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In the Community
Read about Lighthouse's staff service days and other activities we are involved with in the community ... read more
Local News
- Lighthouse Communities and Urban Pizza
Uptown Incubator, Urban Pizza to open April 1. - Madison Square Business Incubator
Madison Square business incubator has community backing for $1.7m project. - Flips Foreclosed Homes
Lighthouse Communities has several homes throughout Kent County that they are revitalizing. The positive investment and development of these properties will likely stabilize property values of the entire block, bringing vitality and prosperity to our communities. - Bringing in NSP funds to address foreclosures and blight in southeast Grand Rapids
Garfield Park and Madison Square neighborhood will benefit from an $820,000 investment in NSP funds allocated by the State of Michigan. Watch the video online. - Countrywide Settlement Funds allocated to housing agencies
Lighthouse Communities and other local housing agencies will receive funds to continue to stabilize the neighborhoods hardest hit by foreclosures in Grand Rapids. - Fighting foreclosures with Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds
Read about the effects of foreclosure in our communities and how Lighthouse will help tackle this issue through the NSP program by making improvements to foreclosed properties and returning them to homeownership. - Madison Square business district
Madison Square business district another step closer to becoming Grand Rapids' second CID
Businesses are a driving force in promoting a vibrant community. Neighborhood Ventures is delighted to work with Lighthouse Communities in this innovative community-driven partnership to revitalize Southtown.
- Kimberly Van Dyk, Neighborhood Ventures Executive Director
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions about Lighthouse Communities, Inc.
Who is Lighthouse Communities, Inc.?
Incorporated in 2000, Lighthouse Communities, Inc. a 501(c)3 nonprofit community development corporation (CDC) based in the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
What is Lighthouse Communities, Inc.'s mission?
Lighthouse Communities' mission is to "help grass-roots non-profit community development groups create affordable housing in their neighborhood for the purpose of stimulating community revitalization." We are founded on the premise of linking community-organizing efforts with real estate development. We use both cutting edge community development techniques and the latest tools for real estate development in helping neighbors, business owners, and neighborhood stakeholders realize their visions for the community.
What is the history of Lighthouse Communities, Inc.?
Lighthouse Communities, Inc. incorporated on June 13, 2000 after a community-based collaborative planning process that included local community development corporations, neighborhood associations, builders, foundations, representatives from the City of Grand Rapids' community development office, Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and, most importantly, residents of core city neighborhoods.
Lighthouse engages in effective community revitalization through partnerships and collaborations with numerous community-based organizations and other neighborhood stakeholders.
Lighthouse is founded on the premise of linking community organization efforts with real estate development. We use both cutting edge community development techniques and the latest tools for real estate development in helping neighbors, business owners, and community stakeholders realize their visions for the community.
Lighthouse Communities, Inc. investments have grown significantly over the last five years. Lighthouse has invested over $30 million in housing and commercial development.
What are Lighthouse Communities, Inc.'s values?
- Diversity
- Sustainability
- Excellence
- Building partnerships
- Investment
- Community service
- Leadership
- Teamwork
What type of programs and services does Lighthouse Communities, Inc. offer?
Lighthouse Communities, Inc. offers several programs and services to a diverse pool of customers including homeowners, families, youth, business owners, and rental property owners. Our services include: housing, commercial, construction, and neighborhood services. Our programs include: homeownership promotion and preservation, leadership and capacity building, Southtown Matching Fund (SMF), Neighborhood Housing Fund (NHF), Lead Remediation program, foreclosure prevention, housing counseling, rental property management, and business incubation.
What geographic area(s) does Lighthouse Communities, Inc. serve?
Lighthouse Communities, Inc. provides services to Kent County. In the city of Grand Rapids we also serve a specific geographic area known as Southtown, an area bounded by Wealthy Street on the north, Fuller Avenue on the east, Dickinson Street to Buchanan Avenue on the south, and Buchanan Avenue to Albany to Division Avenue on the west. (See map of Southtown).
How do I get involved with Lighthouse Communities, Inc.?
If you would like to learn about volunteer opportunities, visit our calendar or contact us please contact us by phone at (616) 451-9140. If you would like to make a charitable donation online to support Lighthouse Communities, lick here.
Do you provide funding to individuals or organizations?
Lighthouse Communities does not provide funding directly to individuals. Through the Southtown Matching Fund, a City of Grand Rapids Community Development Block grant funded program, Lighthouse provides funding to neighborhood-based organizations, block club groups and resident groups in Southtown. Homeowners, rental property owners and homebuyers, please visit our Housing Services page for information on programs available. Business owners please visit our Commercial Services page for information on programs and assistance available through Lighthouse Communities, Inc.
Have other questions?
Contact us by phone at (616) 451-9140, by mail at the street address below or by email for more information.
Lighthouse Communities, Inc.
1422 Madison Avenue SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Phone: (616) 451-9140
Fax: (616)- 451-0615
Can I buy a house through Lighthouse Communities, Inc.?
Yes, visit our Housing Services page for details, complete the application form online or download the form right here.
Can I view a list of houses available for sale through Lighthouse Communities, Inc.?
Yes, click here for a listing of homes available for sale.
Can I view a list of places available for rent through Lighthouse Communities, Inc.?
Yes, click here for a listing of places available for rent.
Can I rent a place through Lighthouse Communities, Inc.?
Yes, visit our Housing Services page for details, complete the application form online or download the form right here.
Have issues with your business and need assistance?
Visit our Commercial Services page for details on the type of technical assistance or training available or simply email our Commercial Services department right now.
Housing Services Questions
Have questions about our homeownership programs?
Visit our Housing Services page or read here our Guide to Homeownership in Kent County.