News Summary
Brian Boven, founder of Homes Giving Hope, has been honored as a finalist for the National Good Neighbor Awards. Boven’s nonprofit provides housing and support for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, significantly impacting their independence and community integration. Homes Giving Hope currently operates five homes, accommodating 18 residents and promoting life skills training. The awards will highlight realtors making a difference in their communities, with winners announced soon.
Grand Rapids, Michigan – Brian Boven has been recognized as a finalist for the prestigious National Good Neighbor Awards, organized by the National Association of REALTORS. Boven is the founder of Homes Giving Hope, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing housing for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Since its inception, Homes Giving Hope has successfully secured five houses over a span of five years, currently providing homes for 18 young adults. This initiative not only offers accommodation but also facilitates independent living, with the necessary support tailored to meet the residents’ needs. Boven, with his wife Sara, co-founded the organization with the vision to create a supportive community where young adults can thrive.
The focus of Homes Giving Hope extends beyond simple housing; the program emphasizes life skills training that helps residents gain confidence and develop a sense of belonging within their community. The organization prides itself on helping residents who are described as “extremely high functioning,” requiring minimal assistance. Residents engage in various activities, including work and social outings, while forming friendships among themselves.
At present, four of the five homes are fully occupied, and preparations are underway for the fifth house, which has recently been secured. The couple’s journey began when they recognized a significant gap in service; Sara noted that the need for housing and support continued long after job placements ended for adults with special needs. Inspired by this insight, Boven, as a real estate agent, took proactive measures to find suitable housing options.
The success of Homes Giving Hope has garnered interest from across the nation, with individuals expressing a desire to replicate the model established by Boven and his team. Brian Boven was officially recognized as one of the ten finalists for the National Good Neighbor Awards on October 7, an acknowledgment of his commitment to community service and the impact of his work through Homes Giving Hope.
The winners of the Good Neighbor Awards will be announced on November 10, highlighting the efforts of realtors across the country who are making a significant difference in their communities. Following this, Homes Giving Hope is preparing for a gala event scheduled for November 20, aimed at supporting the completion of the fifth home and initiating the development of a sixth. This event will serve as a platform to raise funds and engage the community in furthering the mission of Homes Giving Hope.
For those interested in supporting this initiative, information regarding the Good Neighbor Awards competition and voting options is available, along with details for purchasing gala tickets.
By focusing on creating a home-like environment that fosters independence and community among young adults with special needs, Brian Boven and Homes Giving Hope are setting a remarkable example of philanthropic real estate investment that not only houses, but uplifts individuals in their journey toward independence.
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Additional Resources
- WZZM 13 News
- Wikipedia: Special Needs
- MLive
- Google Search: Housing for Young Adults with Special Needs
- MLive Obituaries
- Google Scholar: Independent Living for Young Adults with Disabilities
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The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
