BlueprintsS U M M E R 2 0 1 6

G A L A 2 0 1 6

Deeply Rooted, Equipped to Serve

I N T H I S I S S U E

A Message from Our CEO

Always Hope

The Impact of You

been living doubled-up with extended family or friends may be forced to leave their over-crowded situations once the children are out of school and home for the day.

ICCF and some of our partner agencies have committed more dollars to provide a short-term response that will help for the next three to four weeks. We are also working to create both a medium and longer term resolution, but we will need additional support.

As community organizations, we are committed to work collaboratively to raise awareness of this pressing need. We also know that the solution will require a blend of additional shelter beds, flexible financial assistance to help minimize the time it takes to re-house these families, and ultimately more affordable housing.

That’s why I urge you to join me in praying that God would provide a solution to this crisis, while using all of us as agents of his mercy and justice.

Shalom,

Ryan VerWysPresident and CEOrverwys@iccf.org

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEODear ICCF friends,

As you have no doubt heard by now, the Grand Rapids real estate market is HOT!

Home prices have risen dramatically over the last 24 months, and homes for sale are quickly sold in record-breaking times. Rents are climbing higher and higher – in fact there was one month last year when, of the 75 largest metropolitan areas in the nation, Grand Rapids had the very lowest rental vacancy rate! Buying or renting, demand exceeds supply, so prices are climbing.

Meanwhile, median household income in Grand Rapids dropped by 8% from 2009 to 2014. And during that same period, the number of Grand Rapids residents living in poverty roseby over 20%, to the point where 27% of our city’s residents now have incomes below the federal government’s poverty level. There’s the crunch!

There was a meeting in late April of representatives from the local organizations working to alleviate the consequences of family homelessness. All our stories were the same. Our shelters are full. Permanent housing is much harder to find. The shelter stays are lengthening (the average stay at Family Haven has almost doubled). Government funds for hotel vouchers to help families that cannot get into shelters, which were intended to last through September, are already completely depleted.

It’s like the whole system is clogged and there’s a growing line at the door.

And we’re all afraid that in a few weeks the line of homeless families will get even longer. That’s because many families who’ve

LUNCH AND TOUR

June 23, 2016July 28, 2016August 25, 2016September 22, 2016

UPCOMING EVENTSCHERRY STREET MUSIC SERIES

June 16, 2016July 21, 2016August 18, 2016

B L U E P R I N T S Summer 20162

EDUCATION: January thru April 2016

286 84 22individuals/families attended

HOME MAINTENANCE/HOME MANAGEMENT CLASSES

individuals/families attendedFINANCIAL CAPABILITIES

CLASSES

individuals/families attendedINTRODUCTION TO HOMEOWNERSHIP

ADMISSION IS FREE!All donations benefit Family Haven, ICCF’s

emergency shelter for homeless families.

C H E R R Y S T R E E Tmusic s e r i e s

“ I AM EXCITED TO EXPLORE MY OPTIONS IN TERMS OF STABILIZING MY LIFE AND MY CHILDREN’S LIVES AND ULTIMATELY ACCOMPLISHING MY GOAL OF MOVING INTO ADEQUATE, CLEAN, HABITABLE, HOUSING.”

“FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT GAVE ME DIRECTION ON HOW TO START TO ORGANIZE MY FINANCES. THE INSTRUCTOR WAS KIND AND WAS RESPECTFUL, APPROACHABLE,AND KNEW HER MATERIAL.”

“ I ’M HOUSE HUNTING NOW AND HOPING TO BE MOVED IN SOON. YOU’VE TAUGHT ME EVERYTHING CONCERNING BUYING A HOME AND MORE.”

- I C C F C L A S S PA RT I C I PA N T S

“”B L U E P R I N T S Summer 2016 3

4 B L U E P R I N T S Summer 2016

More than 500 guests gathered in mid-March to celebrate the work ICCF is doing to demonstrate compassion, to develop opportunity, and to promote justice in the greater Grand Rapids area. Gala guests responded to ICCF Board President Don VanStee’s heartfelt appeal for support at the conclusion of the program with an unprecedented response. This generosity, together with the sponsoring contributions of 88 Gala sponsors, provided $185,000 in support. Thank you.

Ryan VerWys, CEO of ICCF, shared his heart for the mission and vision of ICCF, including how the organization is deeply rooted in God’s call to tangibly love our neighbors and well-equipped to continue providing affordable housing opportunities.

Maxamed Ceymoy Ciici, with his wife Maryan standing beside him, shared their family’s long journey as refugees from Africa to their new ICCF home in Cedar Springs.

E B E N E Z E R A W A R D S

“Ebenezer”: “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” 1 Samuel 7:12

Tom Jager and Chuck Posthumus, two devoted friends, were awarded the inaugural Ebenezer Award. Both individuals have volunteered their time and talents over and over again in service to those whom ICCF serves.

Tom, a Farm Bureau Insurance Agent, has been an enthusiastic volunteer teacher in our Intro to Home Ownership classes over the past 13 years.

Chuck, a licensed architect, not only donated his architectural services to design the Family Haven twenty-five years ago, but has also helped design countless single family ICCF homes, including our two most recent homes on LaGrave Ave., all at no cost to ICCF.

GALA 2016: Deeply Rooted, Equipped to Serve

Ada Bible ChurchMartin & Melissa Balk

Bredeweg & Zylstra, PLCBuiten & Associates Insurance

Bultema GroupBill & Annette Byl

John & Linda CarmanChemical Bank

CinnaireComerica Bank

Community Automotive, Inc.Federal Home Loan Bank, Indianapolis

Fifth Third BankGenesis Non-Profit Housing Corp.

Scott & Lynne GrinwisDave & Barb Huyser

Duane & Jeannette KeldermanKent Companies

Bill & Phyllis KrombeenGeorge & Susan Larimore

Lake Michigan Credit Union Leisure Living Management

Macatawa BankMercy Health

Old National BankTim & Erin Orlebeke

PNC BankSkyzone Trampoline Park

Steve Volkers GroupEd & Joan StuursmaBill & Pat Waanders

AjacsJohn & Mary, Ron & Diane Calsbeek

John & Elaine CarringtonCostco WholesaleTed & Debbie CoxJeff & Kim Darter

DeStigter Architecture & PlanningDominican Sisters, Grand Rapids

Ed DeVries Properties, Inc.Essence Restaurant Group

Fastco IndustriesFence Consultants of West Michigan

Ferris State UniversityFirst American Title

First National Bank of MichiganArlen-Dean & Sandra Gaddy

Hilbrands Landscape ManagementHope College

Huizenga Redi-MixKaterberg-VerHage Landscaping

Kennari Consulting

David & Sharon KnibbeKooi Industrial Painting Co.

Ben & Pam KrombeenJohn A. Meyer Appraisal Co.

Bill & Pat MillsModern HardwareMonsma Marketing

Jerry & Cheryl NienhuisOlivier-Van Dyk Insurance

Plante Moran PLLCS.A. Morman & Co.Spectrum Health

Steve & Barb TimmermansTruss Technologies & West Michigan Truss

Jerry & Marcia TubergenVanHaren Electric, Inc.Duff & Ruth VanStee

VanderLugt, Mulder, DeVries & EldersVarnum LLP / Varnum Consulting LLC

Ron & Ruth VerWysRyan & Rachel VerWys

P A T R O N S P O N S O R S

F R I E N D S P O N S O R S

GRAND SPONSORS

Cate & Sid Jansma, Jr.

BENEFACTOR SPONSORS

JC & Tammy Huizenga

BENEFACTOR SPONSORS

Tom Jager Chuck Posthumus

DAVID & CAROL VAN ANDEL FOUNDATION

vaf

B L U E P R I N T S Summer 2016 5

Terry Rogers first came to ICCF through her church, Ada Bible. And when she retired, she chose to volunteer at ICCF based on that experience. “You think about people who are struggling to find stable housing and how hard that is,” she said. “And while I can’t meet that need on my own, I can help support a housing organization like ICCF and their staff in meeting that need and in a small way, I can do my part.” Terry currently comes in weekly (sometimes more!) to help with administrative tasks, preparing for events like staff and board meetings, and recently helped to launch ICCF’s first ever Volunteer Event Team! “I’m not sure if Terry is a volunteer or an employee,” said Celeste Vaught, executive assistant at ICCF. “She’s always here. Always present. Always willing to lend a hand. That’s what makes her so unique. That and her prior work experience. Terry helps us with both clerical and non-clerical tasks, as well as special events. I so appreciate her diligence and attentiveness behind the scenes at ICCF.”

THE IMPACT OF YOU: Terry Rogers

Robert Flowers, who also shared his testimony at the 2016 Gala, was born and raised in Grand Rapids, the youngest of 16 children.

“Ours was a strong Christian home,” he said. “But when I was 12, my father died and that caused a downward spiral in my life. Still, my God-fearing mother helped me find the path again, and I was blessed to graduate from Creston High School.”

Robert took classes at Davenport University before getting married, getting a job, and starting a family. Robert and his wife divorced while they were living in Florida. He was awarded custody of their four children.

“After the divorce, things were real hard in Florida, so the five of us moved back to Grand Rapids,” noted Robert. “We were homeless and really desperate. But we were accepted into the Family Haven shelter, where Deb, the manager, helped us a lot.”

A month after moving into the Family Haven, Robert and his children were able to move into a safe and secure

Terry Rogers

long-term home - a three-bedroom ICCF apartment in a renovated four-unit building on Sheldon Street.

“I have learned that there is always hope,” said Robert. “I so appreciate people allowing God to use them in such helpful, Christ-like ways. I want to tell others to never stop believing that God will make a way. He promised never to leave you, nor forsake you.”

ALWAYS HOPE

Robert Flowers

Robert Flowers

Terry, our entire team honors you for your servant heart and passion for those we serve. Thank you.

Thank you, Robert, for sharing your story and for the testimony of your journey.

B L U E P R I N T S Summer 20166

HOUSING PIPELINEAFFORDABLE HOME OWNERSHIPI N P RO G R E S S

ICCF recently purchased five houses in SE Grand Rapids in need of renovation. Construction is underway at 1134 Prospect and the project is out to bid at 841 Lafayette, with construction starting soon. ICCF is currently identifying a scope of work for renovations at 427 Prince, 1126 Jefferson, and 1016 Worden. Upon completion of construction, the houses will be sold to eligible low to moderate income buyers who have attended home ownership training and counseling. We are excited to continue to improve our neighborhoods and offer high quality affordable homeownership opportunities.

EASTERN ELEMENTARYI N P RO G R E S S

ICCF hosted an open house at the former Eastern Elementary school on April 28, 2016. The turnout was incredible, with approximately 200 neighbors and other visitors coming to express their thoughts on the redevelopment of the school, reminisce about their time spent at the school, and to see inside of the building, which has sat vacant since 2008. Through surveys and informational boards, ICCF was able to gather valuable feedback on the redevelopment of the building. This feedback will be analyzed as ICCF continues to evaluate a variety of options for redevelopment.

AFFORDABLE HOMES AT TAPESTRY SQUAREI N P RO G R E S S

Construction continues on three attached townhouses at 510, 512, and 514 Sheldon SE as the structure’s roof is complete and the installation of the siding is nearly finished. From there, the attention will be focused on the interior of the units. Each unit has approximately 1,300 square feet, 3 bedrooms, and 1.5 bathrooms. These units also include a full basement and a one-stall garage that is detached from the house. The units will be available for sale to eligible low to moderate income homebuyers. ICCF is excited to offer a unique affordable housing option that is in very limited supply in Grand Rapids.

ICCF BOARD OF DIRECTORSDon Van Stee, PresidentDon Van Stee Painting

Kevin Einfeld,Vice PresidentBDR CustomHomes, Inc.

Jack Bosscher,Secretary,Calvin College

David BastWords of Hope

Bill BylKent County Drain Commissioner

Ted Cox, Jr.Community Volunteer

Jason KuiperInontime, Inc. and former ICCF client

Andrew MiedemaMercantile Bank

Tom PaarlbergGreenridge Realty

Anna RuffinCommunity Volunteer

Dante ShackelfordA-Level Group

Marilyn StansburyCalvin College

Eric WashingtonCalvin College

GO GREEN

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Blueprints is published by ICCF to keep friends and supporters informed about ICCF’s affordable housing ministries.

Inner City Christian Federation 920 Cherry Street SE

Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506

(p) 616-336-9333 (f) 616-336-9323 www.iccf.org | License # MICS 3927

B L U E P R I N T S Summer 2016 7

“I HAVE LEARNED THAT THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE. I SO APPRECIATE PEOPLEALLOWING GOD TO USE THEM IN SUCH HELPFUL, CHRIST-LIKE WAYS.”

Pictured is Robert and two of his four children. Read his story inside.

Inner City Christian Federation 920 Cherry Street SE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506

O U R M I S S I O N

In response to God’s call to justice, the Inner City Christian Federation provides housing opportunities and services that encourage family responsibility and independence, thereby helping to build stable communities.

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