Community Housing Network receives Governors tribute in honor of 20 years of affordable housing innovation
(Troy, MI-) Community Housing Network (CHN) recently received a special tribute from the State of Michigan commemorating its 20th anniversary as a recognized leader in innovative, equitable and sustainable affordable housing solutions.
The tribute is signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist and dedicated to the outstanding impact CHN has had on the homeless community in Southeast Michigan for the past 20 years.
Currently, CHN and three other partner agencies currently manage $53 million in COVID Emergency Rental Assistance funding, which helps those facing eviction or who are having trouble paying other housing-related expenses.
“Since we opened our doors in 2001, Community Housing Network has been an invaluable resource for people in need of housing,” said CHN President and CEO, Marc Craig. “We’re grateful and humbled to have been able to help so many and we’re looking forward to even more wonderful things in the future.”
In addition to affordable housing, CHN’s Housing Resource Center (HRC) was created to connect people to vital programs and services preventing them from becoming homeless, or to help them with their housing needs. The HRC fields more than 2,000 calls each month from people across Metro Detroit seeking help.
Recently, Community Housing Network completed two new housing developments during the pandemic.
In Pontiac, Unity Park is 79 single family homes in the Unity Park neighborhood. Phases 1-4 are complete; phase five is under construction and expected to be completed in fall 2021. This project will not only provide housing; it also will revitalize the neighborhood, decrease blight and vacant land and increase property values and quality of life.
The first phase of the project began in 2013. The total development cost for phase 5 is $4.2 million and it will serve low- to moderate-income families and individuals
Erin Park, in Eastpointe, consists of 52 high-quality duplex style one- and two-bedroom homes. It is being built on the site of the former Deerfield School property and is expected to be completed in late 2021. The units will be rentals for 15 years, after which existing tenants will be given the opportunity to buy the home. This unique option will allow for neighborhood stabilization and pride in the community. It’s also near many employment opportunities and public transportation along 9 Mile road and Gratiot, as well as Groesbeck. The total development cost is $14.8 million.
After 20 years, the goal of building healthy vital communities through affordable housing remains unchanged. CHN works tirelessly to make sure that Michigan residents have a place to stay where they feel safe - and can call home. ABOUT
COMMUNITY HOUSING NETWORK Community Housing Network is a nonprofit organization committed to providing homes for people in need through proven strategies of homeless prevention, housing assistance and development, community education and referral, advocacy and additional services. The organization carries out its work in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties. For the past six years it was recognized by the Detroit Free Press as a Top 100 Workplace and in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 was honored as a Crain’s Cool Place to Work. For more information, visit www.communityhousingnetwork.org .
