Grand Rapids is a half-million-person city located in the western side of Michigan. Our community is culturally, racially and economically diverse. Like other metropolitan areas, Grand Rapids, struggles with a growing underclass population living in sub-standard housing, with few resources for sustained development.

The recent recession has hit Michigan particularly hard, and Grand Rapids has certainly realized significant unemployment. Many businesses have closed or dramatically cut staff as the auto industry struggles to rebuild. Many low-income homeowners are finding it difficult to pay their mortgages, let alone make necessary repairs. The money just isn't there.