On Thursday, April 4th, 2024, HOPE thru Navigation CEO & Founder Gwendolyn Hooker and the team held a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the first ever Tiny Houses of HOPE Development located on the corner of W North Street and N Westnedge Avenue in Kalamazoo’s Northside Neighborhood.
The Tiny Houses of HOPE Development offers affordable, permanent, and safe housing specifically for people who would otherwise be turned away from landlords due to having a history of a criminal background and/or Substance Use Disorder. Future residents will have an affordable rent payment set at just $1 per square foot, or $400 per month, with on-site access to Wrap-Around Navigation Services and Supports.
Additionally, Tiny Houses of HOPE will support the successful and equitable development of the Northside Cultural and Business District by addressing Northside Neighborhood economic development and entrepreneurship.
Phase 1 of the Tiny Houses of HOPE Development consists of building three 400-square-foot tiny homes. Phase 2 will incorporate the on-site leasing building that will offer Wrap-Around Navigation Services and Supports specifically tailored to the population we serve. Phase 3 will complete the Northside development by building three more tiny homes on the adjacent lot. Applications will be accepted upon project completion. Gwendolyn Hooker said at the Groundbreaking Ceremony,
“This is the first time that the people that are last are actually going to be first.”
HOPE thru Navigation is actively raising funds to complete the 3 phases of the Northside Tiny Houses of HOPE Development and to launch additional housing developments in the area. HOPE thru Navigation’s Vision of HOPE is to build an empowered and upward mobile, self-sufficient community, navigating resources specific to them.
Help Raise HOPE for the Future with a Donation!
Checks are payable to HOPE thru Navigation and can be mailed to 806 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 (please add THOHP in the check memo). In addition to financial support, we are also accepting material donations such as appliances, furnishings, and landscaping equipment. You can also donate your time and talents by volunteering!
