Good Samaritan Ministries has worked with landlords and tenants to help hundreds maintain housing during the COVID-19 pandemic. It takes work on both sides.

Though wages increasing 5.2% in the past five years, the average home sale price shot up 64.5%, leaving homeownership out of reach for most moderate wage-earners — particularly those who earn $15-$20 per hour. Several Lakeshore nonprofits and trade associations are spearheading initiatives to help this “missing middle” navigate the path to buying a home.

Uncertainty remains in 2021 as we take steps to get ahead of the pandemic. However, emerging trends — including the explosion of e-commerce and pent-up customer demand — show this might be a great time to start a business. 

The nearly $10 million donation to GRCC from the late Robert Richmond, a West Michigan developer, will be used to support student resources and modernize buildings. GRCC Foundation leaders say the gift will “keep higher education within reach.”

The waterfront property owned by the village since 1916 long operated as an exclusive spot for trailers and RVs. Following pleas for Tanglefoot Park to be more community-friendly and recommendations heard at community engagement meetings, the village has launched a capital campaign to renovate the waterfront park. 

The GRABB Relief and Resilience Fund is specifically for Black entrepreneurs and business owners impacted by COVID-19’s on-going business interruptions and limitations. The grants support for-profit businesses that were unable to access adequate funding through the COVID-19.

Statistics show that most people are concerned about money — with regard to either the present, the future, or both. As April is Financial Literacy Month, The Lakeshore asked financial adviser Stacey Workman for tips that could help people achieve their short- and long-term monetary goals.

Volunteers and staff fill thousands of bags with food each Friday for the Muskegon YMCA’s food distribution program. Each bag holds a week’s worth of breakfasts and lunches for one person 18 or younger — meeting a pressing need in the community. 

Several developments are in the works in or near Grand Haven’s downtown. Peerless Flats features housing units and amenities. Other projects are still in development. City leaders say having more people living downtown means more year-round foot traffic for the area’s retailers, restaurants, and other businesses.