Dear ICCF Community Homes friends and partners,

On March 16, hundreds of ICCF friends gathered for the 2023 Houses to Homes Gala. It was truly a blessing to get together once again in person to celebrate the progress made toward housing justice in the last year.

During the program, I talked about the current realities of the housing market and also introduced a special neighbor. Devetta Blakely, pictured with her family on the cover of this issue, came to ICCF seeking a new home and a new life for herself and her grandkids. It took years and a few setbacks, but she finally completed her homebuyer education and was able to purchase a home in the Community Homes Land Trust. Devetta now serves on the Land Trust board and hopes to help others find “home” too.

A recent study concluded that Kent County needs nearly 35,000 new housing units to be built between 2022 and 2027, just to meet demand. Within the city of Grand Rapids, the need is estimated at 7,951 rental units and 6,155 homeownership units. In the rest of Kent County, the need is 5,107 rental units and 15,486 homeownership units.

Friends, these are big numbers, bigger than any single company or organization can provide. It would be easy to become paralyzed by the enormity of the need. But when we step closer, we find ways to fill in our part of the puzzle. For example, in the last 12 months ICCF Community Homes built over 56 new homes and apartments, preserved 650 affordable rentals, and sold 9 houses, and we are not slowing down in the coming years.

We know that others in the for-profit and nonprofit housing industry are doing their part as well. Regular economic forces will handle much of the demand at the highest price points, but at ICCF Community Homes we also operate with God’s economy in mind. Here, Jesus taught us that the last will be first, and needs are addressed from the bottom up instead of top down. It’s challenging work, it’s not profitable, and it does not always make sense from the world’s point of view. But it is God’s path for us, and for our neighbors like Devetta who have found safety even in the midst of the economic storm.

Wherever you are, I hope you can experience the safety and peace of home. Thank you for continuing to support housing justice for all.

Grace and peace,

Learn more about our vision for housing justice and how YOU can make an impact. RSVP to: Ellen Hekman at ehekman@iccf.org or 616.336.9333 x617

Ryan VerWys President and CEO rverwys@iccf.org

P.S.

Hear more of Devetta’s story at iccf.org/stories