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West Michigan Housing Crisis
West Michigan is facing an unprecedented lack of affordable housing due to scarce housing stock, options too distant from jobs and childcare, and home prices that are too high.
Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity is currently building 42-home development in Holland in partnership with Jubilee Ministries, with future large scale developments in the works in order to meet the need for affordable homeownership in our community.
Meet Victoria.
Victoria is a future homeowner partnering with Lakeshore Habitat and will call Buttermilk Creek Townhomes her home.
Even though Victoria holds a degree and has a successful career in accounting, she still struggles like many others to find affordable housing in our area.
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Becoming a single parent shortly after her son, Josiah, was born, Victoria started renting a one-bedroom space from family and used this time to pay off debt acquired from her past marriage. As she thinks about finally owning her own home, she shares "It's something I didn't think was possible as a single parent, but it's the stability I've strived for since my son was born."
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As she gains a deeper knowledge of the homebuilding and homebuying process, she is eager to pass this knowledge on to her son, Josiah, and be an equipped homeowner who can confidently use her learned skills to provide for her family.
Did You Know?
In Ottawa County, 8,765 renters and 12,954 homeowners are cost-burdened (meaning they are paying 30% or more of their income toward housing costs). More than 1,100 housing units are considered sub-standard in that they pose a risk to the health and well-being of occupants, neighbors, and visitors.
By the Numbers
The data is clear: We need to build more affordable homes in Ottawa County. A Housing Needs Assessment in 2019 showed the need for 949 entry- and mid-level for-sale homes in the City of Hudsonville, Georgetown Charter Township, and the Jenison community, all by 2022.
What a Difference a Home Can Make
From providing a source of wealth to influencing health and educational outcomes to contributing to community development, home ownership has long-lasting, life-changing impacts.
Overall
93% feel better about their children's future
Family Interaction
89% spend more quality time with their families
Voting
Homeowners are 16% more likely to vote in the local elections.
Social Connectedness
86% participate more in groups or activities in the community
Higher Education
Children of homeowners are 19% more likely to graduate from high school and 116% more likely to graduate from college.
Education
96% of parents say their child's attitude toward school has improved
Homeowner Taxes
An estimated $300,000 in annual taxes is paid to municipalities by Lakeshore Habitat homeowners (for 150 homes).
Security and Stability
57% of homeowners moved six or more times prior to becoming a Lakeshore Habitat homeowner
Volunteering
12,768 hours were volunteered in fiscal year 2018-2019. Volunteering provides an opportunity to build community and be a part of the solution to the affordable housing crisis.
About Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity
Since 1990, Lakeshore Habitat has been serving families through our affordable home building and repair ministry.
We build and sell affordable homes to families who are not eligible to receive mortgages from a conventional lender. Our process is a partnership; homeowners complete volunteer hours and participate in financial education.
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When a home is completed, we originate an affordable 20- to 30-year mortgage at zero profit, and the new homeowner assumes responsibility for it.
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