Kalamazoo Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. (KNHS), announces a groundbreaking for a new housing development on June 8 at 10:00 AM at the end of Mason St.   (One/half block south of  Douglas & Alamo Ave.)  KNHS has received a $254,000  grant from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), a $80,500 grant from Kalamazoo Community Foundation and a $30,000 grant from NeighborWorks America (NWS), for this new housing development on the City’s northside.   In addition The City of Kalamazoo is providing Community Development Block Grant, (CDBG) and HOME funds to this project.  These grants and funds are part of this $960,000 project which will build 8 new homes on lots located near the Northwinds Senior Citizen Apartments.  The Michigan State Housing Development Authority, is the State’s housing authority and receives national funding from Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Washington, DC.   NeighborWorks America is a national housing organization dedicated to revitalizing our cities.

“This project is another step in the many wonderful things that are happening in the Northside during the last years,” Kalamazoo City Mayor  Robert Jones said.   “The Northside neighborhood is leading the way.”

“The Foundation has a long history of investing in KNHS because of its dedication and vision for the Northside,” says Dave Gardiner, Vice President of Community Investment, Kalamazoo Community Foundation.  “We agree that homeownership is one of the keys to successful individuals, families and neighborhoods.  This exiting new project will benefit the community and its residents for many years to come.” 

The purpose of this development is to use  new construction to further revitalize the area by influencing concentric circles of increased community pride and hope into the surrounding neighborhoods.    Pride of ownership is a powerful force that generates a broad array of positive influences into the family, and by extension, into the neighborhood and greater community.   With homeownership there is a natural growth of personal wealth, as well as, the tendency to have a healthier, safer, more educated family. 

“We are extremely grateful to The Kalamazoo Community Foundation, the City of Kalamazoo, MSHDA and NWA for providing the key support funds for this important project, which will help continue the momentum in the northside neighborhood,” said Tim Lemanski, KNHS’s Chief Executive Officer.  “This project helps us fulfill our mission.”