RCE Grand Rapids-2012

rce_proj_title
1. General Information
Contact Name(s): 
Mary Buikema
Role in the project: 
Executive Director
Project-relevant information: 
http://www.habitatkent.org/BuildingGreen/WealthyHeightsPartnershipProject.aspx
2. Project Information
1. Project title: 
The Wealthy Heights Partnership Project
2. Project Description: 
The Wealthy Heights Partnership Project (WHPP) joined with partners from the Grand Rapids, MI area to revitalize one of the most eclectic and diverse areas in the city – the Wealthy Heights neighborhood of East Hills. The project assisted in the renovation and rehabilitation of existing homes in the area and built several new homes, including Habitat Kent’s first Net-Zero Energy home. This project partnered with local organization to provide funding, materials, and laborers to complete the 16 homes. Habitat of Kent County prides themselves in providing LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified homes through the USGBC (United States Green Building Council) which carried over to these projects in various ways, including the addition of a community garden in which the entire neighborhood can benefit from.
3. Project Status: 
Ongoing
4. Key Words
Other: 
Partnerships, LEED Certified, Community Development
5. Project categories
Project categories: 
Education
Awareness building
Networking and partnership development
6. Expected outcomes:: 
The WHPP will complete the 16 homes under construction. At completion, a quarter of the neighborhood will be LEED Certified. The partnership will also see the completion of Habitat Kent’s first Net-Zero Energy home.

The desired output of his partnership will parallel with the ideals and goals of Habitat for Humanity in “Serving God, building hope and transforming lives through neighborhood revitalization and homeownership for families who otherwise could not afford a home of their own.” The organization focuses on the areas of: faith, hope, collaboration, sustainability, and integrity. The partnerships will enhance a vibrant and healthy community for families, the environment, and new green jobs.
3. Project Leadership & Vision
8. Project coordination (e.g. teams): 
Each home under construction through the WHPP is individually coordinated and executed. Stakeholders, volunteers, and Habitat for Humanity staff are involved in the process throughout the entire project – including charrettes. This project has also emphasized the importance of student engagement.
4. Project results
10. Project results : 
What are the current results of the project in terms of Outcomes:
12. Unexpected / unplanned results: 
A. Outcomes – The WHPP has currently completed 9 projects including: gut rehabs, new constructions, a community garden, lead paint removal, patio installations, landscaping, and general home maintenance. The project has 7 more homes that are still in progress.
B. Outputs – The WHPP has helped to develop one of the most eclectic neighborhoods in Grand Rapids, MI. This has been done through building construction and relationship building through volunteers and Habitat for Humanity staff.
13.Core Partners: 
(who are the main partners of your project?) City of Grand Rapids, Dwelling Place, East Hills Council of Neighbors, Ferris State University Energy Center, Goodwill Industries of West Michigan, Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Grand Rapids Public School Academy of Design & Construction, Hispanic Center of West Michigan, Historic Preservation Commission of Grand Rapids, Image Design LLC, State Housing Development Authority, Wege Foundation, and Wealthy Mainstreet Business Alliance. In addition, each project has a slew of sponsors and In-Kind Donors.
6. Participation
15. Type of involvement: 
- Donors
Financial donors from the community to the WHPP were a great influence to this project.
- Habitat For Humanity – Kent County
Habitat Kent made this project possible through staff work, volunteer coordination, and project management.
- Homeowners

Involvement in the WHPP included community partners, volunteers, and Habitat Kent employees.
7. Education & Learning
17. Educational activities: 
The WHPP is part of Habitat for Humanity – Kent County. This organization emphasizes the importance of educating homeowners. They do this in an effort to help homeowners maintain their residence by providing resources such as mentors. This is extremely important when it comes to the Net-Zero Energy Home. These residences often have special operating systems that won’t work properly unless the users understand the system.
8. Research Integration
20. Research & Development (R&D): 
Building science professionals recorded and assessed performance metrics for each of the WHPP homes.
21. Research partners: 
Ferris State University and Building Science were active research partners in the WHPP homes.
Type: 
Project Reports
Country: 
United States
Region: 
Americas
Community: 
SCP,Livelihood and Well-being
Community_second: 
SCP,Livelihood and Well-being
Issue: 
Poverty Reduction
One More Issue: 
Policy
Country: 
United States