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About Us

A home can change lives

About Us

A home can change lives

  • Mission and Vision
  • Why We’re Here
  • Our Values
  • FAQ
  • Sustainability

Bringing People Together.

Our Mission: Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity of Kent County brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope.

Our Vision: A world where everyone has a decent place to live.

Get Involved

DEI Guidelines and Expectations

We believe that Habitat for Humanity exists to collectively correct the inequities around affordable housing.

  • Commit– We commit ourselves to the education of all people connected to HFH Kent. We agree to acknowledge why HFH is needed. We respect all opinions and recognize there are no DEI experts among us, but we are committed to the process of continuous learning and growth.
  • Advocate– We will advocate for Education, Listening, and Empathy while striving to understand and respect the diversity among ourselves and the community.
  • Step– We will step in perpetuity, seeing this as a journey we will take together. There is no ending, the game will not conclude, and there is no win unless we commit to the steps above.
  • Achieve– We know there will be challenges to overcome. We will strive to see others through a different lens than we have in the past in order to achieve our mission of bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope.
Building More Together

We’re building a world where every family has
a chance for a better tomorrow.

What we do:

Build, Rehab and Repair Homes.

Provide financial and homeownership training to homebuyers.

Contribute to Neighborhood Revitalization.

How we do it:

Work one-on-one with homebuyers

Focus on neighborhoods, listen to neighbors

Get involved with neighborhood & business associations

Partner with other organizations to implement innovative solutions

We build more because people from all walks of life join together to volunteer and support our work.

Why We’re Here

Health & Wellness

Frequent moves and living in unsafe or unhealthy housing can have detrimental effects on children’s mental and physical health. In a Habitat home, cleaner airflow, lower stress levels, resources to invest in healthcare, and feeling safe and secure all contribute to healthy living. Click to learn more.

Education

Housing instability can affect how children perform in school, and can even put whole classrooms behind. Students who move less often do better in school and their parents can pursue dreams of higher education. Click to learn more.

Why We’re Here

Financial Stability

Lower-income families often spend a majority of their income on housing, leaving fewer resources to support health and education. An affordable mortgage lets homeowners pay down debt, accumulate savings, and build equity.

Neighborhood Focus

The neighborhoods where we live help determine our outcomes. Habitat homes contribute to stronger neighborhoods by increasing property values, stabilizing housing, and encouraging investment and civic engagement. Click to learn more.

Our
Values

Bridge Building:

Build trust & positive alliances across the organization
Seek common ground
Practice positivity
Focus on solutions
Show humility

Inclusion: 

Act with compassion & respect
Keep an open mind
Practice acceptance
Listen to understand
All are welcome

Stewardship: 

Act in support of the greater good
Prioritize integrity & credibility
Be open & honest
Advance our mission with passion

Growth Minded: 

Do the best you can, always
Be resilient
Always be learning & growing
Be hungry for achievement
Have a “can do” attitude

Our
Values

Faith in Action: 

We demonstrate our faith in God by serving families with generosity, humility and love.

Hope:

We build hope and create opportunities for families seeking a better life through neighborhood revitalization and homeownership.

Integrity: 

We act with fairness, honesty, and respect in our relationships and in the stewardship of the resources entrusted to us.

Healing Racism: 

We partner wholeheartedly with individuals and families of every race, color, and national origin, and advocate together for the elimination of racism in our community.

Sustainability: 

We are committed to sustainable practices which benefit families, neighborhoods, communities and the environment.

Collaboration: 

We partner with all stakeholders, empowering us to achieve our mission.

Frequently Asked Questions…

Does Habitat give away homes?

Habitat homes are not given away. Qualifying families purchase their homes with up to a 30-year, zero-interest mortgage.

What is affordable housing?

Habitat Kent partners with people who are in need of safe, stable, and affordable housing. At Habitat Kent we view “affordable housing” as those who earn less than 80% of the area median income for Kent County (maximum approximately $53,000 per year gross household income for a family of four). But income isn’t the only requirement to partner with Habitat Kent, all future homeowners must have a need for housing (physical conditions, space, safety) and be willing to partner with us by purchasing the home and earning sweat equity hours.

How many families has Habitat Kent helped?

Since July 6, 1983, we have helped over 600 families turn their dreams of homeownership into reality and have lifted over 1,500 children out of substandard housing.

Does Habitat partner with families long-term?

Yes, we are committed to the long-term sustainability of Habitat homeowners, their economic success and the neighborhoods where they live. We do not walk away when a family moves into their Habitat home – we walk alongside them all the way through their final mortgage payment. Because of this partnership, Habitat Kent homeowners have a 94% success rate in maintaining homeownership long-term.

How does Habitat ensure racial justice?

In a spirit of partnership, Habitat Kent is intentionally focused on eliminating racism and working to ensure that all people, regardless of their race, have the resources and opportunities they need to reach their full potential. We will keep this focus on racial justice while revitalizing neighborhoods in the greater Grand Rapids area in partnership with the Habitat Board of Directors, homebuyers, donors, volunteers and staff.

How many people volunteer with Habitat Kent?

On average we have 5,000 people volunteer with Habitat Kent every year.

Are Habitat homes LEED-certified?

Yes. All new Habitat Kent homes and gut rehabs are LEED-certified. Nearly 152 homes (and every new home since 2007) have been LEED certified, making Habitat Kent one of the largest green builders in the nation. LEED certification means a warm, safe, healthy home and saves our families hundreds of dollars every year on energy bills. For families living near the poverty line, these savings each month eliminate the decision between food and heat.

What is Habitat ReStore?

Habitat for Humanity ReStore sells new and gently-used building materials and home improvement products to the public at discounted prices. Proceeds help Habitat Kent fund the construction of even more Habitat homes. All Kent County ReStores are open to the public: everyone is encouraged to donate, shop and volunteer.

What economic impact does Habitat have in the community?

According to the National Association of Home Builders, the estimated one-year economic impact of building 30 Habitat homes includes:

  • $2.6 million in local income
  • $250,000 in taxes and other revenue for local governments
  • 44 local jobs

How does Habitat Kent compare to other Habitat affiliates?

Habitat Kent is Michigan’s top producing Habitat affiliate.

What has Habitat Kent been recognized for?

-Since 2007, every new home built by Habitat Kent has been LEED certified

-U.S. Green Building Council member since 2008

-2011 LEED for Homes Outstanding Program Commitment

-Built first LEED Gold Version 4 standards from the U.S. Green Building Council, or USGBC in Michigan and Midwest (2016)

-2015 Nomination for West Michigan Business Forum Sustainable Business of the Year Award

-2015 Better Business Bureau Torch Award Finalist

-Selected affiliate to take part of the Habitat International neighborhood revitalization initiative

-Michigan Affiliate of the Year (2007, 2014)

-Habitat for Humanity International 2013 Affiliates of Distinction Honorable Mention

-2013 EPIC Non-profit of the Year

-Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center 2013 Work Based Learning Center Site of the Year

-Campus Compact award for partnership with Grand Rapids Community College

-Finalist for the Good Neighbor Award through the Neighborhood

-The State of Michigan Disability Council awarded Habitat Kent the “Corrie Bair Inclusive Communities Award for Housing” for building homes with “ZeroStep” entry

-“Approved Environmental Group” by 1% for the Planet

-Habitat Kent received the award of “Deal of the Year” by Grand Rapids Business Journal

-Sam Mompongo Award of $1 million in tithe contributions

-Completed neighborhood revitalization Building Blocks Campaign of $5 million that served 200 families in two years.

-Served more than 600 families in Kent County

– Veteran Non-Profit of the Year and Non-Profit of the Year award from the “2015 WGVU I Have Made a Difference Awards”

-2016 Governor’s Energy Excellence Award for best communication and education program.

-Neighborhood Business Awards 2015 Best District Promotion (Granville Avenue Neighborhood promotion funded and support by Habitat Kent neighborhood revitalization)

-Gerald R. Ford Job Corps “2016 Community Partner of the Year”

-2016 Habitat Kent became an official LEED Power Builder

-2017 MiBiz Best Managed Nonprofit

-2016 Outstanding Affordable Developer/ Builder of the Year (USGBC)

-Kent County Land Bank Authority Affordable Housing Achievement Award (February 23rd, 2017)

-2017 Indoor airPLUS Leader Award (Affordable Builder Category)

-2017 Create Great Collaboration Award (Center for Community Leadership)

-2017-2017 HWMUW Grant Recipient

How does Habitat Kent support our local education system?

Habitat Kent partners with Grand Rapids Public Schools Academy for Design & Construction and Grand Rapids Community College M-TEC. These students learned cutting-edge building skills firsthand while giving back to their community and working alongside a Habitat partner family.

A Home Can Change Lives

Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity of Kent County brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.

  • Main Office:

    425 Pleasant St. SW
    Grand Rapids, MI 49503
    (616) 774-2431

  • Main Office Hours:

    Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 5pm*

    *Main office currently closed to the public

  • North ReStore:

    5920 Alpine Ave NW, Comstock Park
    (616) 647-9292

  • Store Hours:

    Monday-Friday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
    Saturday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

  • Donation Drop-Off Hours:

    Monday-Friday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
    Saturday: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

  • South ReStore:

    5701 Division Ave S, Wyoming
    (616) 531-4591

  • Store Hours:

    Monday-Friday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
    Saturday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

  • Donation Drop-Off Hours:

    Monday-Friday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
    Saturday: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

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Learn more about our coronavirus (COVID-19) response.

Veteran Homeownership Wait List Application

Home Repair Wait List

Group Interest Survey

  • Habitat for Humanity of Kent County provides a variety of volunteer opportunities which can vary depending on the group size, age restrictions, season and general availability. Construction opportunities are full day commitments. Should you prefer a partial day activity or volunteers to work in shifts you will be scheduled for specific tasks or in one of our 3 ReStore locations.
  • Age restrictions apply to certain projects and will be enforced. Most tasks require volunteers to be at least 16 years old. Specific jobs may allow other ages. These restrictions will be indicated by a member of the volunteer services department when a date is offered.
  • Please acknowledge that you understand groups may not be confirmed until 30-60 DAYS PRIOR TO THE DATE AGREED UPON by our volunteer services department. Due to the volume of requests for volunteer opportunities, we will ask that you agree/disagree to the date we offer within a week’s time (unless otherwise noted in our email). This ensures we can look for an alternative date if necessary and place you within a timely fashion.
  • After the completed form is submitted expect to be contacted by a member of our volunteer services department within one week.

Home Improvement Program (Repair Program)

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  • If you are interested in our repair program, please review the following Selection Criteria sheet and then fill out and return the application. Be sure to include all of the required supporting documents that are listed on the last page.

    We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or lawful source of income.
  • Selection Criteria

  • 1. Proof of Homeownership

    ‐ Own home in our project coverage area that is your primary residence.

    ‐ Provide Proof of Homeowners Insurance Coverage (if you don't have home insurance, let us try to help you obtain it)

    ‐ Be current on property tax payments (to be verified by Habitat through city website) and be current on mortgage payments.

    ‐ Veteran applicants may apply if living with relative who owns home.

    ‐ Have no more than $20,000 in cash assets.

    Due to funding requirements, Habitat Kent’s repair program only partners with homeowners from the above Grand Rapids, Michigan neighborhoods. If you have questions about your neigborhood location or would like refferals to other home repair services please call (616)-588-5258.
  • 2. Willingness to Partner with Habitat

    ‐ Complete application package and participate in application process.

    ‐ Perform required “Sweat Equity” volunteer hours if applicable.

    ‐ Be willing to accept a forgivable lien against property.

    ‐ Be present at home the day the work is being completed if possible.

    ‐ Maintain an attitude of cooperation and treat all stakeholders with respect.

    3. Ability to Pay for Repair

    - Total household income plus a modest percentage of home value cannot exceed the applicable limit in the chart below (percentage of home value only included when the home is worth more than $153,360).

    ‐ You must be willing and able to repay up to 40% of the total project cost.

    ‐ A reasonable payment plan will be offered to applicants who have a debt to income ratio less than 40%. Applicants that are not approved for a payment plan will have the option of paying 40% of the total project costs up front.
  • AMI limits updated 6/8/18

    Note: Habitat for Humanity of Kent County approves repair projects based on critical repair assessments, health & safety needs, budgetary constraints, and location. We reserve the right to decline any potential project that does not fit our stated goals.
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  • We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or lawful source of income.

    Instructions: Completely fill out the application (please complete all blanks). If your application is incomplete, you run the risk of not being accepted into the program. Along with this application, please be sure to turn in copies of all documents on the List of Supporting Documents which is on the last page. Please turn in the application by the due date written on page one. Your application will be kept confidential.
  • Applicant Information

  • Date Format: MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • Co-Applicant Information

  • Date Format: MM slash DD slash YYYY
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  • Current Housing Information

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  • Household Information

  • *Please list everyone, other than applicant, who resides in the home.
  • Date Format: MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • Date Format: MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • Date Format: MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • Date Format: MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • Date Format: MM slash DD slash YYYY
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  • Need

  • Please place a check mark next to your need(s):
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  • Willingness to Partner

  • As part of the Willingness to Partner criteria, you will be required to pay a certain amount of the expenses incurred to repair your home. You will also be required to to sign a forgivable lien. Please read the following points carefully:
  • 1. The co-payment will be 40% of total project costs. Sweat Equity can be completed to lower the co-payment to 30% of the total project cost.

    2. You will be required to sign a forgivable lien also known as a forgivable second mortgage in the amount of the total project expenses. This lien will be reduced over time and will be forgiven after 5 years as long as you make your agreed upon payments. The forgivable lien helps ensure that you are not taking advantage of the program to repair your home so that you can immediately sell it for profit. Living in the home for at least 5 years after the repairs are complete effectively means the forgivable lien will not effect you at all.

    * By signing below, you are indicating your Willingness to Partner with Habitat *
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  • Asset Information

  • *Please list all household cash assets (checking & savings accounts, CDs, other bank accounts, cash, etc.) If you have more than $20,000 in cash assets, then you do not qualify for this program.
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  • Employment Information

  • Date Format: MM slash DD slash YYYY
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  • Income Information

  • *Please list all monthly household income amounts before taxes and deductions.
  • Applicant Income Information

    Type of Income:
  • Spouse or Household Member 1 Income Information

    Type of Income:
  • Household Member 2 Income Information

    Type of Income:
  • Household Member 3 Income Information

    Type of Income:
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  • Feedback

  • *How did you hear about Habitat for Humanity (please check all that apply)
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  • Agreement, Authorization, and Release: Applicant and all household members age 18 and older: I am authorizing Habitat for Humanity of Kent County, Inc. (HFHKC) to evaluate my actual need for repairs to my home, my ability to repay the amount agreed upon for repairs, and my willingness to partner with Habitat. I understand that the evaluation will include personal visits (including an inspection of my home). I understand that providing false information is grounds for denial. I also understand that completion of this application in no way guarantees that I will receive assistance through the HFHKC Neighborhood Improvement Program. I authorize HFHKC to pull my credit report and screen my name against sex offender registries. I also understand that data collected from this application may be used along with other applicant data for statistical analysis. Confidentiality of personal information will be maintained according to HFHKC's Confidentiality Policy.

  • *Please read the following statements carefully and sign - *All household members who are age 17 and over should sign.
  • Applicant and all household members age 18 and older: I am authorizing Habitat for Humanity of Kent County, Inc. (HFHKC) to evaluate my actual need for repairs to my home, my ability to repay the amount agreed upon for repairs, and my willingness to partner with Habitat. I understand that the evaluation will include personal visits (including an inspection of my home). I understand that providing false information is grounds for denial. I also understand that completion of this application in no way guarantees that I will receive assistance through the HFHKC Neighborhood Improvement Program.

    I authorize HFHKC to pull my credit report and screen my name against sex offender registries. I also understand that data collected from this application may be used along with other applicant data for statistical analysis. Confidentiality of personal information will be maintained according to HFHKC's Confidentiality Policy.

    17 year olds: By signing below, I acknowledge that HFHKC will screen my name against sex offender registries. Confidentiality of personal information will be maintained according to HFHKC's Confidentiality Policy.
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  • Confidentiality Policy

  • *All information in your application package will be kept confidential

    Habitat for Humanity of Kent County is committed to maintaining the confidentiality of non-public information regarding applicants, homebuyers, and homeowners in compliance with the law. Accordingly, board members, employees, and volunteers who are permitted to have access to non-public information regarding applicants, homebuyers, and homeowners shall not disclose any of it to third parties without their consent, except as permitted by law. Access to non-public information (such as personal information, tax returns, pay stubs, income documentation, credit reports, housing payment status and history, etc.) is restricted to board members, employees, and a limited number of volunteers on a need-to-know basis.
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  • Information for Government Monitoring Purposes & Statistical Analysis

  • Please read this statement before completing:The following demographic information is often requested by the government to monitor our compliance with equal credit opportunity and fair housing laws. You are not required to furnish this information but are encouraged to do so. The law provides that we may neither discriminate on the basis of this information nor on whether or not you choose to furnish it. If you do not wish to furnish this information, please check the box indicating so.
  • APPLICANT:
  • CO-APPLICANT:
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  • Neighborhood Improvement Program List of Supporting Documents

  • Please be sure to turn in COPIES of all of the supporting documents listed here with your completed application. Do not include original documents with your application.
  • *Note: providing bank statements that show the deposit of benefits is insufficient. We require copies of your most recent benefit letters of benefit statements.
  • Drop files here or
    If you are unable to upload digital copies. Please mail or drop-off paper copies to Habitat for Humanity of Kent County 425 Pleasant St. SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
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