Hands-On Learning with Local Students

We’re proud to partner with multiple schools and youth programs to provide students with hands-on learning experiences in building trades. Throughout the year, we’ve worked with Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Hamilton Community Schools, Crossroads Alternative High School, Kent Intermediate School District (KISD), Muskegon Public Schools, West Michigan Construction Institute (WMCI), and YouthBuild Grand Rapids.   As the school and program years come to an end, we’re highlighting the work and impact of four of these organizations: YouthBuild Grand Rapids, Hamilton […]

Welcome, New Board Member, Joel Rahn! 

We’re excited to welcome Joel Rahn to our board of directors!  Joel is the Executive Vice President of Commercial Banking at Independent Bank. He joined Independent Bank in 2018 as Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking, leading the Bank’s commercial banking activities. He has over 35 years of commercial banking experience, including his previous role as Regional President of West Michigan at Chemical […]

Congratualtions and Thank You, Gail!

After 17 years of service, our Family Support Services Director, Gail Hollen, is retiring this spring. During her time with Habitat Kent, Gail has been a steady, compassionate presence for countless families as she worked with them toward their dream of homeownership.  From walking alongside first-time buyers through our homeownership program to celebrating key-in-hand moments, her dedication and passion have shaped […]

Pleasant Hills Phase II Breaks Ground

The next phase of Pleasant Hills is officially underway! We recently celebrated this exciting milestone with some of our closest supporters at a groundbreaking event.   After a year of construction on Phase I, the first seven condos are nearly complete and ready to welcome homeowners. Following the groundbreaking ceremony of Phase II, guests had the opportunity to tour one of the homes, beautifully staged by Delight Remodel & Design.  Phase Two II marks the next step in this 54-unit development in Roosevelt Park. It will include 20 new attached, single-family homes, built […]

Building Together in Muskegon

Staff build days have always been a standout volunteer day at Habitat Kent. They give our office and ReStore staff the chance to have a direct role in home construction. Recently, staff spent two days volunteering at our first home in Muskegon County, helping build a house that a local family will soon call home.  Project Accountant, David, shares, “There is a lot of […]

Welcome, Melissa (Mel) Hatfield, as Habitat’s Business Development Coordinator

Mel Hatfield is a born creative and dynamic entrepreneur. With a career spanning over three decades, she has established herself as a powerhouse in interior design, relationship building, and strategic business development. Mel has an uncompromising passion for community and affordable homeownership.  In her role, Mel will support Habitat for Humanity’s mission by driving strategic growth, building […]

Meet our New Board Members, Jessica and Tom! 

We’re excited to introduce our two newest board members: Jessica and Tom!  Jessica Crosby  Jessica Crosby is the founder of Delight Remodel & Design, where she transforms houses into beautiful, functional homes that reflect the stories of the people who live in them. With a background in design and construction, she brings both creativity and practical expertise to every […]

Breaking Ground in Northern Muskegon

We’re thrilled to share that Habitat Kent is expanding into Muskegon County, and the construction of our very first home in the area is officially underway!  Recently, we celebrated the groundbreaking of the home located at 1351 Ada Ave, Muskegon, MI 49442. This three-bedroom, one-bathroom home is expected to be completed in the fall of […]

Progress in Pleasant Hills

Exciting progress is being made on the first seven condos in Pleasant Hills! Watch the video below for a sneak peek with our CEO, Bev Thiel.  Recently, the site of the homes has been full of activity. Our construction team, Carpenter’s Club members, volunteers, and other partners have been busy getting the siding up, sidewalks […]

Tim and Jessica: The Road to Homeownership

For Tim and Jessica, the road to homeownership taught them many life lessons along the way.  Their journey started about four years ago after Jessica and her daughter moved to the United States. “We first met through our job, and through there, we fell in love, and we ended up moving in together in an apartment,” said Tim. […]