This development is being spearheaded by Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity, whose mission statement includes being “dedicated to eliminating poverty housing locally by constructing rehabilitating and preserving homes.”

Some major northern Michigan employers have just taken to incorporating housing as one of their benefits for seasonal hiring. Going back as far as 2018, Cherry Republic has been working hard to provide workforce housing for their employees.

HomeStretch Nonprofit Housing Corporation, a regional developer of affordable housing, is in the process of adding 6 new affordable rental units to Traverse City called Oakwood Townhomes. This is a collaboration between a local dentist and Homestretch.

With home prices rising faster than incomes it is even more important to look for housing solutions that meet the needs of our workforce. Between 2011 and 2018, home prices in Charlevoix County increased 38%.

The Commongrounds Cooperative Building is a mixed-use four-story building on the corner of 8th street and Boardman Avenue in Traverse City.

In May 2020 Housing North hosted a webinar titled “Local Housing Funds in Michigan”. One of the featured speakers was Stephanie McGreevy from the Mackinac Island Community Foundation “MICF”.

Housing North has launched a new program to preserve and expand year-round housing opportunities - and has implemented its first project in the program, in partnership with the City of Charlevoix and local funders.

Leelanau County represents some of the region’s extremes - with Northwest Michigan’s highest home values and highest median age, the County’s housing issues are having dramatic impacts on its workforce, seasonal economy, and business environment.

A downtown housing project was approved in Boyne City after a process of community engagement, a sharing of opinions and concerns, and education about the project.

A highly-collaborative public-private partnership has spurred the redevelopment of a blighted property on an important block in downtown Cadillac.

A well-known tourism town is taking important steps to make sure homes are available for year-round residents and workers. The City of Charlevoix has struggled with housing shortages for years. Its businesses report challenges in hiring new workers – especially seasonal workers – and its schools lose students as families leave the area to find homes they can afford.