Christine Terpening founded “I’ll Be Your Rock” in Vermontville to create supportive spaces for LGBTQ youth, and her organization is now expanding to rural communities across Michigan and beyond.
A new initiative in Battle Creek will provide rent-free housing and a pathway to homeownership for early childhood educators, aiming to boost compensation, stabilize the workforce, and address the financial challenges facing one of the lowest-paid professions.
Calhoun County is investing $3 million in foreclosure funds through a partnership with Independent Bank to generate down payment and closing cost assistance for eligible homebuyers, turning past foreclosures into new opportunities for homeownership.
A new thrift store in Marshall, opened by Volunteers of America Michigan, is revitalizing a once-vacant plaza while supporting veterans and sustainability efforts through secondhand shopping.
Uproot Market and Eatery, Battle Creek’s first community-owned food co-op, is set to open this fall, aiming to provide fresh, local, and affordable food to underserved neighborhoods while fostering community ownership and food equity.
“Permanent supportive housing is not a homeless shelter, not a treatment facility, not a rehab, or halfway house. Nor is it public housing or rent-free. It is indeed permanent, full-time leaseholders, and they sign Good Neighbor agreements."
"All of this will help to build a downtown where people want to live, where businesses want to relocate and grow, and where stores want to open, all of which is essential for the future success of Battle Creek.”
Michigan is the first state in the nation to establish a legislative office for official tribal consultation with the establishment of Bill 5600. Tribes will consult on laws regarding issues such as land, water, wildlife, and economic development.
Collective giving groups, especially among women, continue to rise in popularity. We introduce you to two such Southwest Michigan groups to find out how they were formed and why they are thriving.
“I feel like us just being present in areas that seniors utilize a lot is making them feel more comfortable. They may be a little wary and feel like we’re going to rush through it. Being empathetic and understanding of their experiences is how we get around this,”
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