As one of Michigan’s fastest-growing counties, Ottawa County is facing mounting pressure on its housing market. In Holland, I’m sure many of us understand and feel the impact of rising rental and home prices—making it even more difficult for low-income individuals and families to find and maintain stable housing. These days, finding a monthly rent under $1,500 in Holland is increasingly rare—those who do might even consider themselves lucky. And, without intervention, it's expected for this imbalance to worsen.

To address the growing need, Dwelling Place—alongside local government and community partners—is working to expand housing options within the Downtown Holland area.

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In comes… Dwelling Place
Dwelling Place, a nonprofit housing development based in Grand Rapids, is set to expand its projects into the City of Holland. The organization’s mission: “Dwelling Place improves the lives of people by creating quality affordable housing, providing essential support services, and serving as a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization.”

The proposed Holland development reflects this commitment as a response not only to immediate housing needs but also to the broader goals of neighborhood stability and economic inclusion. The project is also backed by strategic partnerships with Hope Church and Community Action House to co-develop this initiative.

With a long history of developing over 1,400 affordable housing units across West Michigan, the organization is a well-established, active community partner. Although, the organization has grappled with many critics of its reputation and serviceship. One review on Google stated, “[This] place is a scam, units are run down, can’t keep staff, will lie right to your face. [They] don’t return phone calls, and will threaten and intimidate you into compliance. I wouldn’t live there, or work there.”

So what does this mean for Holland?
The introduction of low-income housing is a point of tension within the community. Some residents support the development—it provides stable housing for those experiencing homelessness or financial hardship. Others oppose the development, expressing concern that it could alter the neighborhood’s character or lead to perceived declines in quality due to changes in the resident population.

Still, the Downtown Development Authority has approved the development one last time this past Tuesday, July 1st.

The Plan‍

This approved plan will span two sites near the downtown area. The first site will be near 345 14th Street and Kollen Park—former site of Community Action House. The second site will be near 100 W. 10th Street—land donated by the courtesy of Hope Church.

The project will be split into two phases:

Phase 1
The plan includes the construction of 32 one-bedroom and six two-bedroom apartments for 345 14th Street and Kollen Park, with exactly 41 parking spaces. For 100 W. 10th Street, there will be 14 one-bedroom apartments, with exactly 15 parking spaces. Both sites have received proper funding and have been approved to begin construction this fall.

Phase 2
This plan includes five three-bedroom townhomes that will be built between 14th and 15th Street near Kollen Park. This site has yet to receive funding and has yet to be approved for construction.

Both sites are within the design requirements as outlined by the city.

The project plans to produce 52 apartments total, at the cost of nearly $16 million. The state has approved nearly $12 million in low-income housing tax credits, which will fund close to 90% of the project.

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Who will live there?
A few years ago, the Ottawa County Housing Needs Assessment estimated a need for over 4,000 new rental units by the year 2025.

This addition of low-income housing to Holland responds to that demand, providing what is “urgently needed” for low to moderate income individuals and families in the area.

The rent for these apartments will begin at approximately $400 a month and increase from there.

But, not everyone who is considered low-to-medium income will have the opportunity to move into Dwelling Place.

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A vast majority of the units will be reserved for a particular demographic of residents—tribal members, those with a mental or physical disability, or families with tenant-based vouchers.

Here is a breakdown of expected resident allocations:
• 11 units reserved for adults with disabilities, with an intent to pursue 811 vouchers.

• Eight project-based vouchers awarded through the Grand Rapids Housing Commission for extremely low-income households (Kollen Park site only).

• 15% of units (eight units) set aside for individuals/families using tenant-based vouchers.

• 11 units reserved for Native American households, through a partnership with the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians.

Lastly, the housing development aspires to generate three permanent jobs, whilst employing 132 temporary jobs during the construction period.