Holland nonprofits announce major affordable housing effort
A significant effort to address the region’s pressing need for affordable housing was announced this week as three area nonprofits unveiled plans to develop a new mixed-income neighborhood in Holland to include 120 homes.
HOLLAND — A significant effort to address the region’s pressing need for affordable housing was announced this week as three area nonprofits unveiled plans to develop a new mixed-income neighborhood in Holland to include 120 homes.
Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity and Jubilee Ministries, building on a history of collaboration, are adding Gateway Mission as a partner for the development of an 18-acre parcel of anonymously donated land in the city. The project, one of the largest home-building efforts in Holland in decades, was announced at Jubilee Ministries’ first annual fall luncheon event on Sept. 30.
The organizations plan to construct starter homes, built by Jubilee and Lakeshore Habitat, for individuals and families. The vision also incorporates transitional housing units, to be managed by Gateway Mission, designed to support people as they move from crisis to stability.
Addressing the local affordable housing crisis
According to Lakeshore Habitat’s website, there are 8,765 renters and 12,954 homeowners in Ottawa County who are cost-burdened. That means they are paying 30 percent or more of their income toward housing costs.
More than 1,100 housing units are considered sub-standard in that they pose a risk to the health and well-being of occupants, neighbors, and visitors, the organization’s website indicates.
The housing shortage issue in the area has been ongoing.
The announcement followed an August announcement for an $18 million housing development proposed in Holland by Grand Rapids-based The Dwelling Place, which proposed a two-story, 14-unit apartment building at 100 W. 10th St. and a three-story, 38-unit building at 345 Kollen Park Drive.
The land for the joint nonprofit project comes from an anonymous donor who, according to a news release, expressed “strong support” and appreciation for the collaborative work of the organizations.
“They see the urgent need for housing in our community and believe this partnership has the unique power to make a lasting impact,” the statement said. “Their donation will allow the organizations to move forward in planning a project of unprecedented scale and impact.”
Holland City Manager Keith Van Beek praised the ongoing relationship with two of the groups.
“Habitat for Humanity and Jubilee Ministries have been great partners with the city of Holland, and we are proud that three of their largest and most successful projects have been in our city,” Van Beek said, referring to the Park Vista Place, Vista Green and Ottawa Townhomes developments.
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He added that the two nonprofits have also been part of a “long history of other projects, both large and small.”
Lakeshore Habitat and Jubilee Ministries previously completed Holland’s first mixed-income nonprofit housing development, Park Vista Place, in 2023. Their second collaboration, Vista Green, brought 18 single-family homes and 24 townhouses to the city’s south side.
The partners broke ground on their latest joint affordable housing development, Ottawa Townhomes at Ottawa Avenue and 20th Street, on May 29.
— Heather VanDyke covers northern Ottawa County for the Ottawa News Network. Contact her at hvandyke@ottawanewsnetwork.org.
