This week, Grand Rapids received a $150,000 grant to build more affordable housing. It also provided tax exemptions for six affordable housing units. But activist group Justice For Black Lives (JFBL) says there is a lot more work to be done.
"We do agree it's a step in the right direction," says Brittany Hawkins with JFBL. "However, the people that we work with, they are not able to qualify for affordable housing."
JFBL works with the homeless community in the city, doing anything from delivering food to providing crisis counseling. Hawkins says she doesn't know a single person in need of affordable housing that would qualify under the current requirements.
"Do they require a drivers license? Barrier. Reading requirements? Barrier. Phone? They're all barriers," she explains.
JFBL says if affordable housing is going to work, barriers like these need to come down. The group also has asked the city for a new position to assist people with the applications.
"Somebody in that situation that can guide these people through the whole process and don't just put it on their shoulders," says Hawkins. "A lot of times, they need help and they don't understand and need that person to help them and give them that push."
Hawkins says JFBL is always looking for volunteers. If you would like to help, you can reach out through the group's Facebook page.
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