Rhonda Kleyn, Director, Grand Haven Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) Mission Statement: "Create strong, vibrant neighborhoods through sustainable housing." NIP - Neighborhood Impact Program HEP - Housing Education Program FEC - Financial Empowerment Center DHHS Navigation partner Free tax preparation assistance Show Me the Money Day - last Thursday. Had 75 participants, best attendance ever. NIP - Neighborhood Impact Program - Partnership with Northpointe Bank
- Homeowners are eligible for up to $7,500 in home repairs
- Roof, siding, windows, insulation, furnace (nothing cosmetic)
- Nearly $80,000 applied to ten projects across northwest Ottawa County last year.
Housing Education Services - Homebuyer education
- Pre-purchase counseling
- Foreclosure preventon
- Financial capability classes, including student loan counseling and renter education
- Taught by certified housing counselors
- Open to all Ottawa County residents
Financial Empowerment Center - Love in Action, Habitat for Humanity and the People's Center all send all clients to NHS
- Open to the public
- No cost
- One-on-one coaching
Department of Health and Human Services Navigation Partner - 25-30 clients per year
- Saves tri cities residents the trip to Holland or Muskegon
Acronym for the population that is in need of better housing conditions: ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) People may fall into this category if they are paying more than 30% of their income for housing. Most jobs advertised in Ottawa County pay under $14 per hour. At this level of earnings, a person could afford to pay up to $728 per month in rent. If a person earning $14 per hour could save for a down payment, they may be able to afford a $104,000 home. |
