[This post is part of the monthly CEDAM Member News Roundup series. If you have news to share, send it our way or leave a message in the comments section at the bottom of this post. *The Member News Roundup will be on hiatus from June to July, but will return in August.*]
The Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation (GRDC) and its Executive Director Tom Goddeeris (also a CEDAM board member starting this June) appeared in a recent story on National Public Radio. GRDC is finding new ways to use vacant land, such as planting tree nurseries.
In the Upper Peninsula, Sault Tribe Housing Authority is using grant funds to make existing rental housing units more energy efficient. Among some of the upgrades to the homes are the installation of new Energy Star rated windows, high efficiency furnaces/boilers, water heaters, vinyl siding, and exterior doors. The renovations will benefit all of the housing communities managed by the Sault Tribe Housing Authority, as well as create local jobs.
Kalamazoo Housing Neighborhood Services Inc. received a MSHDA grant to help homeowners in Kalamazoo’s Eastwood neighborhood rehabilitate their homes. The new pilot program under the grant will also help homeowners with technical, structural and mechanical home-related issues.
Avalon Housing Inc. is running its “Edible Avalon” community gardening program this season and plans on adding new gardening beds this year. Last year the gardens produced over 1,000 pounds of fresh produce for tenants in Avalon’s low-income supportive housing.
Executive Director of Community Action Agency of St. Clair County Melinda Johnson was awarded United Way’s Thomas D. Melms Chief Professional Officer Award. The Award recognizes Melinda’s visionary leadership, under which the Community Action Agency developed new programs and created partnerships with other community organizations.
Saginaw County Community Action Committee is hosting its second Annual Walk for Warmth on May 29 (PDF flyer). All of the funds raised at the walk are used to directly benefit community members who have difficulty heating their homes in winter.