After living in her previous home for three decades, Sandra March has a new home that will bring financial independence and the ability to enjoy a few simple luxuries.
The 83-year-old will soon move into an apartment at The Landing at Spring Lake, a newly completed affordable housing development designed to provide high-quality, budget-friendly housing for individuals and families in Ottawa County.
“Financially, it’s going to be a wonder,” March says. “We moved to Spring Lake 30 years ago, and our rent was $400 for a two-bedroom duplex. Now, that same duplex is about $1,100. How do you afford that when you're on Social Security?”
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Photo by Shandra MartinezThe Landing at Spring Lake will serve individuals and families earning between 30% and 80% of Ottawa County’s median income.
March has relied on financial support from her son in recent years. Now, with her rent dropping by half, she can stretch her income further while maintaining the independence she deeply values.
“Actually, I can go get my hair done,” she says with a laugh. “I love that. And the place is so nice.”
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Photo by Shandra MartinezSandra March will soon move into The Landing at Spring Lake.
March is excited about the modern amenities in her new apartment, especially the kitchen, which features a dishwasher and microwave. She also is eager to experience the sense of community The Landing provides.
“Just meeting people, getting in and out, enjoying myself, and being able to do the things I’d like to do,” she said following the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 4.
March was one of the first applicants for the development, with assistance from her son, who helped her navigate the application process.
Response to housing crisis
The Landing at Spring Lake, a 53-unit affordable housing complex at 734 E. Savidge St., was developed by Samaritas, one of Michigan's largest nonprofit social services organizations. The development includes eight units reserved for members of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, one of the project’s investors, and is part of Michigan’s broader efforts to expand access to affordable housing.
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Photo by Shandra MartinezSamaritas CEO Dave Morin
Samaritas CEO Dave Morin says projects such as The Landing are vital in addressing Michigan’s growing housing crisis.
“Affordable housing is essential to building strong communities, and we are proud to bring this development to Spring Lake,” Morin says. “This project represents a commitment to sustainable living, inclusivity, and economic stability, which is desperately needed not only here in Spring Lake but across Michigan.”
The project required a group effort.
The $16.4 million project was financed with $15 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). The complex will serve individuals and families earning between 30% and 80% of Ottawa County’s area median income, which for a two-person household equates to an annual income of $23,910 to $63,760.
“As one of Mercantile’s first direct investments in affordable housing, The Landing at Spring Lake represents the ability to create accessible, quality, and affordable housing while preserving the sense of community,” says Emily Cauzillo, vice president and director of Mercantile Community Partners. “This is made possible by many dedicated teams working together to enrich the communities they serve.”
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Photo by Shandra MartinezThe Landing at Spring Lake will serve individuals and families earning between 30% and 80% of Ottawa County’s median income.
The development features community spaces, wellness programming, and a digital learning hub. It includes 43 one-bedroom units and 10 two-bedroom units.
The Landing is also Michigan’s first multi-family housing project to meet “passive house” standards, a sustainability benchmark that enhances energy efficiency and significantly reduces utility costs for residents.
“IFF believes that everyone deserves the right to safe, affordable, high-quality housing and is committed to providing capital and resources to make this a reality for all communities,” says Chris Uhl, executive director for IFF’s eastern region. IFF is a nonprofit, community-centered lender. “We are proud to have played a role in developing The Landing at Spring Lake by providing financing through the Michigan Affordable Housing Loan Fund and working alongside so many committed partners, including Samaritas and Ottawa County.”
Community effort
For the Rev. Dan Anderson of Spring Lake Presbyterian Church, the church’s new neighbor is an example of the power of community collaboration. Anderson, who has served the local church for years and will retire in October, sees the project as a meaningful conclusion to his career. The church
sold the land that the housing complex occupies.
“How exciting it really, truly has been,” Anderson says. “It takes us back to what being neighbors is all about.”
The church played a key role in making the development possible by carefully selecting who would purchase the land.
“Our main part was having a vision for who we wanted to sell the land to,” he says. “We wanted to see this develop to help the larger community.”
In addition to its role in the housing project, the church also built the adjacent playground, which has become a gathering space for local families. Anderson sees this as an extension of the church’s commitment to fostering a strong, connected community.
“Most of the people who use our park think it’s a village park,” Anderson says. “They don’t realize it’s the church’s playground, and that’s OK with us. That’s why we built it, for them to be there.”
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Courtesy of SamaratasOfficials cut the ribbon, opening at The Landing at Spring Lake.
The Landing aligns with Michigan’s broader efforts to expand affordable housing solutions. Eugene Magnuson, general manager of Little River Holdings, says the project is crucial in providing essential housing options for tribal citizens while also strengthening the local economy.
“Projects like this are crucial for the tribal economy,” Magnuson says. “Michigan is facing an affordable housing crisis, and this initiative will help address some of the challenges we encounter today.”
Working together
Morin hopes to see more church partnerships in the future.
“Our churches sit on a lot of land in the state of Michigan, and what a great way to express faith by helping those who need affordable housing, placing it right next to a church and partnering with them,” Morin says.
The Landing is Samaritas’ 16th affordable housing development, bringing its total to 850 units across Michigan. Morin says the organization’s goal is to double that number.
“We really believe in the work we do,” he says. “Housing underlies everything in our work in foster care. A stable, physical place for a family to be together can impact outcomes.”
Morin says access to affordable housing can be life-changing.
“If you're a substance user, and you're living in your car, it’s hard, it’s hard, right?” he says. “We can provide a home for that person to help them be settled. Children shouldn’t have to be on the road all the time, couch surfing, they should have a place to call home that’s warm and safe.”
Morin, who was named CEO in November after serving as interim for two years, says this is the first affordable housing project completed under his leadership.
“I was there for the groundbreaking, and now the ribbon-cutting,” Morin says. “This has been wonderful.”