John was looking for a fresh start and a chance to live the life he always dreamed of. He was in a vulnerable living situation and unexpected health issues made it challenging to find an affordable and healthy place to live. Fortunately, as a U.S. Air Force and Vietnam Veteran, John qualified to build and […]
In the past year, Dini and Mansura have been surprised how their house transformed from just a plot of land to the beautiful home it is today. Their home was built in partnership with students from Grand Rapids Community College’s M-TEC Program. Since 2005, GRCC students have helped Habitat Kent build 33 homes. GRCC President Bill […]
Building a Habitat Kent home takes more than timber, cement, and vinyl. It takes a homebuyer willing to believe that they can accomplish more. Therese took on the challenge of building and purchasing a new Habitat Kent home in the Roosevelt Park Neighborhood. Her hard work will provide a bright future for her three daughters […]
While most students associate the end of the school year with studying for exams, cleaning out lockers, and longing for summer, a group of Grand Rapids Public Schools students were celebrating a project that took the entire school year to complete. Juniors and seniors at GRPS’ Academy for Design and Construction (ADC) spent the 2017-2018 […]
The journey to Habitat homeownership takes encouragement and endurance, which ultimately leads to growth and stability. For Floridalma, her first encouragement came from her brother, who is a Habitat homeowner in Guatemala. “He said that Habitat can help people obtain a home and that our [living conditions] will change if we pursue it,” Floridalma said. […]
On April 14th, 2018 Habitat Kent volunteers and community members gathered together to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act and the passing of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Guest speakers, Liz Keegan of the Fair Housing Center of West Michigan and Dr. Fred Johnson III of Hope College, inspired attendees to build […]
“We are supporting people not projects.” This March, I had the opportunity to represent Habitat Kent at the 2018 Habitat Haiti Affiliate Summit. The summit provides an opportunity to experience how tithe support is building strength and stability in Haiti. Habitat Kent gives a small percentage of our unrestricted funds to Habitat affiliates in developing […]
Stability, community, and a strong foundation are realities of life for a majority of West Michigan families. But for Amadou and Housseinatou, these were once only dreams. The Hassanas emigrated from Cameroon four years ago, seeking a chance for a stronger future for their family. They left behind the security of home for an opportunity […]