housing crisis
COVID-19 shuttered workplaces, but did it make way for new housing?
Submitted 08-29-2024 under NEWS
With a housing crisis gripping Grand Rapids and office buildings sitting empty post-pandemic, city officials and housing advocates are eyeing a bold solution: transforming vacant commercial spaces into affordable housing. “We’re in a...
Together We Are Safe questions AmplifyGR's commitment to true community ownership
by (Together We Are Safe)
Submitted 03-04-2020 under OPINION
City planning has the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody. Jane Jacobs, 1960s activist against gentrification We at Together We Are Safe recognize that we are currently...
From rental application to restraining order, Part 2
by (arcarpenter)
Submitted 10-25-2019 under OPINION
In early September, Jaylynne Yancy filled out a rental application for a unit belonging to United Properties. After a series of negative reviews, public responses, and social media posts described in part one of this article, employees at United...
From rental application to restraining order, Part 1
by (arcarpenter)
Submitted 10-25-2019 under OPINION
In early September, Jaylynne Yancy completed a rental application for a unit belonging to United Properties. She paid the application fee, but was turned down, based on an eviction on her record that had already been cleared with a bankruptcy...
Amplify GR meeting: What does community ownership look like?
by (arcarpenter)
Submitted 07-28-2017 under OPINION
On July 27, 2017 I along with approximately 80 residents from the Southeast side and surrounding areas attended the Amplify GR Community Listening meeting at Living Word Church, 1534 Kalamazoo SE. A non-profit funded by the Doug and Maria DeVos...
Citizens' concerns remain over housing crisis, racial disparities at commission meeting
by (Russell Olmsted)
Submitted 06-08-2017 under NEWS
For 2017, the City of Grand Rapids planned three Commission meetings to be held out in the community rather than the usual commission chambers housed on the ninth floor of city hall. Tuesday marked the second of these neighborhood hosted meetings...
Faces of the Grand Rapids housing crisis: Chanae Jackson
by (arcarpenter)
Submitted 03-24-2017 under NEWS
Grand Rapids Homes for All met last Friday night at Baxter Community Center to talk about the housing crisis and gentrification in Grand Rapids. In this meeting, residents had an opportunity to join the Tenant Union, brainstorm ideas about...
Faces of the Grand Rapids housing crisis: Joyce Daniels
by (arcarpenter)
Submitted 03-23-2017 under NEWS
Grand Rapids Homes for All met last Friday night at Baxter Community Center to talk about the housing crisis and gentrification in Grand Rapids. In this meeting, residents had an opportunity to join the Tenant Union, brainstorm ideas about...
Mel Trotter Ministries opens Youth House to help young men move out of homelessness
by (Mel Trotter Min...)
Submitted 03-23-2017 under NONPROFITS
Mel Trotter Ministries announced the opening of a non-time limited supportive housing unit for young men, ages 18-24, who are experiencing homelessness. The MTM Youth House was established to provide additional housing opportunities for the growing...
Faces of the Grand Rapids housing crisis: Karla Monterusso
by (arcarpenter)
Submitted 03-22-2017 under NEWS
Grand Rapids Homes for All met last Friday night at Baxter Community Center to talk about the housing crisis and gentrification in Grand Rapids. In this meeting, residents had an opportunity to join the Tenant Union, brainstorm ideas about...