Grand Rapids has allocated $5 million to support affordable housing and homelessness prevention projects in the city.
The City’s Affordable Housing Fund Board (AHFB) is seeking proposals from organizations that can implement projects to improve housing opportunities for individuals and families.
The application for the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Affordable Housing Board can be downloaded at grandrapidsmi.gov/Spring2023AHF. The proposal deadline is noon, Friday, February 17.
Deputy City Manager, Kate Berens, told WGVU proposals could run the gambit from actually building new units, to supporting services that keep people housed or get people who are facing homelessness into housing.
“We’re really looking for things where these $5M can be the last dollars in to get a project off the ground," Berens said.
The Board will review submitted proposals, and make a recommendation to the City Commission for the allocation of up to $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.
Project proposals must accomplish at least one of the following objectives:
- Housing programs and investments designed to serve households earning at or below 80% AMI in qualifying census tracts, with priority given to households earning at or below 65% AMI.
- Creation of new homes and apartments for households earning at or below 80% AMI in qualifying census tracts with priority given to households earning at or below 65% AMI.
- Enhanced opportunities for wealth creation among new and existing homeowners and emerging or first-time developers.
- Progress toward county-wide goals to address homelessness.
“Affordable housing is a critical issue for many of our residents, and we are committed to taking action to improve housing opportunities for those who need it most,” said Jim Talen, Chair of the Affordable Housing Fund Board. “We encourage all organizations with the capacity to make a difference in our community to submit a proposal in response to this RFP.”
All applicants for Spring 2023 funding will submit one (1) RFP Agency Information application and at least one (1) project application. One agency may submit multiple project applications.
- Housing Development/Rehabilitation Application: Housing developers applying for funding related to the construction, acquisition and preservation, or rehabilitation of multi-family or single-family affordable housing
- Housing Programs/Services Grants: Homeless service providers applying for homelessness prevention or rapid re-housing program(s).
The Affordable Housing Fund Board is comprised of 11 members of the community with diverse backgrounds and expertise in housing, finance, residential development, health and well-being, lived experience, social work, philanthropy, and impact investing. The board also represents the racial and ethnic makeup of the community.
Mayor Rosalynn Bliss said, “we are dedicated to creating a more inclusive and equitable community and are confident that the Affordable Housing Fund Board will bring forward innovative and impactful solutions to improve housing opportunities for all through the American Rescue Plan Act funding. I am excited to see what proposals arise from this process and how this program helps improve housing opportunities throughout the city.”
Responses to the Request for Proposals (RFP) must be received by noon on Friday, February 17, 2023, at the Executive Office in City Hall (300 Monroe Ave NW, 6th Floor, Grand Rapids, MI 49503). The City of Grand Rapids will not accept any late submissions.
