ICCF Community Homes - Blueprints, Summer 2021

EMERALD FLATS: FINDING COMMON GROUND

In This Issue A Message from Our CEO Returning to "Life as Normal" Finding Common Ground Impact of You Houses to Homes 2021

Blueprints SUMMER 2021

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO ICCF BOARD OF DIRECTORS Rhoda Kreuzer, Chair Partners in Action, Inc. Jamecia Adams, Vice Chair Keller Williams Realty Andrew Miedema, Treasurer Great Lakes Region of the Wesleyan Church Arlen-Dean Gaddy, Secretary Erhardt Construction Marjie Dood BASIC Benefits LLC Lee Hardy Calvin University William Jackson Spectrum Health Teresa Jones Christian Reformed Church in North America Jason Kuiper Inontime, Inc. Eunice Lopez-Martin Steelcase Tom Paarlberg Greenridge Realty Tom Prince Hungerford Nichols Johana Rodriguez Quist Literacy Center of West Michigan Lexi M. Woods Warner Norcross + Judd LLP Cameron Young Behler-Young

Dear ICCF friends and partners, One morning in early June, I was heading in to work when I encountered one of 415 Franklin’s residents by the front door. I had met her before, so I said hello and asked how she was doing. She informed me that she was about to leave for a surgery and was feeling nervous. I felt led to ask if we could take a minute and pray together, which we did.

Everyday holy moments like this happen when we are able to connect as people, especially in the same physical space. While I am grateful for the technologies that have allowed us to continue our work and outreach over the past year, I still believe the best encounters happen in physical space, unmediated by screens and algorithms.

These encounters can happen almost anywhere, but I believe that well designed and shared buildings are particularly good at setting the table for connection. That’s why I am especially proud of ICCF and our partners for safely working through the pandemic to transform the former Eastern Elementary building into our newest development, Emerald Flats. Like the two developments we opened just before the pandemic, this will be a mixed use, mixed income residential building.

A unique aspect of Emerald Flats is our partnership with Oasis Community of West Michigan. Oasis is led by parents whose goal is to create housing that allows their adult children with disabilities to live independently in community. They will be utilizing several apartments at Emerald Flats, whose residents will benefit from a quiet neighborhood that is close to amenities and transportation. In fact, we built a barrier-free three-bedroom apartment specifically for Oasis, and you can get to know the three young women who will live there in the pages of this Blueprints.

When Emerald Flats opens later this summer, it will also be home to Madison Church’s North Campus and will feature apartments designated as low income, market rate, and workforce housing. I look forward to the blessings and fruitful encounters that will take place in this restored building.

As we gain more opportunities to encounter one another in person, my hope is that you also will experience holy moments wherever you find yourself in the months ahead.

Grace and Peace,

GO GREEN & STAY UP TO DATE WITH ICCF Sign up for the e-version of Blueprints today!

Ryan VerWys President and CEO rverwys@iccf.org

Contact Marie Tiemersma Eakin at mtiemersmaeakin@iccf.org or call (616) 336-9333.

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B L U E P R I N T S Summer 2021

FINDING COMMON GROUND At Emerald Flats, our newest affordable multi-family development, several units will be reserved for adults with physical and intellectual disabilities to foster community and independence for our neighbors.

Roommates Alice, Lauren, and Renee are wonderfully excited about their new apartment. It has a bedroom for each of them, a full kitchen and living area, and beautiful tall windows that overlook the surrounding neighborhood.

In addition to these perks, their unit has another vital amenity—it is completely barrier free. The zero-step shower has a handy seat and extra-wide entrance. The hallways and doorways are just a little wider to comfortably accommodate a wheelchair or walker, and the countertops are slightly lower. For these three ladies, it is the perfect place to call home.

Their apartment at ICCF’s new Emerald Flats building was specially designed through a partnership with Oasis Community of West Michigan. Many of the units have been earmarked for adults with intellectual and sometimes physical disabilities. Together, we envision a thriving community where adults with disabilities can live independently alongside other residents at Emerald Flats.

The building itself is conveniently located in a quiet neighborhood close to downtown Grand Rapids, near two main bus routes. It was designed with community in mind, and will also be home to the Madison Church: North Campus and have Sunday morning worship services. This mixed-income, multi-use space was the perfect place to incorporate units with accessibility at the forefront of design.

B L U E P R I N T S Summer 2021

The building was originally designed to accommodate students with disabilities.

THE FIRST OF ITS KIND Eastern Elementary started as a revolutionary school for children with physical disabilities. It was built in 1929 with extra-wide hallways and doorways. It featured physical and occupational therapy in addition to traditional classes, and was the first school in the district to utilize bus transportation for students. The elementary school offered hot lunch at school for students who could not walk home during break.

The building was designed for health and wellness. A sun room with large windows for light and ventilation was created to benefit anemic and pre-tubercular students. A common belief of the time was that fresh air was essential to the health of individuals with polio, so the windows to the school were never closed—even in the dead of winter.

The elementary school was active until 2008, when funding cuts and lack of enrollment caused it to close. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014 and

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Finding Common Ground, continued

The traditional housing model of adult group homes or assisted living facilities isn’t the right fit for every adult with disabilities. Alice, who uses a walker for long-distance travel, is looking forward to the freedom that will come with having her own apartment.

“It makes me feel happy to live on my own,” she said. “To make my own choices, the way that I want to live my life.”

Furthermore, in West Michigan and across the nation, the number of adults with disabilities who need accessible housing continues to grow.

The old school gymnasium undergoes renovations.

purchased by ICCF the following year. A vision began to grow for more affordable housing opportunities from this old school building. With four stories at its tallest point and approximately 62,500 square feet, there was plenty of room to imagine a building that could benefit the whole neighborhood.

As renovations near completion on the building this summer, the final project contains 50 units of affordable “workforce” housing. This term is used to refer to housing that is affordable to households earning between 60 and 120 percent of area median income (AMI). Emerald Flats will offer apartments reserved for three tiers of workforce housing, ranging from studios to three-bedroom units.

Affordable housing is a huge need in Grand Rapids.

Approximately 57% of Grand Rapids households spend more than 30% of their income on housing alone. But for individuals with intellectual or physical disabilities, housing is even more of a challenge. There simply aren’t as many opportunities for accessible, independent living.

That’s where the Oasis Community of West Michigan came into play.

CREATING AN OASIS FOR ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES Oasis is a local nonprofit organization that supports parents of adult children with intellectual and physical disabilities.

They focus on housing to meet a critical need for families, helping answer the question of where an adult with disabilities can live on their own.

“Five years ago we decided to focus on housing because it’s a bridge we all have to cross at some point,” said Steve Johnson, past president of Oasis. “We wanted [our children] to have self-direction, to have choice, to have a place for them to feel like they can live their life the way they want to. And that became Oasis.”

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Future roommates Lauren and Renee explore their new apartment.

“In the Kent Intermediate School District, there are over 15,000 students who get special education services,” said Grace Smith, President of Oasis. “When those kids become adults, they’re allowed to participate in a transition program until they’re 26 years old. Our goal is to get them ready to move into more independent housing situations [before that time].”

The Oasis model includes a part-time staff community builder and program manager; people who will check in on Oasis residents, make sure everything is running smoothly, help coordinate needs like transportation, and plan community-building events.

GETTING MOVE-IN READY Now that the units are nearing completion, the Oasis residents are getting excited. Future resident Will remarked, “Right now I’ve been writing down notes, like little stuff that I need to get prepared, like a blender, silverware, things like that.” Another resident, Kirsten, said, “I’m looking [forward B L U E P R I N T S Summer 2021

RETURNING TO "LIFE AS NORMAL" Perhaps our experiences over the past 15 months have been more than just a loop out and then back to “life as normal.” Hopefully, we’ve all learned some things that expand our gratitude for the blessings in our lives and also deepen our commitments to the values we hold dear.

What matters most? Who matters most? How can we live more wholly, care more deeply, love more meaningfully?

An old classroom becomes a beautiful new kitchen.

to] just being able to make my own decisions; being able to walk to work, take the bus, and just being able to do what I want to do.”

They have gone through a regimen of “transitioning training” to help them prepare. Some helpers are making tutorial videos for basic apartment living skills: what to do if your toilet overflows, how to properly use the stove, what not to put down the drain, how to set a mousetrap, how to safely answer the door, and more. It’s about finding independence and freedom—something all people hope to achieve.

“We should so labor in our times that what came to us as seed may go to the next generation as blossom, and what came to us as blossom may go to them as fruit. This expresses the true spirit in the love of human kind.”

Rev. Henry Ward Beecher Henry Ward Beecher (June 24, 1813 – March 8, 1887) was an American Congregational pastor, social reformer, and speaker, known for his support for the abolition of slavery, among other things. At a time when the immediate crisis was upon this nation, Rev. Beecher, while deeply engaged in the struggle, also saw beyond to enduring values.

Seed … blossom … fruit.

From generation … to generation … to generation.

Returning to “life as normal” only works if normal was a good thing. ICCF helps people achieve a new normal where they can think long-term because their housing is secure. There’s a sense of belonging, and the feeling that you can count on this sense of belonging to be there, not just today, but tomorrow, and the tomorrow after that.

Alice and her mom Camille are excited for her new freedom and independence.

“The simplest thing can help—greeting each other in the hallway, helping them open the mailbox,” said Grace. “Just be polite and kind to each other. Common ground—that’s exactly what we’re looking for. When people are living in the same building, they’ll find that common ground.” B

Legacy giving, through a bequest in your will, an IRA beneficiary designation, a gift annuity or other ways to give, helps ICCF transform what “life as normal” means for many in our community. > To become an ICCF Homes & Hope donor, visit www.iccf.org/planned-gifts, or contact Hank Kroondyk, at hkroondyk@iccf.org.

For more information about Oasis Community of West Michigan, visit oasiscommunity.info.

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Over 100 guests joined us online and the same number filled seats at two onsite locations for this year’s Houses to Homes Gala. We are so grateful for all who joined us to celebrate the victories of the last year and look ahead to what is to come.

During the celebration, we honored Bob Van Stright and Orchard Hill Church for their service with the Ebenezer Award presentation. We enjoyed music by PMR and singer Verlla Vee, plus three special videos featuring interviews of ICCF residents, partners, and staff members. We highlighted ICCF’s new home at 415 Franklin and partnership with Madison Church. Our CEO Ryan VerWys reminded us of how “connection” is not only neighbors in shared spaces, but also collaboration between people and organizations to benefit our whole community.

This year’s theme verse was Isaiah 1:17 (The Message): “Learn to do good. Work for justice. Help the down-and-out.

Stand up for the homeless. Go to bat for the defenseless.”

Thank You to our Sponsors: GRAND SPONSORS

BENEFACTOR SPONSORS

PATRON SPONSORS Ajacs Die Sales Corporation

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FRIEND SPONSORS Growtrust Partners

Chris and Heidi Mangione

Hilbrands Landscape Management, Inc.

Rockford Construction

John and Linda Carman, in memory of Adeline “Pete” Nienhuis

Duane and Jeannette Kelderman

James and Deanna Smith

Kynda

Comcast

Steve and Barb Timmermans

Mitchell and Jill DeJonge

Lake Michigan Credit Union

VanderLugt, Mulder, DeVries & Elders

Aaron and Afton DeVos

Lumbermen’s, Inc.

Greenridge Realty, Inc.

Macatawa Bank

William and Patricia Waanders

Bill and Annette Byl

CHAMPION SPONSORS

Olivier-VanDyk Insurance

Anonymous Beene Garter Chesapeake Community Advisors, Inc. The Corbett Family DeStigter Architecture & Planning Dominican Sisters – Grand Rapids Steve & Nicole Dyer Fence Consultants of West Michigan

Grand Rapids Community Foundation Art and Betsy Hasse McGraw Construction Modern Hardware Monsma Marketing Corporation Overhead Door Co. of Grand Rapids Partners in Action, Inc. PNC Bank

Pries Supply Co. Inc. Spectrum Health – Community Engagement Truss Technologies – West Michigan Truss Urban League of West Michigan Warner Norcross + Judd LLP West Michigan Community Bank

B L U E P R I N T S Summer 2021

MEET OUR 2021 HOUSES TO HOMES GALA EBENEZER AWARD RECIPIENTS "Thus far the Lord has helped us." 1 Samuel 7:12

ORCHARD HILL CHURCH Over the last year Orchard Hill Church has restored 7 homes as part of the Community Homes Initiative. In March 2020, just as the pandemic was beginning, Orchard Hill took on 5 homes as part of their spring mission week. They continued their commitment to ICCF in the fall when they restored another home and again this spring when they completed 2 more homes during another mission week.

“We believe that being part of the Community Homes Initiative is a tangible way for Orchard Hill Church to share the love of Christ with our community,” said Associate Pastor Laura Dilley. “We have seen the effects of the housing crisis on our community and our hearts’ desire is to be a part of providing a Christ-centered and long-term solution for those looking for safe and affordable housing in the midst of it. God has granted us an awesome partner with ICCF, allowing our team to serve in this way!”

BOB VAN STRIGHT Robert “Bob” Van Stright has been an advocate for ICCF for 25 years, first as a donor and more recently as a volunteer.

Bob has helped with the renovation of 9 homes since 2019.

He believes a home provides not only security, but a place where relationships grow, where learning happens, and where love is realized.

Bob learned to appreciate the effort required to make a house a home while watching his father finish their attic. Throughout the years, Bob and his wife Karen have remodeled many different homes, and he was excited to step in and volunteer in this way with ICCF. “It was a huge step of vision and confidence that moved ICCF to initiate their Community Homes Initiative,” said Bob. “I believe it is having a great impact in providing affordable homes in Grand Rapids. I am so thankful and glad for the opportunity to participate in a very small way in moving that vision forward.” B > Interested in volunteering at ICCF? Contact Sheryl Baas at sbaas@iccf.org

LUNCH & LEARN

Would you like to learn more about our vision for housing justice and how YOU can make an impact?

SEPTEMBER 16

OCTOBER 21

DECEMBER 2

Churches

Open to All

Open to All

> RSVP to Marie Tiemersma Eakin at mtiemersmaeakin@iccf.org B L U E P R I N T S Summer 2021

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415 Franklin St SE, Suite 100 Grand Rapids, MI 49507

EASTERN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL,CIRCA 1930, SOON TO BE EMERALD FLATS OUR MISSION

Equitable Opportunity | Affordable Homes | Thriving Neighborhoods P: (616) 336-9333 | ICCF.org

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