What’s happening: Neighborhood enhancement projects throughout the state are receiving a funding boost from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), and many of them are occurring in the state’s more rural communities. MSHDA has awarded $2 million in grants to 31 organizations as part of its Neighborhood Enhancement Program.
What it is: The Neighborhood Enhancement Program supports “high-impact, innovative, neighborhood housing-oriented activities that benefit low and moderate income areas and residents,”
according to the MSHDA website. An example of putting the grants to use includes the City of Mt. Pleasant,
which announced receiving a $75,000 NEP grant in April. The Isabella County community will use the funds to support its Home Exterior Improvement program, helping residents fund their home repairs.
This is the eighth funding round for the program with the next application window expected to open in August 2023.
Who’s receiving funds: A total of 31 organizations throughout the state have received the NEP grants, including urban, suburban, and rural communities. Those rural communities and organizations include the City of Hastings, $75,000; Neighborhoods Incorporated of Battle Creek, $75,000; City of Dowagiac, $75,000; Village of Cassopolis, $75,000; City of Montrose, $49,500; City of Ironwood, $30,000; Gogebic-Ontonagon Community Action Agency, $30,000; City of Mt. Pleasant, $75,000; City of Lapeer, $75,000; NCCS Center for Nonprofit Housing, $38,500; City of Owosso, $75,000; and City of Vassar, $37,500.
On a sunny afternoon: In addition to the aforementioned communities, a $210,000 NEP grant was awarded to the Ingham County Land Bank Fast Track Authority as part of
MSDHA’s MOD program, which assists communities in building modular homes to meet housing needs. This particular grant will fund a repayable loan to construct a 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home in Lansing.
Why it’s important: “Grants provided through the Neighborhood Enhancement Program enable community leaders to make meaningful changes that improve the community for individuals and families,” Amy Hovey, MSHDA executive director, says in a statement. “Whether it’s making critical infrastructure updates to local parks or creating vibrant green spaces, the Neighborhood Enhancement Program continues to help create more dynamic, inclusive communities that Michiganders can take pride in calling home.”
Got a development news story to share? Email MJ Galbraith here or send him a tweet @mikegalbraith.
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