Led by a coalition of non-profits and government entities including Allegan County Community Foundation, Community Action of Allegan County, Allegan Area ESA, United Way of Ottawa and Allegan County, OnPoint, and Allegan County government, Bowen National Research was commissioned to do a comprehensive housing assessment for Allegan County. The assessment report was published in the fall of 2023. The report confirmed what was already felt by residents – we need housing – at all price points in Allegan County. There is a housing gap of over 6,200 units in the next five years.
A group of individuals from across the county from differing backgrounds have formed the Housing Stock Work Group. This group assembled for the first time this week to participate in an education and brainstorming session led by Allegan County Community Foundation, Housing Next and Flywheel Consulting. This brainstorming session was centered around the recommendations made by housing assessment. These conversations and ideas will guide the action plan to support housing development in Allegan County. A common theme offered up by one member was “Create a community where your kids can afford to live”. A full action plan is expected to be rolled out in Spring 2024.
The Allegan County Housing Initiative is being funded by Perrigo, Haworth, Parker-Hannifin, Gun Lake Tribe, Rotary Clubs of Allegan County, Community Action of Allegan County, United Way of Ottawa and Allegan County, Allegan County Community Foundation, a grant from Ascension Borgess Allegan Hospital, and a grant from the Office of Rural Prosperity along with other individual donors.
If you are interested in volunteering with the workgroup or donating money to support housing development, please contact the Allegan County Community Foundation at housing@alleganfoundation.org.