At North Kent Connect (NKC), we see the reality of the housing crisis in our community every day. Families working full-time jobs are struggling to afford rent. Young adults hoping to settle down in the neighborhoods they grew up in are priced out of starter homes. Seniors on fixed incomes face dwindling options as they age in place. The demand for housing across income levels is growing, but the supply hasn’t kept up.
According to Housing Next, Kent County needs 35,000 new units by 2027 to meet projected demand. Contributing factors include more single-person households, smaller family sizes, and an aging population remaining in their homes longer. Unfortunately, current zoning policies and development patterns are not designed to support this growth. NKC is actively engaging municipal leaders to revisit outdated zoning restrictions that limit the development of diverse and affordable housing options.
Consider this: in 2001, an entry-level home cost $70,367. Today, that same home costs over $241,000, well beyond the reach of the families we serve. In fact, 53% of households earning under $58,000 annually can’t afford new construction. Most NKC families fall far below this threshold: 61% live at or under 100% of the Federal Poverty Level, just $32,000 for a family of four.
Rental costs tell a similar story. Rent has more than doubled from $731 in 2001 to $1,671 in 2021, while median wages increased much more slowly, from $27,814 to $47,504. Many of our clients spend over 60% of their income on rent and utilities. Homeownership feels out of reach. Renting is a burden. And solutions require bold collaboration.
That’s where North Kent Connect is making a difference. We’re not just advocating for affordable housing; we’re bringing people to the table to build it.
On April 30th, North Kent Connect convened local leaders and housing experts from Housing Next, Housing Kent, and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) for an impactful afternoon of learning and collaboration. The event equipped attendees with practical tools, funding insights, and proven strategies to address housing challenges across Northern Kent County.
Speakers shared compelling data illustrating the region’s imbalanced housing market, including a 100% increase in median home values over the past decade, a trend that is pricing out young families. Attendees explored actionable solutions, including how local governments can modernize zoning ordinances and master plans to promote strategic, infrastructure-supported growth while keeping our rural areas intact.
Discussions also covered innovative financing approaches to offset high development costs, with real-world examples shared by local leaders who have implemented successful housing initiatives in their communities. The summit fostered meaningful dialogue and strengthened regional partnerships, laying a strong foundation for long-term, community-driven solutions.
We’ve also partnered with The Right Place to launch Developer Day for northern Kent County, a day dedicated to showcasing ready-to-build properties and redevelopment opportunities to local and regional developers. Our goal is to connect investment with impact and ensure that new housing solutions align with the needs of our community.
At the heart of this work is partnership. From businesses to churches to government and nonprofit allies, NKC proudly serves as a trusted convener, connector, and advocate. Our region’s housing challenges are significant, but so is the momentum we’re building together. North Kent Connect remains committed to creating a more inclusive, affordable, and hopeful housing future for all. When we work together, everyone wins.
