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Battle Creek is a vibrant community of 52,000 residents working urgently to build a stronger future for children and families. Like many Michigan communities, it faces a growing housing challenge causing hardship for many local families. With a shortage of more than 3,000 units, Battle Creek is focused on creating a sustainable housing market that supports family financial security, drives economic growth and strengthens local businesses.
With seed funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the City of Battle Creek, Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) came together to solve this challenge by creating the new Battle Creek Housing Fund.
The fund will create and preserve affordable and market-rate housing and support and spur new efforts with a goal to develop and rehabilitate 1,000 units of housing by 2035.
The pathways for creating market-rate and affordable housing are different, which is why the fund has two parallel initiatives.
BCU, a local economic development organization, will lead on strategies for creating more market-rate housing to increase opportunities for middle-class residents, using tools such as revolving, low-interest loans.
LISC, a nimble national organization that builds relationships across sectors to assist community organizations in achieving their goals, will support local developers by spearheading investment strategies for developing, acquiring or rehabbing affordable housing.
Corporations, local businesses, philanthropy and impact investors, along with state and local government, all have a vested interest in the vibrancy of Michigan’s communities, and all have important roles to play in creating a robust affordable and market-rate housing market.
Right now, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority is offering local employers the opportunity to double their impact in meeting the needs of the Battle Creek community — and in supporting their own economic growth — by matching gifts to the fund’s affordable housing initiative. To fulfill the match requirements, the Battle Creek Housing Fund seeks commitments for $1 million in investments. This opportunity will end May 31. 2026.
To learn how you can play a role in supporting the fund, and thus the economic future of our city and state, contact us.