Dwelling Place hosted a Resident Orientation Event at the 106 Gallery located at 106 S. Division Ave, to help their residents living in the Heartside/Downtown area to get connected with community resources.
s housing communities consisting of 448 permanent supporting housing units which provide homes for persons who were recently unhoused, were fleeing domestic violence, people with disabilities, or people who are facing mental health challenges.
Resident Support Coordinator, Shannon Trout said, “The idea behind developing a resident orientation was to create space for new and existing residents to learn about community-based events and activities offered through Dwelling Place, for our residents to feel a sense of belonging in a welcoming atmosphere. We have so many great things going on; art events, volunteer activities, gardening, learning opportunities, and more. I wanted our residents to have a chance to ask questions, sign up, and make connections to the folks hosting these activities.”
Supportive housing is a highly effective strategy that combines affordable housing with coordinated services. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, numerous studies show that supportive housing helps vulnerable people live and thrive in their community, leading to increased housing stability.
The Resident Orientation Event hosted on February 14, in the Heartside neighborhood at the 106 Gallery, featured the following aspects of the supportive housing programming provided by Dwelling Place:
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Flower Arranging and Community Gardens Slide show - Presented by Jonathan DeHaan, Community Garden Coordinator who collaborates with residents on community gardening at Dwelling Place properties, holding cooking events, going on field trips to Frederick Meijer Gardens and the farmer’s market, and other activities centered around health and food systems.
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Support Services Workshops – Including Mindfulness and Financial Coaching, promoted by Shannon Trout, one of the Resident Services Coordinators (RSC) at Dwelling Place who walk alongside residents as they navigate behavioral and physical health systems. RSC’s connect residents to health clinics, cooking classes, wellness programs, leadership classes, and additional events and resources that can enrich their lives.
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& Typewriter Poetry – Provided by Dwelling Place Artist in Resident, Pharaoh Muhammad Khalil. As Artist-in-Resident, Pharaoh works with local artists to create a sense of place and belonging inviting community into the 106 Gallery for weekly events.
Dwelling Place Community Gardener, Jonathan DeHaan, said, “one resident told me that the simple act of creating a bouquet was relaxing, therapeutic and allowed her to express her inner creativity. She made many arrangements and told me they were to give anyone who might need cheering up.”
“A third of the attendees signed up for our new Introduction to Mindfulness class. This is a topic that I'm passionate about sharing with others, so I am grateful for the chance to introduce more people to it,” said Trout. “I am looking forward to this event evolving over time and featuring a variety of activities and information.”
In addition, residents got information about Dwelling Place programs which are available to anyone in the community, including:
“As a resident of the community, I really loved this event and - Dwelling Place resident.
“The experience today was not only informative and engaging, but I [also] got a chance to meet my community.” - Dwelling Place resident.
“We had a good turnout for our first event and there was a lot of great conversation, music, and smiling faces. One of the event participants even shared some original poetry on the mic which was an awesome highlight,” said Trout.
Dwelling Place will continue hosting quarterly Resident Orientation Events for residents, with the next one scheduled for the afternoon May 14th.
With a mission to improve the lives of people by creating quality affordable housing, providing essential support services, and serving as a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization, Dwelling Place serves families and people in 4 counties across West Michigan. Dwelling Place is powered by volunteers and numerous staff persons, interns, Americorps workers, and guest writers. Thanks to JD Sullivan, Americorps/VISTA Dwelling Place CB&E Communications Coordinator for his contribution of this article.
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