Block by Block is a solutions journalism series that is supported by CEDAM, Michigan CDFI, and Invest Detroit, and is focused on community development leaders and initiatives in Michigan.
CEDAM hosted a rural real estate development boot camp in Gaylord last month, bringing together emerging developers, city officials, nonprofit housing developers, financers, and other community stakeholders under one roof. The goal of the intensive five-day training is to help drive affordable housing development.
Michigan First Credit Union launched a free mobile banking app — Finley, for kids and teens to help develop healthy financial habits early.
Recently proposed rollbacks to the CRA would weaken bank obligations to invest, lend, and provide services to low and moderate-income communities. These rollbacks would be roadblocks to positive, impactful community development.
In order to create sustainable economic and community development, it takes a village, or in this case — an entire ecosystem of organizations, advisors, coalitions, CDFIs, and other collaborators to help foster a sense of place.
In the heart of Detroit’s Grandmont Rosedale neighborhood, a 42-unit, mixed-use development has given senior citizens brand-new affordable housing. Minock Park Place was seven years in the making, and marks the first affordable senior housing community in the neighborhood, located at 19505 Grand River Ave. — a vital commercial and cultural artery.
The second phase of the Detroit Housing for the Future Fund (DHFF) returns, offering communities across the city the opportunity for more affordable, stable neighborhoods.
Community developers know, care for, and invest in their neighborhoods. Together with community development institutions (CDFIs), small development projects can have a huge impact on their neighborhoods, serving as a catalyst for future growth.
As the statewide housing crisis continues, communities of all sizes are looking at how to increase affordable housing options for current and future residents. In Kalamazoo County, the Portage Community Land Trust is helping residents become homeowners affordably with their new workforce housing development, Stanwood Crossings.
Childcare is not a family issue, but a workforce issue. Members of the MI CDFI Coalition showcase how investing in quality, affordable childcare and early childhood education positively impacts the entire community.
In an effort to serve the underserved, One Detroit Credit Union is expanding its reach with two new branches, both in shuttered former financial institutions. In doubling-down on their commitment to provide more than banking to Metro Detroiters — these branches offer the community products, services and resources for financial health and wealth building.
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