3 nonprofits building a home for people experiencing homelessness

What’s happening: Hope Network, Ladder Homes, and Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity broke ground on Oct. 12 on a new housing project in Holland that will provide safe, stable housing for at least four individuals experiencing homelessness.

Why it’s important: The new residence, located at 350 S. River Ave., is the first housing partnership between these organizations and represents the continued growth of Ladder Homes after Hope Network assumed the organization’s operations earlier this year.

What’s next: Once complete, the home will serve individuals referred through community partners Gateway Mission and Good Samaritan Ministries, providing residents with an opportunity to move toward greater independence and long-term stability.

What they’re saying: “Safe and stable housing can be the foundation that allows someone to begin building a better future,” says Bob Von Kaenel, president and CEO of Hope Network. “This project is a great example of what can happen when organizations come together around a shared commitment to their community. We’re proud to work alongside Ladder Homes and Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity to create more opportunities for people in Holland to have a place they can call home.”

How it will work: Hope Network took over Ladder Homes’ operations on Jan. 1 as part of a transition intended to strengthen the organization’s mission and long-standing presence in Holland.

What to know: Ladder Homes continues to operate under its established name and mission as part of Hope Network’s housing services.

“This groundbreaking represents exactly what we hoped would be possible by bringing Ladder Homes and Hope Network together,” said Rick VanTil Sr., executive director of Ladder Homes. “For more than three decades, Ladder Homes has been about giving people a stable place to live and an opportunity to move forward. With Hope Network and partners like Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity, we have an opportunity to build on that legacy and help even more people in the Holland community.”

Who’s involved: The partnership with Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity brings together the organizations’ experience in housing, supportive services, and community partnerships to create an additional pathway for individuals who have experienced homelessness.

What’s the context: The River Avenue project comes as Hope Network continues to expand its investment in the Holland area. In addition to Ladder Homes, Hope Network has partnered with Ottawa County Community Mental Health on local residential services, expanded autism and behavioral health services through its acquisition of Developmental Enhancement Behavioral Health, and continues to invest in services and resources for children and families in the community.

What’s the mission: “Hope Network has been serving West Michigan for decades, and we see tremendous opportunity to deepen that commitment here in Holland,” Von Kaenel says. “Whether it’s housing, behavioral health, autism services, or other community needs, our goal is the same: to work alongside local partners to help people live healthier, more independent lives.”