness. experience and comes to the GRHC from Applied Imaging.

6 Eviction Prevention Tips GVSU Receives Grant to Provide Behavioral Health & Resources Services at Mount Mercy Clinic

GRHC Residents: Report Income Changes The GRHC is working with our residents and landlords to help families maintain stable housing during these challenging times. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program clients and residents of our housing developments are encouraged to promptly report any change in income or circumstance that may necessitate income recertification.

Residents of GRHC developments should contact their GRHC Housing Management staff. GRHC Housing Choice Voucher program participants should email [email protected] to Mount Mercy Apartments hosts the GVSU Health Clinic at Mount Mercy; the development serves seniors ages 55 and older. report their situation.

Grand Rapids Eviction Prevention The Grand Valley State University psychiatric mental health nurse Program (GVSU) Kirkhof College of Nursing practitioner, a nurse case manager and recently received a two-year, $500,000 two part-time peer support advocates The City offers an Eviction Prevention grant from the Michigan Health who will work with the primary care Program in collaboration with the Endowment Fund to establish “Project team. Telehealth and in-person services state Department of Health & Human Thrive,” an initiative that expands are available. Services and other partners. For service at the GVSU Health Center information, phone 2-1-1 or 459-6281. at Mount Mercy to include not only Services at the GVSU Health Center at primary care but also behavioral health Mount Mercy are overseen by Doctor support. of Nursing Practice-level faculty and a medical doctor. The goals of the center Support Hope Community Since spring 2019 the GRHC has are to improve access to early preventive partnered with Kirkhof College of services, address safety in the home and SpartanNash is offering a “Direct Nursing (KCON) to host the GVSU ultimately optimize patients’ ability to Your Dollars” charitable donation Health Center at Mount Mercy, a successfully age in place. The Health drive that is helping the GRHC raise dedicated on-site clinic that serves Center also provides valuable clinical funds for our Hope Community Rapid the senior residents of Mount Mercy experience to GVSU students who are Re‑Housing program. Apartments as well as other seniors in pursuing medical careers. the community. Like Project Thrive, the When you shop at Family Fare, D&W Health Center is funded by a Michigan During 2020 the Health Center Fresh Market or Forest Hills Foods, Health Endowment Fund grant. By logged 244 visits, with care that please save your receipts. Once we’ve adding a behavioral health component included health screenings, nutritional collected $150,000 in original receipts, to the Health Center, KCON seeks to counseling and a flu vaccine clinic. the GRHC can exchange those to enhance the center’s comprehensive, receive a $1,000 check in support of integrated care approach. Seniors interested in learning more Hope Community! For details about about services available at the GVSU how to donate your receipts: Project Thrive gets underway this Health Center at Mount Mercy can www.grhousing.org/hope-community.php winter, adding the services of a contact the center at (616) 331-9830.

1 7 GRAND RAPIDS HOUSING COMMISSION PRSRT STD 1420 Fuller Avenue SE U.S. Postage Grand Rapids, MI 49507 PAID Grand Rapids, MI Permit No. 564 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/ AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

2021 Agency Plan Public Hurst Mechanical Employees Bring Safe Holiday Cheer Hearing on March 16 to Mount Mercy Residents

The Grand Rapids Housing Commission has drafted our 2021 Annual Agency Plan, a document that summarizes the Housing Commission’s recent activities and outlines our goals and objectives for the year ahead. The draft GRHC Agency Plan is available for review online at www.grhousing.org.

The GRHC will hold a Housing Commission meeting and a virtual public hearing regarding the 2021 Mount Mercy Resident Services Specialist Erin Shibley (left) and Asset Manager Toni Coristine Annual Agency Plan on Tuesday, prepare to deliver the holiday meal boxes donated by Hurst Mechanical employees. March 16, at 6:00 p.m. A link to the virtual meeting will be available The kind and generous employees of Hurst Mechanical once again stepped up to March 16 at www.grhousing.org. brighten the holidays for residents of Mount Mercy Apartments, a 180-unit senior development that serves ages 55 and older. Submission of public comments: During the meeting the Housing The Hurst Mechanical staff has made hosting a wonderful holiday buffet an annual Commission will use technology to tradition at Mount Mercy; this year called for a new twist on that festive event, so facilitate typed comments that may the company got creative and replaced the buffet with delicious catered boxed feasts be read or shared with the Housing featuring roast beef, chicken, brats, sauerkraut, potatoes and gravy, apple pie and Commissioners and other attendees. more. The boxes were delivered to our very grateful residents by GRHC staff. Alternatively, email your comment or question in advance to: Many thanks to all of the Hurst Mechanical employees who made the holidays [email protected]. special for our residents with this thoughtful gift, and kudos to Hurst Mechanical's Sherrill Morgan and GRHC Resident Services Specialist Erin Shibley for coordinating the holiday meal event!

Grand Rapids Housing Commissioners: Bobbie Butler, President; Betty Zylstra, Vice President; Angela Bunn, Patrick Miles Sr., Monica Steimle-App; GRHC Interim Executive Director: Hattie Tinney Beenen Editor: Joyce Smith; Staff Contributors: Hattie Tinney Beenen, Jenn Boerman, Judy Cannon‑Groce, Felicia Clay, Wanda Couch, Mia Gutridge, Maria Lara, Allison Mercer, Eulondon Reeves, Erin Shibley, Lynn Simone, Eric Turkaleski, Michael Weaver, Siobhan Williams Published by the Grand Rapids Housing Commission to keep residents, community partners and other supporters informed of our affordable housing programs. Please send questions, comments or story ideas to: Grand Rapids Housing Commission, 1420 Fuller Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507; E-mail: [email protected]. Copyright 2021, all rights reserved.