Michigan Disability Rights Coalition Mission: MDRC cultivates disability pride and strengthens the disability movement by recognizing disability as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity while collaborating to dismantle all forms of oppression. Full disclosure: Nate Wardell, who passed away in May 2016, was the brother of Chris Wardell, CEDAM’s administrative assistant. — CEDAM...
CEDAM is excited to announce our new Michigan Coalition for Responsible Lending Consultant, Orletta Caldwell! Caldwell is responsible for organizing the Coalition, legislative strategy, coordinating town halls and conducting payday lending research on trends and lending prevention strategies in other states. For the past year Caldwell has worked as a Learning Center Coordinator in Detroit...
The benefits of homeownership are many, but not everyone wants to own a home or is ready to—and we should support that. June is National Homeownership Month. It is part of an annual effort by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the White House,...
Financial Inclusion can be achieved through the intersection of financial empowerment strategies and community economic development efforts. By Brian Rakovitis As economically depressed neighborhoods and cities begin to see outside investment coming in for the first time in decades, many of the low income individuals living in these communities are often excluded from benefiting from...
Michigan’s Housing and Community Development Fund, if given resources, would spur economic growth and help individuals and families live in safe, affordable housing. By Jessica AcMoody, senior policy specialist In the Out of Reach: The High Cost of Housing 2018 report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC), it was found that renters in...
By Ryan Verstraete, VISTA Leader AmeriCorps doesn’t have the name recognition of the armed forces or Peace Corps, but the empowerment given to communities across the country through AmeriCorps service is honorable. The humility that comes from serving to improve your community’s long-term health leaves AmeriCorps alumni with a unique sense of pride in the...
What is Real Estate Development Boot Camp? When CEDAM was formed in 1998, offering affordable training—specifically real estate development training—to community development organizations was, and still is, a main priority for us. Many of today’s seasoned affordable housing developers went through our Boot Camp training (which has taken on numerous names throughout the years,) and...
The Women’s Center of Greater Lansing, a new member of CEDAM this year, is dedicated to helping women realize their potential. With a focus on providing a supportive environment for their clients, the Center helps women achieve economic independence and develop emotional and physical well-being, regardless of income level. One of their newest initiatives is...
By Alexis Puente, policy intern What is the Farm Bill? The farm bill affects communities in many ways— it covers trade, nutrition, conservation and farmer protections, among other things. A new farm bill is introduced every four years, and the current farm bill is set to expire at the end of the 2018 fiscal year...
By Meghan Kuhr, communications intern CEDAM partner Detroit LISC is a part of the Local Initiatives Support Corps. Detroit LISC builds strong communities in Detroit by coordinating and investing in resources that contribute to sustainable neighborhood revitalization and community growth to give people an opportunity to not only survive, but thrive. They are committed to...
