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Team & Board Members

Empowering families by helping make their dreams a reality

Team & Board Members

Empowering families by helping make their dreams a reality

  • Board Officers
  • Board Members
  • Members Emeritus
  • Management Team
  • Finance & Admin
  • Mission Impact
  • Operations
  • Resource Development

Our Team

“Habitat is a life-changing, faith-strengthening experience. After attending my first home dedication, I realized my life would never be the same. Once you experience the eager face of a child showing you their new room and feel the joy of parents realizing this is their home, and see the tears on the faces of the volunteers and sponsors who helped fulfill a dream for this family, you’re changed forever.”

-Habitat Board Member

“It takes everyone to build a community”

Board Officers

Jason Williams, Chair

National Nail

James White, Vice Chair

Cinnaire

Melisha Roberts, Treasurer

Community Volunteer

Jenny Waugh, Secretary

Fishbeck

Board Members

Sonali Allen

Mercantile Bank

Matt Bennett

SpartanNash

Sue Buzzell

Community Volunteer

Lamont Edwards

AECOM

Maria Erazo

Maria Erazo Enterprises

Eric Fischer

BDO USA LLP

Scott Fiser

Bank of America

Steven Hoekzema

TowerPinkster

Fred Johnson III. Ph.D.

Hope College

Kim McLaughlin

Wolverine Building Group

Alexis Reame

Lake Michigan Credit Union

Gregory Schmidt

Warner Norcross & Judd

Janet Veldhouse

Steelcase

Doug Young

Behler-Young

Members Emeritus

John Benz

Community Volunteer

Dan Molhoek

Varnum LLP

Craig Van Ess

West Shore Wealth Management Group

Leadership Team

Bev Thiel

Executive Director

Gail Hollen

Mission Impact Director

Sarah Hotchkiss

Director of Development

Ivor Thomas

Director of Community Development

Wayne West

Director of Finance & Administration

Finance and Admin

Wayne West

Director of Finance & Administration

David Davis

General & Project Accountant 

Cheryl Droese

Accounting Manager

Lesia Joseph

Accounting Coordinator

Cathy Newton

Human Resources Generalist

Mission Impact

Gail Hollen

Mission Impact Director

Andrew Claucherty

Program Specialist

Crystal Bravo

Homeowner Services Specialist

Ben Grostic

Homeowner Services Manager

Sarah Poole

Volunteer Services Manager

Operations

Ivor Thomas

Director of Community Development

Scott Baldwin

ReStore General Manager

Nate Bingman

Driver (ReStore)

Mariela Carreno

ReStore South Manager

Linda Cox

ReStore Associate

Steve Craven

ReStore Associate

Melody Geerlings

Real Estate Specialist

Craig Johnson

Maintenance Specialist

Sarah LaFrance

Project Manager Administrator

Albert Larkin

ReStore Associate

Jon Marchese

Material Recovery Supervisor

John Marek

Warehouse Manager

Bill Moerdyk

Senior Site Supervisor

Rose Moore

ReStore North Assistant Manager

Shane Moore

Rehab Project Manager

Paul Moreau

Warehouse Associate (ReStore)

Steve Nauta

Warehouse Coordinator

William Norton

ReStore Associate

Jason Parsons

Senior Construction Project Manager

Seth Parsons

Driver (ReStore)

Troy Pethers

Site Supervisor

Tom Poll

Warehouse Supervisor

Daniel Quisler

ReStore Associate

Annie Taylor

ReStore Associate

Elvira Torres

ReStore Manager

Brian Williams

Distribution Center Supervisor

Dave Zimmermann

Site Supervisor 

Resource Development

Sarah Pegman

Communications Specialist

Sarah Hotchkiss

Director of Development

Evelyn Fitch

Development Associate

Elyse Mathos

Donor Relations Specialist

Ann O’Keefe

Development Specialist

Mark Ogland-Hand

Senior Donor Relations Specialist

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.

Homeownership Wait List Application

Home Repair Wait List

Home repairs are currently on hold due to COVID-19 precautions. Please share your information with us below to be added to our wait list. Habitat Kent staff will reach out to you soon with more information.

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.

Veteran Homeownership Program Application

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  • Directions

  • Note: The form below is for active duty military members, military veterans, or their household members. All others should click here to submit their information to our main homeownership waiting list.

    1) Review the three criteria on the following page: Need, Willingness to Partner, & Ability to Pay. All three must be true and you must sign.

    2) Fill out the entire application being sure to answer all questions

    3) Include copies of the following documents as applicable. Please do not turn in your application without the applicable accompanying documentation.
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  • Need, Willingness to Partner, & Ability to Pay

  • *Note: All items listed below under the three criteria must be true of the applicant and co-applicant

    Need:

    ‐ Do not currently own a home (owning a mobile home is acceptable)

    ‐ Current housing is inadequate, overcrowded, unstable, or too costly

    ‐ Unable to qualify for a conventional mortgage

    Ability to Pay

    ‐ Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident (with a "Green Card")

    ‐ Have 12 months of stable income

    ‐ Pay rent and other bills reliably & have acceptable credit history

    ‐ Have ability to save at least $1,500 for a home down payment

    ‐ Long-term debt obligation is less than or equal to 38% of gross income

    ‐ Household's average monthly income based on before tax year-to-date

    Willingness to Partner

    ‐ Willing to partner with Habitat by completing 275 to 500

    "Sweat Equity" volunteer hours working on Habitat construction sites, taking free workshops and classes, and performing other approved volunteer activities.

    ‐ Willing to accept available property locations

    ‐ Will attend all required meetings, workshops, & classes

    ‐ Will maintain or improve my financial standing while in the program by working to pay off debts

    ‐ Will participate in the Homeowner Association (if applying for a townhome/condominium)

    (YTD) numbers falls within the range below:
  • Feedback

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  • Applicant Information

  • *Note: Taking on additional debt after submitting this application may disqualify you*
  • Date Format: MM slash DD slash YYYY
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  • Co-Applicant Information (Optional)

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

  • *If applicant and co-applicant have different addresses, use applicant's and include co-applicant's on a separate piece of paper
  • Date Format: MM slash DD slash YYYY
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  • Household Member Information

  • *List everyone, other than applicants, who would live in your Habitat 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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  • Amount of Cash Assets **

  • ** Do not include retirement accounts like 401Ks
  • Types: Checking Account(s), Saving Account(s), CDs, Stocks, Bonds, Cash
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  • Applicant Employment Information

  • Date Format: MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • *If you have had other jobs in the past 12 months, use the choose file link below to attach a document with information on those other jobs.
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  • Co-Applicant Employment Information

  • Date Format: MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • *If you have had other jobs in the past 12 months, use the choose file link below to attach a document with information on those other jobs.
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  • Additional Income Information

  • *Please check ALL monthly household income amounts for all household members
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  • Debt Information

  • *Please list all current debt payments applicant & co-applicant are responsible for paying
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  • Authorization to Release Information: Applicant, co-applicant, and adult household members:</strong> I authorize Habitat for Humanity of Kent County to pull my credit report (applicant & co-applicant only), verify my work history by contacting my current and/or former employer, verify my rental history by contacting my current and/or former landlord, 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 Habitat for Humanity of Kent County's Privacy Policy.

    *All household members who are age 17 and over should sign.
  • Applicant, co-applicant, and adult household members: I authorize Habitat for Humanity of Kent County to pull my credit report (applicant & co-applicant only), verify my work history by contacting my current and/or former employer, verify my rental history by contacting my current and/or former landlord, 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 Habitat for Humanity of Kent County's Privacy Policy. 17 year olds: By signing below, I acknowledge that Habitat will screen my name against sex offender registries. Confidentiality of personal information will be maintained according to Habitat for Humanity of Kent County's Privacy Policy.
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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.
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  • How does the Application Process work?

  • Part I - Initial Application:

    See the directions on page one for more information. Please deliver or mail your Initial Application, copies of the requested documents, and your $10 application fee (waived for Veteran applicants) to Habitat for Humanity of Kent County. Verification forms will be sent to employers and landlords and your credit report will be pulled. We will notify you regarding your status once your application has been processed and the verifications have been obtained.

    Part II - Group Meeting:

    If your Initial Application meets the "Ability to Pay" program requirement, you will be invited to the Phase II Group Meeting. We will give you more information about the rest of the process at this meeting. There will be additional paperwork to fill out and additional documentation to provide at this stage.

    Part III - Home Interview:

    At least two members of our Selection Committee will schedule a home interview with you at your current residence. The committee assists Habitat staff in making recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding who meets program criteria.

    Note that the entire application process from Part I to III can take many months. Please be patient with us and feel free to ask questions when you have them.
  • Frequently Asked Questions

  • WHAT IS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY?

    Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, Christian based housing organization dedicated to providing decent and affordable homes through the construction of new homes and through the repair of existing homes.

    HOW MUCH WILL A HABITAT HOME COST?

    Habitat homes are financed with affordable mortgages. We sell our homes for the appraised value as set by independent, licensed appraisers. A minimum of a $1,500 down payment is required of our homebuyers, but we give homebuyers time to save up the down payment.

    WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE QUESTIONS OR NEED HELP FILLING OUT THE APPLICATION?

    Please call 616-588-5239 or 616-588-5235. Por favor, llame si tiene preguntas sobre el proceso o el programa.

    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.

    Habitat for Humanity of Kent County, 425 Pleasant St. SW Grand Rapids MI 49503. Fax: 616-774-4120 General phone: 616-774-2431
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Home Improvement Program (Repair Program)

Step 1 of 14

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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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