Housing challenges vary in different communities, from rural to suburban, to our urban cores. Michigan philanthropy has engaged in community-driven housing solutions that reflect the unique needs of the communities they support.

We’re sharing some of the innovative projects that CMF members have supported and led across our state over the years, which will be shared in conversations with policymakers later this month at Foundations on the Hill (FOTH).

CMF members will be highlighting community housing issues at FOTH and the work they’re supporting in areas from the Upper Peninsula to Detroit that touch on issues from addressing workforce housing to providing services for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Battle Creek Community Foundation

Battle Creek Community Foundation (BCCF) began its work supporting housing through a downtown revitalization project, the historic restoration of The Milton in downtown Battle Creek. This mixed-use development now houses over 90 residents, and areas of the historic landmark are open to the public.

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, BCCF worked to address critical needs and gaps in services for Battle Creek’s unsheltered population. BCCF supported the formation of the Battle Creek Shelter, Inc., the region’s only low-barrier shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness.

During this time, BCCF served as the fiscal agent for Federal Housing Funding through Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). BCCF was able to secure funding that supported unsheltered populations, ensured people could maintain their housing status and ensured that resources were maintained in the community. This role resulted in the administration of over $20 Million since 2019 in federal housing assistance funds, including rental assistance, eviction diversion, and emergency solutions funding.

Fremont Area Community Foundation

Fremont Area Community Foundation (FACF) formed the Newaygo County Housing Partnership to create a fund to spark housing development and preservation in Newaygo communities. According to FACF, the county of about 51,000 residents has a housing gap of about 300 to 400 units.

Last year, Newaygo County commissioners approved $1 million to help create the fund to support local housing creation. The fund has since supported a trio of projects that will add an anticipated 13 housing units in the community.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation supported recovery efforts for individuals experiencing homelessness in Marquette.

Superior Connections works with those experiencing homelessness individually and collectively to complete overall health and housing goals. The organization supports individuals in finding appropriate housing, establishing medical insurance and/or food assistance, accessing appropriate mental health care, providing advocacy in medical and criminal justice settings and more.

Huron County Community Foundation

Huron County Community Foundation (HCCF) is supporting a Community Hub Project, transforming buildings that are currently vacant in the community. Once transformed, the first floor will serve as an office space for HCCF, a coworking space, and a community board room. The second floor will be four residential units.

The hope is the project also functions as a case study for other downtown building owners to develop their second-floor units to meet this market need.

Want more?

If your organization is supporting innovative housing projects or programs, we invite you to connect with our team to share more.