ICCF Community Homes - Blueprints, Winter 2022

COMMUNITY CONNECTORS — BRINGING NEIGHBORS TOGETHER In This Issue A Message from Our CEO Impact of You The Ministry of Being Present Housing Pipeline

Blueprints WINTER 2022

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO ICCF BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jamecia Adams, Chair Keller Williams Realty Lee Hardy, Vice Chair Calvin University Tom Prince, Treasurer Hungerford Nichols Arlen-Dean Gaddy, Secretary Erhardt Construction Rhoda Kreuzer, Past Chair Partners in Action, Inc. David Contant Build Design Restore (BDR) Mary DeYoung Gray Space Collaborative Marjorie Dood BASIC Benefits LLC William Jackson Spectrum Health Teresa Jones Christian Reformed Church in North America Eunice Lopez-Martin Choice One Bank Brianne Pitchford Triangle Associates Inc. Johana Rodriguez Quist Literacy Center of West Michigan Lexi M. Woods Warner Norcross + Judd LLP Cameron Young Behler-Young

Dear ICCF friends and partners, It is incredible to think that in April we will mark one year of working in our new building alongside Madison Church: Franklin Campus, the Jacquline Baber-Bey Early Childhood Center, and 41 households living on our second and third floors. When we chose to move ICCF’s offices to this building, a key motivator was the concept of Proximity.

I have long believed in the power of spontaneous encounters and holy moments that take place as we live and work near each other. At ICCF we believe in this idea so strongly that we have incorporated it into the way we manage our multifamily developments. Each apartment building we manage includes one market rate apartment that ICCF subsidizes and sets aside for a special member of our staff: the Community Connector.

These Community Connectors are called to practice a ministry of presence in their buildings, to focus on relationships and community building. They also serve as on-site staff to ensure that tenants’ essential needs and safety are looked after. Their primary goal is not to run programs or evangelize. However, as they form relationships with their neighbors, the opportunities for ministry or formal assistance may present themselves organically. In this issue of Blueprints you will meet some of our Community Connectors and learn how moving into the neighborhood has allowed them to be part of their neighbors’ flourishing.

Whatever your neighborhood looks like, each household has the same basic need for connection and community. God has placed you near people who yearn for human flourishing. I hope this year you will make an intentional effort to get to know your neighbors. If you’ve never moved beyond a quiet wave on your way out the door, perhaps you might feel called to stop and talk for a minute. Maybe you’ll come to realize that there are ways you can minister to each other’s needs that you never realized before.

In the months ahead, if you have a particularly purposeful encounter or holy moment with your neighbors, I would be blessed if you would reach out and share your story with me. Let’s encourage each other to continue learning how to do the simple and profound ministry of being present.

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 Winter 2022

IMPACT OF YOU

THANK YOU Gifts given this year in honor of those who have impacted our lives.

Gifts in Memory:

Andrew Bandstra Harold and Norene Botts Cheryl Brandt Anne Deckard Gerard Fridsma Tom and Elaine Harper Marnie Kotwick Wilma Pederson Sarah VanderMeyden-Genzink Robert Zwiers

Gifts in Honor:

CORNERSTONE CHURCH'S RESTORATION BUSINESS Cornerstone Church first began volunteering with ICCF in 2019 and not even a pandemic could slow them down. “Cornerstone volunteers have rehabilitated 2 entire homes and have continued to help out at various ICCF locations monthly all through 2020 and 2021,” said ICCF Volunteer Coordinator Sheryl Baas. “They do amazing work.”

Cornerstone Director of Outreach Tracy Bowers says Christ is in the restoration business, and they want to be a part of that work alongside ICCF. “Housing is such a basic need for families and individuals to thrive in our community, “ she said. “We want to engage in being part of the solution by loving our neighbors in this tangible way.” Tracy goes on to say that they also pray for the families who will someday be living in the home they are restoring.

Cornerstone Volunteer Lead Chris Hull says he volunteers at ICCF because he believes every family deserves safe and affordable housing. “Seeing how so many families are forced to live really makes me realize how lucky I have been in life,” said Chris. “We take so many things for granted every single day of our lives. A working kitchen and bathroom can help change the lives of an entire family.”

Volunteer Lead Marissa Knott agrees with Hull. “Each hour of time invested at an ICCF home helps a family experience safe and affordable housing. Fulfilling the basic need of shelter provides a foundational need in a family’s life. From a safe home, they can thrive in their relationships, jobs, schools, and engage in our community,” she said.

Both Chris and Marissa say that serving with ICCF allows them to do what they love while giving back to the community. Chris said, “If God has blessed you with skills and time to help, ICCF is the best organization around.” B > Interested in volunteering at ICCF? Contact Sheryl Baas at sbaas@iccf.org B L U E P R I N T S Winter 2022

Annamae Bush Annette Byl Bill Byl Michelle Covington Bassie Cummings Ruth and Ed DeVries Rhoda Kreuzer Kelsey McFarland Capt. Tom Moore Cleon Oosterhouse David Ranck Amy Ruis Martha Stetson Blanche VanderBent

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

RSVP to: Marie Tiemersma Eakin at mtiemersmaeakin@iccf.org

FEBRUARY 24 Open to All

APRIL 21 Open to All

MAY 26 Open to All

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THE MINISTRY OF BEING PRESENT ICCF’s Community Connectors live alongside residents in our multifamily housing to facilitate places of welcome and belonging for our neighbors.

“We tried to build a community of normality during the storm,” shared Kelvin. “We allow people to be who they are in their own space. I go door to door and chat with people, and I let them know it’s fine if you don’t show up to events, but if you ever need anything don’t hesitate to let me know.”

Behind each door in our multifamily apartment buildings is a story. We want to not only provide housing opportunities for our neighbors, but also create spaces where they are actively welcomed into a thriving community. That’s where our Community Connectors come in.

Kelvin keeps regular office hours so that he’s available to residents who want to meet. He hosts monthly gatherings with a snack bar and has helped plan special resident celebrations around the holidays. Kelvin arranged an open group visit from a professional therapist for residents struggling with grief and loss. Over the summer, they had an outdoor barbecue where residents could meet their neighbors and a clean-up day where they could beautify their space together.

These ICCF team members live in an apartment at each of our multifamily buildings — 435 LaGrave, Steepleview, Stockbridge, 415 Franklin, and Emerald Flats — and are tasked with forming relationships with their neighbors.

Their duties might look like fielding questions about homeownership opportunities, connecting families to food and employment resources, or simply hosting an event in shared community space. The power of their position comes from their proximity to the neighbors, as they are able to live and work in the same space as the residents they serve. Crossing paths with neighbors becomes an organic experience in the hallways, athletic rooms, business offices, and other shared spaces in each building.

Kelvin Jackson began his work as a Community Connector at 435 LaGrave right before the COVID-19 pandemic. Almost immediately, he had to pivot his previous ideas for in-person activities to accommodate safety measures. But soon it became evident that interpersonal connection was going to be even more important than before.

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Kelvin said, “I’m grateful that ICCF had a vision of not just making affordable housing, but also dealing with people as people — the residents as well as homeowners — seeing the need, making things personable. To help residents have a voice.”

While we were working to place a Community Connector at Emerald Flats this winter, the Madison Church: North campus has already begun to live out that commitment. Pastor Joy Bonnema describes how their presence onsite goes far beyond Sunday mornings, with midweek fellowship meetings, pickup basketball games in the gym, and community suppers. Their gatherings are open to all residents, and many community members have tried them out. There is a text chain to pass along information, and B L U E P R I N T S Winter 2022

sometimes flyers are posted up in the hallways as an open invitation to anyone who passes by.

“Meeting as a church family inside a residential building transforms and stretches our thinking,” said Pastor Joy. “Church is not just a space you go on Sunday to worship, but a place you live throughout the week.”

Just like the residents, the Madison Church: North community are renters at Emerald Flats, too. They have an instant connection to the neighbors and their physical presence all week long provides many opportunities to form relationships.

Residents enjoy a meal together in the gymnasium at Emerald Flats.

“The anthem verse for what we are doing here is 1 Thessalonians 2:8,” said Pastor Joy. “‘Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.’”

DeShawn Madison serves as a Community Connector at 415 Franklin. With her residents, she has helped put on an apple cider snack bar, a canvas painting event, two breakfasts with the Madison Church: Franklin community, and a taco night. She’s also helped connect neighbors to free resources in the community for food assistance and empowerment programs. One resident was interested in finding a church community, so DeShawn helped connect her to a few local churches.

Neighbors gather for a canvas paint night at 415 Franklin.

“I’m really an advocate and a helping hand for whatever the residents need,” says DeShawn. “Sometimes they just need someone to listen to issues they are going through.” Her job is simply connecting with the residents, spending time out on the floors and in the community room, being visible and present and ready to listen.

DeShawn shares, “To my residents, I want to say ‘You are welcome.’ This really is a safe place. I would love to get to know you and help you in any way I can.”

Families attend a back-to-school event.

The Community Connectors are a vital part of ICCF’s mission to not just create housing opportunities, but to facilitate thriving communities as well. Residents are able to learn from each other, help one another, and do life together as they share physical spaces. As we begin another year of housing justice work in West Michigan, we invite you to join us in this mission and seek ways to create community in your own neighborhood. May we all begin to practice the ministry of presence. B Meals, activities, and group events are available to neighbors.

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YOUR GIVING = TOUCHING LIVES "I don't think you ever stop giving. I really don't.

I think it's an ongoing process. And it's not just about being able to write a check. It's being able to touch somebody's life."

Oprah Winfrey Spoken by Oprah Winfrey years ago, these words have become an often-repeated quotation. Not simply because they are profound, which they are, but because, for Oprah, they’re real. Real in the way she’s lived them out, reaching out to touch, to inspire and to give generously of herself and her means.

Our personal lives may not match the arc of Oprah’s life which rose from abject poverty and abuse to a zenith of tremendous achievement, acclamation and wealth. But, each in our own way, we too are called to live lives that connect – giving, sharing, encouraging – with gratitude for the blessings that are ours, and generosity in the ways we extend those blessings to others.

ICCF is dedicated to equitable opportunity and affordable homes for vulnerable households and neighborhoods. Not just for today, but for the decades to come. That’s why your giving – both now and in the future – is critical.

If you are at that point in life where you’re making new decisions about how to be faithful stewards of your estate, please consider including a gift to ICCF in your will. It’s one way that your generosity can continue to touch others long into the future.

For more information about including a gift to ICCF in your will, visit iccf.org/planned-gifts/gifts-in-a-will, or contact ICCF Planned Giving Specialist, Hank Kroondyk, at hkroondyk@iccf.org

We are called to live lives that connect – giving, sharing, encouraging.

Photo: Residents enjoy a free family photo session

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B L U E P R I N T S Winter 2022

HOUSING PIPELINE Together, we are creating opportunities for safe, affordable housing for our neighbors.

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

NEW CONSTRUCTION: SIGSBEE SINGLE-FAMILY HOME BDR Custom Homes, one of West Michigan’s preeminent custom home builders, and their subcontractors have come together to donate their services to build this home on a vacant lot in the Baxter neighborhood.

“At this time there are many national discussions regarding the injustices of our society, especially when it comes to racial disparities in the United States,” said Kevin Einfeld, BDR President. “Housing is a big part of this disparity. We believe we can make a difference locally by blessing a family with the opportunity to own their home.”

This project meets a critical need for affordable housing in the midst of an increasingly competitive and inflated housing market in Michigan. The house will be part of one of the first Land Trusts in Michigan, preserving its affordable status for generations to come. > Learn more at iccf.org/homes/CHLT

NEW CONSTRUCTION: THE SOUTHGATE This winter, ICCF broke ground on Southgate, our first senior living development. This $19 million project will provide muchneeded senior housing near downtown Grand Rapids. The four-story residential development includes: • 56 independent senior living units • 50 affordable units and 6 market rate units • Fitness center • Library • Community center • Onsite leasing office and conference room • Outdoor lounge area with beautiful sculpture "Southgate will be a beautiful, safe environment for our senior residents with the amenities of downtown Grand Rapids just a short bus ride away,” said Ryan VerWys, CEO of ICCF.

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

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

Houses t o Homes GALA 2022

ICCF.ORG/ GALA-2022

10 MARCH

OUR MISSION

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

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