The Community Foundation and local partners funded a county-wide housing needs assessment, learning that 27% of Muskegon County residents find themselves insecurely housed or without adequate housing. Muskegon County needs 9,000 housing and rental units across the housing continuum over the next five years.

The housing continuum demonstrates the range of housing types individuals may live in during their lifetimes. A healthy housing market has options for every stage, and individuals can move in any direction at any point in their lives.

We’re working on a county-wide model to ensure a healthy community has options along this continuum, allowing residents to stay in their community through each stage and, more importantly, thrive through economic stability.

Housing study funding partners:

• Community Foundation for Muskegon County
• Muskegon County
• City of Muskegon
• City of Norton Shores
• Goodwill Industries of West Michigan, Inc.
• Greater Muskegon Economic Development
• Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce
• United Way of the Lakeshore

Learn more about our Strategic Leadership Grants for the MUSKEGON COUNTY HOUSING INITIATIVE

Supporting Muskegon Heights with Greater Muskegon Economic Development

For years, we’ve been committed to supporting the efforts of Greater Muskegon Economic Development (GMED). Our collaboration has extended to involving rural communities in economic development initiatives, researching broadband and internet accessibility, and, most recently, directing attention to Muskegon Heights. In partnership with GMED we’ve successfully secured over $1 million from state and private sources to enhance Rowan Park. This investment has facilitated the installation of a splash pad, public art installations, and a revamped play area. Working alongside numerous community stakeholders, our collective aim is to foster both educational and economic balance within Muskegon Heights.

Launched in 2023, the Welcome Home Scholarship offers up to $15,000 to new or experienced educators moving into Muskegon County and beginning work in our public schools. Awards can be used toward expenses such as student loan repayment, a home down payment, continuing education, and moving costs.

Meet two of our 2023 scholarship recipients:

John Smith Former Big Red, John Smith, returns to Muskegon with a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education and Health Education from Western Michigan University. He completed Physical/ Health Education coursework through Central State University before joining the coaching staff at Ferris State University. Soon, he’ll complete a Master of Science in Coaching Sports Performance at WMU and he has returned home to his new role as Physical Education teacher at Muskegon Middle School.

Stephanie Thommen Cultivating a passion for serving individuals with disabilities from her lifelong roots in the Muskegon community, Stephanie Thommen, MSW, is settling into her role as a Social Worker at Wesley School. Thrilled to provide direct support to students, families, caregivers, and the staff of Wesley School, Thommen works to ensure that her students and families are well-connected to all the resources available across Muskegon County. She plans to remain in this fulfilling role “…for many years to come.” The Welcome Home Scholarship allowed her to be closer to family and friends and introduce her daughter to all Muskegon offers—the schools, libraries, public parks, festivals, and outdoor activities.

The Love is Love LGBTQ+ Fund provides financial resources to support organizations and projects that serve Muskegon County’s LGBTQ+ community and their families.

Striving to provide a safe, healthy, and welcoming environment, this initiative serves as a bold statement: declaring that all people are important in Muskegon County, vowing to support and address challenges and opportunities facing our LGBTQ+ community, and committing to hope for equality, inclusion, and belonging. Learn more.

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