GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Mel Trotter Ministries is celebrating the completion of the first tiny home in the Hope Village community. Dozens of local leaders and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer gathered on Monday afternoon to celebrate.
The home is the first of 16 that will be constructed at the site on Garden Avenue and will be under the director of Mel Trotter Ministries.
During a ribbon cutting ceremony, leaders took part in a Planting Hope ceremony to plant flowers to symbolize new life and hope for future occupants of the new house. The project has been in the works for three years and has a $2.8 million price tag.
"We're grateful for the generosity of our community and the support of the state in bringing this project into reality," said Chris Palusky, CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries. "As an organization that's been providing services to the homeless in West Michigan for 125 years, we're very aware of the limited housing options available. So we're proud to establish Hope Village and open new pathways to a brighter future for individuals needing housing assistance."
The tiny homes will give a dignified living space to individuals who meet specific requirements and are in need of a home. The houses will range from 400 to 530-square-feet. Individuals will pay part of the housing costs in the form of rent each month.
"I congratulate the leaders and staff at Mel Trotter for their work on this project," said Grand Rapids Mayor David LaGrand. "All cities are facing a shortage of affordable housing and that shortage can lead to greater levels of homelessness in our city even among those working full-time. This initiative is a powerful step in addressing that issue."
The organization is planning to complete ten tiny homes at the site by the end of the year.
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