Westown Jubilee Housing was born out of a pressing need to address
deteriorating housing concerns on the Grand Rapids West Side. Following
the homeowner exodus of the 1970’s and the widespread acquisition of the
properties by absentee landlords in the 1980’s, our stability as a
viable community was severely challenged. The decreasing number of
homeowners left local retail businesses stifled and stagnant.
Residential units were neglected and arson and crime were on the
increase. The faith community envisioned a “call for action” through
“The Other Way Ministries” that would engage volunteer skills and “a
personal touch” to bring back hope and stability to Westown one
homeowner at a time. To date we have launched 45 urban homesteaders,
with one more in process at 753 Emperor St SW. Its impact is growing
exponentially!
MISSION:
To stabilize our core city community one homeowner at a time, to provide a new beginning, and give great glory to our God!
FOCUS:
The heart of Grand Rapids West Side called Westown. Addressing the vital need for quality, low-cost housing.
METHOD:
To select, train, coach and equip local families to become Westown Jubilee Homesteaders.
RESOURCES:
Good people of faith and vision -- like you -- to volunteer their
craft skills, to teach home maintenance principles to raise funds for
materials, and to leverage mortgage money.
NEED:
A partner like you...with the ability to help... and a heart to share!
THE PROPHET ISAIAH SAID:
“If you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry, and satisfy the
needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and
your night will become as noonday. The Lord will guide you always....
...you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with
Dwellings” (Isaiah 58:10-12).
Westown Jubilee Housing has a mandate for action!
FAMILY AND HOME PARALLEL TRACK
A unique feature of the Westown Jubilee Homesteading program is
preparing the candidate family and the potential home on parallel
tracks. While homes are acquired, remodeled, insured, and insulated, the
candidate family (a couple or an individual) is learning money
management skills, investing sweat equity hours, and saving up a small
down payment nest egg. Many choices (paint colors, siding, appliances,
etc.) are made by the homesteader candidate working alongside Christian
craftsmen and volunteers. Upon completion and occupancy, a 5 to 8 month
trial rental period is established to ensure that all aspects of our
mutual covenant are honored. Then a Land Contract sale is completed and a
“Housing Coach” is assigned to guide the first year of home
maintenance. Most homes have one or more support partners (churches,
businesses, mission work groups, etc.) that enable the sale to be below
market value and affordable for medium to low income neighbors. A
dedication celebration raises our visibility, and welcomes a new
neighbor to put down deep roots in Westown.