A program to attract university students to Grosse Pointe Park by offering grants to cover the cost of renting a home is fielding more applicants than anticipated and exciting city leaders and organizers who foresee the renters becoming not only local consumers, but long-time residents.
"The last I heard there were about 50-60 applicants, graduate students," says
Grosse Pointe Park City Manager Dale Krajniak. They are studying to work in fields such as engineering, health care and business and "we're really excited about the potential of these grad students to eventually become home buyers."
"They could bring a lot to this community," he says.
The majority of applicants are attending the
University of Detroit Mercy, Wayne State University and the
College for Creative Studies, all in Detroit, which borders Grosse Pointe Park on two sides.
The
Grosse Pointe Housing Foundation was started by a longtime Grosse Pointe family interested in seeing the community thrive by attracting younger residents. The foundation pairs college students with landlords and, if they meet a list of eligibility requirements, will reimburse students for up to 50 percent of housing expenses - or a maximum of $350 per month.
Part of the foundation's mission is to add vitality to the rental market and the surrounding commercial business districts.
The program was funded by an initial $250,000 anonymous donation, Krajniak says. Other supporters are being sought and other communities are watching its progress.
Source: Dale Krajniak, Grosse Pointe Park city manager
Writer: Kim North Shine
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