ICCF Community Homes - Blueprints, Winter 2020

In This Issue A Message from Our CEO Impact of You Helping Residents Thrive Meeting Housing Needs Decades into the Future Housing Pipeline

Blueprints WINTER 2020

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO ICCF BOARD OF DIRECTORS Johana Rodriguez Quist, Chair Literacy Center of West Michigan Rhoda Kreuzer, Vice Chair Partners in Action, Inc. Marjorie Dood, Treasurer Montage, Inc. Arlen-Dean Gaddy, Secretary Erhardt Construction Jamecia Adams Keller Williams Realty Kevin Einfeld BDR Custom Homes Lee Hardy Calvin University, Retired William Jackson Spectrum Health Teresa Jones Christian Reformed Church in North America Jason Kuiper Inontime, Inc. Andrew Miedema Mercantile Bank Tom Paarlberg Greenridge Realty Cameron Young Behler-Young Company

Dear ICCF friends and partners, It is a joy and honor to see the face of someone holding the keys to their own home for the first time. There’s nothing like it.

In our work, we value and celebrate individual accomplishments like these. But we also work to change the system that makes it so difficult for some of our neighbors to achieve “home at last” to begin with. We know that a history of redlining and neglect still affects us today. Our present housing crisis, in which home prices have risen much faster than wages, has had an outsized effect on those households who were never able to buy their homes, build wealth, and take control of their housing costs in the first place.

In light of these challenges we look toward an idea known as the Beloved Community. It’s a concept that has been around since the early 20th century, but it was popularized by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who spoke of a place where racism, poverty, homelessness, and hunger are eliminated and are replaced by an all-inclusive spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood. Grand Rapids has a long way to go before we reach the Beloved Community, but we must move forward.

We believe the Beloved Community requires both the active pursuit of justice in the housing system and the building of authentic relationships with our neighbors. That’s why we take time to talk with them in groups and individually, to listen and learn more about their goals and aspirations. We are re-envisioning our Housing and Family Services programming to better support the hopes that are being shared. In this issue you will read about neighbors including Heather and Ashley, who are working hand-in-hand with ICCF staff to move beyond challenging circumstances and build better futures for themselves and their families. Taking our cue from tenets of the Beloved Community, we are working to remove the division and disrupt uneven power dynamics between provider and client.

In serving, we aim to welcome our neighbors and build relationships that go beyond mere transaction. We want to rejoice with those who are rejoicing, and come alongside and support those who are hurting. Thank you for your part in supporting this important work.

Grace and Peace,

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

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

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Ryan VerWys President and CEO rverwys@iccf.org

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS HONORING GIFTS Gifts in Memory: Pauline Arbuckle Jeanne Bergsma N. Henry and Gertrude Beversluis Ruth Brower Bill Dracht Patricia Jehle

IMPACT OF YOU: JIM HAYWARD

James Kirkwood

When Jim comes into our offices to volunteer once a week, he doesn’t make a big splash. That’s how he prefers to work - quietly, diligently, making a difference. Since 2010, Jim has been volunteering about 2 hours each week for the Housing & Family Services team.

“I appreciate that ICCF works with people in all different stages of housing needs and meets them where they are,” says Jim. He has the important job of entering survey results from our financial education classes, which allows our team to review the impact and refine the way our programs are run. This, in turn, results in a greater impact and more empowerment for our community.

Martha VanSledright

Gifts in Honor: AnnaMae Bush Jonathan and Grace Bradford Bill and Annette Byl Stephanie Ranck Banbury Family Steve and Amy Ruis

“Over the past year and a half, I have had the privilege of working with Jim,” says Volunteer & Stewardship Coordinator Katie Brower. “Jim’s work has a large impact at ICCF. It frees up time for our HFS educators to work with clients and helps ICCF to implement a model of continuous improvement in our education classes. Jim’s commitment to ICCF through weekly volunteering is a huge gift and we are so grateful!”

CELEBRATING STAFF MILESTONES

> Interested in volunteering with ICCF? Contact Katie at kbrower@iccf.org.

Veronica Arvizu - 20 years

Mike Remo - 25 years Jan van der Woerd - 5 years Jessamyn Libolt - 5 years

LUNCH & LEARN FEBRUARY 27

Would you like to learn more about our vision for housing justice and how YOU can make an impact? Join us from 12-1pm on the following dates:

APRIL 30

young professionals

MAY 28

SEPTEMBER 24

> RSVP to Marie Tiemersma Eakin at (616) 336-9333 ext 411 or mtiemersmaeakin@iccf.org

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Resident Engagement Manager Ardrace working with CJ and Ashley

HELPING RESIDENTS THRIVE For residents who live in ICCF-managed properties, supportive services encourage residents beyond filling the housing need — they equip residents to thrive.

“It’s been a huge blessing to have ICCF be a backbone and be a support system,” says Ashley. Ashley is a resident at ICCF apartments on LaGrave Avenue in downtown Grand Rapids. She is one of six youths who were experiencing homelessness before finding a home here, and she’s also a member of the Permanent Supportive Housing program. This program, offered in partnership with organizations like Bethany Christian Services, is specifically designed for individuals who are currently or chronically homeless.

laying my head, and who I have to pay, and trying to work at the same time so I have money to eat,” Ashley explains. “Being at LaGrave, I’m able to focus on my career.”

Early in January, friends and neighbors held a baby shower in her honor at the community room inside the LaGrave apartments, and her ICCF case manager Gabriela Guzman dropped off donated diapers to help the new mom. Ashley was blown away by her friends’ generous gifts of a car seat, crib, bouncy chairs, dozens of diapers, and baby clothes.

Gifts from a baby shower hosted by Ashley’s friends.

Since Ashley moved into her new apartment in April 2019, she’s become close with two neighbors after being introduced at a resident engagement event. “It’s a blessing. I’m getting to know their kids, and they’re getting to know me. It’s like a little family here.”

Ashley is a driven young woman, looking forward to welcoming her first baby girl in March while studying to become a licensed cosmetologist. The time commitment for cosmetology school is equivalent to a full-time job for two years, and students are required to make up any missed hours.

“When I was homeless, it was hard to meet those school requirements while worrying about where I’m 4

“I talk with God every day, and I’m thankful,” says Ashley. “Waking up in this building, being able to have heat, water, laundry, a shower, a safe environment, and other people to call if I was in danger — people don’t understand how huge a blessing that is.” And with Gabriela just a phone call away, Ashley now has a safety net as she navigates school, adult life, and being a first-time mom.

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STABLE HOUSING AS A FOUNDATION FOR GROWTH “We’re really meeting people where they are,” explains Berniz Terpstra, Vice President of Housing & Family Services. “Our involvement depends on their goals and aspirations.” Each month, the HFS team sends out an email newsletter with upcoming events, services, and announcements. In this way, residents can take advantage of as many or as few programs as they’d like.

In all, the HFS team of 12 manages about 340 households, ranging from apartments to townhomes and single-family homes. About half of those residents actively engage with the supportive services offered

by ICCF, above and beyond their normal interactions with property management. And this number will continue to grow as new affordable properties are remodeled and developed.

safe 3-bedroom unit at Carmody Apartments, where they have lived for almost four years. As the need for housing was satisfied, however, there was more work to be done.

Heather was now focused on providing things like nutritious food and warm clothing for her daughters.

Shanelle White, Resident Engagement Specialist at ICCF, was ready with resources, advice, and encouragement for Heather. Shanelle was able to point Heather towards local food pantries for things like supplemental groceries and gently used clothes for her growing girls. Heather expressed a desire to one day join the police academy or manage her own business, so Shanelle shared a roadmap to finish earning her GED. Just a few weeks ago, Heather and her girls enjoyed cookies, punch, and pictures with Santa at a Christmas Party hosted by ICCF. It was a joyful time of meeting neighbors and celebrating the holidays together.

The majority of programs offered by HFS fall into three categories: building relationships, providing tools, and supporting during crisis. Events like a Thanksgiving meal at Family Haven, ICCF’s emergency shelter, or a group outing to the Grand Rapids Symphony’s “Symphony of Soul” concert help make space for residents to form relationships with their neighbors.

Programs at the Community Center focus on practical tools like budgeting, physical and mental wellness, and job opportunities. And in times of need, HFS has curated a large pool of contacts and resources for urgent needs like food, clothing, and childcare.

“Our mission is thriving communities,” says Ardrace Morris, Resident Engagement Manager. “When people are mentally strong, don’t have to worry about food, and their physical health is good, they’re more apt to work on their budget and take the next step to pursue permanent housing.” Stable housing is the key to unlocking many additional steps of food security, opportunities for education, and a healthy work environment.

SUPPORT FOR HEATHER’S FAMILY Heather is a single mom to two girls, ages eighteen months and nine years old. Their home is happy but busy, as Heather balances the needs of her toddler and pre-teen daughters as a stay-at-home mom on disability. A few years ago, she was struggling to find affordable housing for her and her family in Grand Rapids. ICCF was able to offer a clean and B L U E P R I N T S Winter 2020

Heather and her daughters at an ICCF Halloween Party for residents

Earlier in the year, Shanelle invited Heather to attend two programs at 400 Franklin, ICCF’s community center. One session focused on physical and mental health, while the other one included tips about how to talk appropriately with your daughter about puberty and adolescence. For Heather, resources like these are invaluable. Now that she has a stable place for her family to live, she can focus on other components of a full and happy life.

“We’re trying to figure out how to build true relationships with people,” says Berniz. “Not looking at them as if they need help, but focusing on how to build relationships." B

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MEETING HOUSE NEEDS DECADES INTO THE FUTURE From its beginning, ICCF has renovated and built houses to last, helping families put down roots instead of constantly moving from house to house.

The ICCF Homes & Hope Legacy Society is a group of ICCF donors who recognize the vital importance of this long-range timeframe. By giving a “legacy gift” to ICCF, they support ICCF’s mission, not just this year, but for the years and decades to come.

The most common ways to give a legacy gift are: 1) including a bequest gift to Inner City Christian Federation in your will, 2) naming ICCF among the beneficiaries of your retirement accounts or life insurance policy, or 3) making a gift that provides you and your spouse income for life.

Housing justice is by its nature an enduring concern. If you’re wondering how to extend your values into the future through your estate plan, please consider becoming a member of the ICCF Homes & Hope Legacy Society. > For more information, visit iccf.org/planned-gifts, or

contact Hank Kroondyk, ICCF Planned Giving Specialist, at (616) 336-9333 x403 or hkroondyk@iccf.org.

“Over the years we have watched ICCF faithfully use vision, creativity, and dollars to provide good homes for our neighbors. We are eager to support this work into the future, and thankful for the opportunity to include ICCF in our will.”

Marc & Claudia Beversluis

MARCH 12, 2020

HOUSES TO HOMES GALA

More information and tickets at iccf.org

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B L U E P R I N T S Winter 2020

HOUSING PIPELINE

We are continuing development of affordable homes in West Michigan.

To support these projects and more like them, visit iccf.org/donate

415 FRANKLIN

J A N

Apartments, early education center, church worship space, and new home of ICCF offices

CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES

501 EASTERN Affordable housing development with supportive services for formerly homeless youth and live/work units

RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY

F E B

EASTERN ELEMENTARY 50 low-to-moderate income units

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS

M A R

STOCKBRIDGE APARTMENTS 64 mixed-income units, commercial space, and community rooms

RESIDENTS BEGIN MOVING IN

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920 Cherry Street SE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506

CELEBRATING THE 100TH COMMUNITY HOMES INITIATIVE RENEWAL SINCE 2017 OUR MISSION

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

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID GRAND RAPIDS, MI PERMIT #313