News Summary
Cherry Health has partnered with Woda Cooper Companies to create 56 affordable housing units in Wyoming, Michigan. This initiative aims to combat the housing shortage in Kent County by providing low-income residents with accessible housing options adjacent to healthcare services. Supported by over $17.3 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits across Michigan, the project not only enhances housing accessibility but also aims to improve health outcomes for residents. The collaboration emphasizes building a supportive community around essential health services, ultimately boosting local economic growth.
Wyoming, MI: Cherry Health and Woda Cooper Companies Partner to Build Affordable Housing
Cherry Health has announced their partnership with Woda Cooper Companies to construct a new development consisting of 56 affordable housing units in Wyoming, Michigan. This initiative aims to address the ongoing housing shortage in Kent County, providing much-needed low-income housing options for residents in the area.
The new apartments will be strategically located adjacent to Cherry Health’s Wyoming Community Health Center, at the intersection of Burlingame Avenue SW and 28th Street. This location is set to enhance the accessibility of health services for low-income patients who may benefit from both affordable housing and comprehensive healthcare.
This housing project is part of a larger effort throughout Michigan to expand affordable housing availability. In total, over $17.3 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) has been allocated to support the development of 708 rental units statewide. This funding initiative, announced by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, is designed not only to create job opportunities but also to boost Michigan’s economy while improving housing accessibility for its residents.
Economic Support and Funding Initiatives
This project follows the commitment of $3.3 million in funding from LIHTC to various projects across West Michigan, enhancing efforts to alleviate housing shortages. Additionally, the Shea Ravines Phase II project received $1.65 million in LIHTC funding aimed at further expanding low-income housing solutions.
Cherry Health, recognized as a federally qualified health center, primarily serves low-income patients, ensuring they have access to essential healthcare services. With this new housing project, Cherry Health aims to improve overall health outcomes for its patients by combining affordable living spaces with health services close at hand.
Diverse Housing Options
The developments will consist of various unit sizes to cater to diverse income levels, making the apartments accessible to a broader demographic. This arrangement not only provides shelter but also seeks to create a supportive community environment for residents.
The project is part of a larger framework within Kent County’s efforts to scale affordable housing initiatives. This framework is supported by the county’s revolving affordable housing fund, which utilizes resources from the American Rescue Plan Act. This approach supports multiple housing initiatives, ensuring a comprehensive strategy to tackle the defined housing crisis in the area.
Community Impact
The construction of these affordable apartments is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy by creating jobs during the construction phase and eventually providing permanent housing solutions for low-income families. By linking health services with housing, the projects also emphasize the importance of stable living environments for improved public health.
As construction progresses, Cherry Health and Woda Cooper Companies are committed to collaborating with local agencies to ensure that the development aligns with community needs, paving the way for enhanced quality of life for Wyoming’s residents.
This partnership highlights the concerted efforts within the state of Michigan to expand affordable housing options and ultimately bring about systemic change regarding housing accessibility, quality, and health outcomes.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: Affordable Housing Meets Healthcare
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- Crain’s Grand Rapids: Affordable Housing Projects
- Google Search: Affordable Housing Michigan
- Rapid Growth Media: Avenue Apartments Renovation
- Google Scholar: Affordable Housing Initiatives
- Multi-Housing News: Woda Cooper JV Development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Affordable Housing
- Housing Finance: Michigan Development and Housing
- Google News: Affordable Housing in Michigan
