What is Housing Next?
Who We Are
We're a pilot program of the Greater Ottawa County United Way that is funded through community foundations in Ottawa County.
What We Do
We partner with local governments, developers and nonprofits in West Michigan to remove barriers to the creation of housing at all price points.
Why It Matters
To prosper, all people and all places need housing for all income levels.
Our Priorities
We're working to ensure communities have enough housing at all price points so they can offer greater economic stability, better health and greater access to quality education for all residents.
Our Approach
We don't propose a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, we work closely with communities to review their master plans, evaluate local zoning standards and find opportunities to allow for more housing that aligns with the community’s vision for its future.
Housing Facts
14,618
The number of new rental homes at all price points we need in Kent and Ottawa counties
by 2025.
55%
The percentage of Grand Rapids renters who are cost-burdened – spend more than 30% of their income on housing.
17,278
The number of new for-sale homes at all price points we need in Kent and Ottawa counties
by 2025.
77%
37%
The homeownership rate among white households in Grand Rapids.
The homeownership rate among Black households in Grand Rapids.
Do we believe housing is a right and that affordable housing is part of what it should mean to be an American? I say yes.
– Matthew Desmond, author of "Evicted"
Bridge Street Market
This mixed-use and mixed-income development helped revitalize the West Side of Grand Rapids while providing a much-needed service.
