GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- A local nonprofit organization that develops strategies for ending homelessness will operate a future housing social-service space in Grand Rapids.
Property management firm Eenhoorn says it purchased the Van Andel Pavilion at Fulton Manor last month. And it will redevelop the facility at 1450 E. Fulton St., near Carlton Avenue. The East Fulton Units will house the Nexus Initiative, and it will be run by local nonprofit Community Rebuilders. Up to 40 people at a time will live there, until they can find permanent housing.
Below are some more details from a Seyferth PR news release:
Once completed, East Fulton Units will house the Nexus Initiative, a housing and social service facility space for individuals experiencing homelessness, and will be operated by Community Rebuilders, a local non-profit organization and leader in collaborative strategies for ending homelessness.
This initiative will provide a safe, nurturing environment for up to 40 individuals as they work to rebuild their lives and seek permanent housing. This location provides connectivity to an established network of support services within the community.
“Community Rebuilders recognizes the urgent need for innovative approaches to stable housing options for those experiencing homelessness,” said Vera Beech, Executive Director, Community Rebuilders. “The Nexus Initiative is a reflection of our dedication to not only meet immediate housing needs, but also to foster long-term stability and well-being.”
The property was selected in part due to the integrity and layout of the existing building, which will allow for the revitalization of a vacant structure into a housing solution, aligning with Eenhoorn’s commitment to sustainability, a key tenet of its operations.
“Eenhoorn is committed to giving back to the communities we serve, and we’re proud to partner with Community Rebuilders to help tackle the complex issue of homelessness and to address a critical community need,” said Paulus C. Heule, CEO, Eenhoorn LLC.
Eenhoorn’s Development team has worked on plans to refurbish the existing structure. Each micro apartment will be retrofitted to include a kitchenette, bathroom, and living and sleeping quarters, all situated around two central courtyards. These sustainability practices will help to minimize disruption to the community and lessen the environment impacts of construction.
The project is scheduled to begin in March and is expected to take six months to complete, with plans to populate the building by late fall. TRU Building of Grand Rapids is the contractor for the refurbishment, with exterior design by Keith Carey Design, also of Grand Rapids.
An Eenhoorn-related entity donated the funds for the purchase and rehabilitation of the property. The parties are working collectively to secure additional funding for the annual operating budget from local foundations and government agencies.
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