We received the following press release from Flat River Outreach Ministries.
Lowell, Michigan, February 17, 2025 – Flat River Outreach Ministries, also known as FROM, announced it will build three new buildings next to its 504 Main Street property that will have the capacity to house up to 40 individuals when complete.
As FROM’s answer to the growing housing crisis, the buildings will offer 17 apartments with options for single individuals and families up to four. The units will target households with incomes up to 80% of area medium income and are anticipated to serve more than 400 people over the next 25 years.
The $3.3 million project will be supported through community gifts as part of FROM’s “Building Foundations, Building Hope” capital campaign. A total of $2.6 million has already been raised by generous individuals, organizations, churches, foundations and companies including David and Kelli Powell, King Milling Company and Lowell Area Community Fund, a fund of Grand Rapids Community Foundation, as the campaign launches publicly.
FROM expects to break ground in summer 2025 with expected occupancy in summer 2026.
“The greater Lowell area is in a housing crisis,” said FROM’s Executive Director Wendie Preiss. “The recent growth in our region has been tremendous, but has created an imbalance between supply and demand, leaving many neighbors in our community underhoused. The project is particularly impactful as it will meet immediate needs today while also impacting generations to come.
“Building Foundations, Building Hope is our next step to bring quality, affordable and supportive housing to Lowell that fits our community, helps our neighbors, restores hope and strengthens us all.”
According to a market study by Baker Tilly commissioned by FROM, 43% of Lowell renters are cost-burdened, paying more than 30% of their income on housing. Additionally, a survey of FROM’s clients conducted by DataWise found one in three respondents had difficulty paying for housing in the past 12 months.
“Homelessness often looks different here in Lowell,” Preiss said. “It’s couch surfing, staying with friends or loved ones – or even living in tents in the woods. Families may have to split up or become transient. All of this affects the whole family, destroys hope and has a crippling impact on the fabric of the community.
“Right now, we primarily offer one bedroom or efficiency unit options. When families call us, we have to say no. With our new buildings, we won’t have to say no. Stable housing is a foundational component of a healthy community. Together, we have the opportunity to make a difference.”
FROM is partnering with ICCF Community Homes, a local expert in building and managing affordable housing, to serve as its construction representative and Eastbrook Homes, one of Michigan’s leading home builders, to serve as its general contractor.
With more than 58 years of experience, Eastbrook Homes is proud to build beautiful homes throughout West Michigan and the greater Lansing area. In addition to building people’s dream homes, it continues to invest in the greater community by supporting more than 17 local nonprofits.
ICCF is the oldest nonprofit affordable housing provider in Michigan. It has been active in the Grand Rapids area since 1974 and engages more than 2,000 households each year with housing-related services.
“Home is so important, it’s the foundation for our lives,” said ICCF CEO Ryan Verwys. “We are proud to partner with FROM on this project, which will put a roof over the head of community members in need. I think this is going to be a great example of the community coming together to address a critical need.”
Designed to blend with the community, the properties will have green space to allow for fellowship and a place for gardening and on-site parking. Rent will be affordable while still allowing the buildings to be financially sustainable long term. The campus will be professionally and locally managed and will use FROM’s tenant guidelines to ensure a safe, respectful environment for all living there.
FROM’s client services program, which is designed to help people as they navigate financial challenges, including the need for affordable housing, has recently seen a significant increase in calls. In 2024 alone, FROM had 790 calls or appointments connecting people to resources or with financial assistance. With few affordable options, some neighbors try to balance paying high rent while forgoing other essentials. A growing number are starting to experience homelessness despite being employed.
FROM is unique in its solutions as it not only offers housing, but access to supportive resources within its organization and surrounding areas.
“The majority of our team live and work right here in the community,” Preiss said. “We know each person who walks through our doors is a person with a story – not a number or statistic. By engaging with FROM, neighbors have access to more than a dozen programs and services that focus on food, family and resource connection.”
In addition to housing, FROM offers a variety of other resources to the community, including healthy food options, family services and community connections. In 2024, more than 1,150 families utilized services at FROM. This includes providing more than 3,100 food pantry shopping trips, 51,000 kitchen staples are sold in the Farm Market at affordable prices and 250 Christmas food baskets are distributed to families.
Additionally, the organization also helps more than 260 kids get school supplies and 430 kids with Christmas presents, lends more than 650 medical equipment items and makes 700+ community resource connections each year to help residents who are facing challenging personal or financial situations through various programs.
There are many opportunities to support to the campaign. A generous donor has challenged the community to raise $125,000 by May 1. If successful, the donor will contribute an additional $50,000 to the project. Additionally, there are still leadership giving opportunities available.
If you are interested in giving, please contact FROM Development Director, Arianne Hall, at 616.897.8260 ext. 135 or [email protected].
To learn more about the project, visit fromlowell.org/buildinghope.
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