Momentum Center town hall to explore racism and housing

The Momentum Center is hosting a virtual town hall in April focusing on the impacts of racial inequities in housing. 

The (Anti) Racism Task Force town hall will be held via Zoom on Monday, April 25 from 6:30-8 p.m. 

“Town hall attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the local impacts of unfair housing practices and to discuss potential next steps for our community,” says Momentum Center’s Barbara Lee VanHorssen. “The panelists will provide key perspectives into this ongoing challenge of racism in housing.”

The town hall will include panelist presentations, a question-and-answer period, and breakout discussion sessions. Those who wish to attend must register beforehand at momentumcentergh.org/town-hall-racism.

Wide perspectives on panel

The panelists will be Anthony Lambers, Lyn Raymond, and Dale Zahn.

Lambers is a Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) listing agent with @Home Realty. He has been in the real estate industry for eight years, serving Ottawa, Muskegon, and Kent counties. After overcoming adversities, tribulations, and hardships, he is now a successful agent focused on community.

Raymond is the director of the Lakeshore Housing Alliance, a group that works collaboratively to meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness. She was first elected to Holland’s City Council in 2019.

She has been a volunteer with the city of Holland for the last several years, first joining the Neighborhood Improvement Committee and then as an appointee to the Planning Commission. 

She is an ally with the Circles Program, an initiative that brings people of diverse incomes together to help low-income individuals and families achieve their financial goals. Raymond also has previous service in community development, including work in the United States and abroad.

Zahn is the CEO at West Michigan Lakeshore Association of Realtors, with over 40 years experience in real estate practice and management. He has served as the national chairman of the Realtor Association Certified Executive board and has been a member of the National Association of Realtors Professional Standards Committee for many years. 

Zahn has also received the Lakeshore Fair Housing Advocacy Award and is a trained mediator.

VanHorssen suggests attendees watch the video “The Color of the Law ” by Richard Rothstein before the Town Hall. It can be found online here.

The Momentum Center, located in Grand Haven and Holland, is a grassroots movement to create a stigma-free community. It does this by hosting community conversations and operating The Momentum Center for Social Engagement, which addresses mental illness, addictions, and disabilities. The Momentum Center in Grand Haven also houses the Momentum Café and operates Just Goods Gifts.