The Home Start Initiative
Making Homes, Not Projects
We developed The Home Start Initiative to address the need for innovative models that address housing and economic insecurity as well as the historical impact of racism and oppression on access to these social benefits, the Institute is currently developing a culturally responsive housing initiative called The Home Start Initiative. We will build 10 homes (five on a foundation and 5 wheeled units) on the former site of the homeless encampment (at the intersection of Ampersee, Bridge, Hotop, and Gull roads) in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
The Home Start Initiative seeks to address the historical impact of structural racism and oppression on black, brown, indigenous and queer individuals that constrained the ability of these groups to gain access to housing and build wealth. We are creating a cooperative home ownership model that over three years, builds the financial capacity of residents to maintain and own their home.
Our target population are those living below the ALICE threshold and who have been historically impacted by discriminatory lending practices. The homes will be built to the highest green energy efficiency standards, incorporate geothermal and solar power, and will address any contamination within the soil.
The Home Start Initiative seeks to address the historical impact of structural racism and oppression on black, brown, indigenous and queer individuals that constrained the ability of these groups to gain access to housing and build wealth. We are creating a cooperative home ownership model that over three years, builds the financial capacity of residents to maintain and own their home.
Our target population are those living below the ALICE threshold and who have been historically impacted by discriminatory lending practices. The homes will be built to the highest green energy efficiency standards, incorporate geothermal and solar power, and will address any contamination within the soil.
HOUSING AT THE INTERSECTIONS In the News
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