 |
|
Kent County, Michigan
For Immediate Release: May 2, 2023
Contact: Lori Latham
PH: 616-401-1743
EM: lori.latham@kentcountymi.gov
|
$8 million in Kent County ARPA grants to help empower diverse communities in Grand Rapids
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (May 2, 2023) – The Kent County Board of Commissioners today announced it has secured formal contracts to award $8 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grants to help improve and strengthen people’s lives in diverse neighborhoods across Grand Rapids.
“These important projects will raise the bar when it comes to building a better future for all Kent County residents,” said Kent County Board of Commissioners Chair Stan Stek. “Kent County is committed to ensuring these impactful initiatives will have an enduring and positive effect on residents across our diverse communities.”
The four initial projects announced today include:
Boston Square Community Hub – $4 million
Amplify GR is constructing the Boston Square Community Hub, a two-story, 45,000-square-foot facility to improve people’s health and well-being. Phase I includes a 9,000-square-foot early childhood center, a co-working space, a 240-person community event and performance space, and 6,000 square feet of wellness spaces. The Hub, at 1534 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, is located in an area with the city’s highest concentration of Black residents. Phase I began in February and will be completed by the end of the year. Phase II, which will include a health care center with Corewell Health and additional wellness space, will open in early 2025.
Economic and Workforce Development in Kent County’s Hispanic community – $2 million
The Hispanic Center of Western Michigan will help Latinx individuals, families and micro-business owners access capital, realize greater economic prosperity and homeownership, and create or grow businesses. The Hispanic Center will first conduct an assessment in order to make informed decisions and target investments where the need is greatest. The assessment will kick-off later in 2023.
Fuel the Movement: Innovative Workforce Development for Economic Mobility – $1 million
The Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation is launching an initiative that engages southeast Grand Rapids residents in opportunities that support economic mobility and growth. Fuel the Movement, consisting of both workforce development and entrepreneurial development, aims to facilitate 500 job placements in partnership with 45 employers, and support 20 entrepreneurs, 30 leaders of color, and 25 minority- and women-owned food businesses. The initiative will launch later in 2023.
Heroes for Life Sickle Cell Disease Blood Donors Initiative – $1 million
The Grand Rapids African American Health Institute is launching the Heroes for Life Sickle Cell Disease Blood Donors Initiative to address the disparate impacts of Sickle Cell Disease on Kent County’s Black community. The Institute will also establish the African American Health Disparities Transformation Alliance, which will host trainings and workshops for healthcare workers, community organizations, and other stakeholders. The initiative will launch in 2023 with funding to be used over a four-year period.
Kent County ARPA Funding Background
In December, the Kent County Board of Commissioners voted to fund 30 projects that draw on the $127.6 million Kent County received through ARPA. In total, more than $108 million was allocated in this round of funding.
The remaining funds will be placed in a contingency fund for unanticipated needs or new/increased expenses to complete a funded proposal. All ARPA funding commitments must be allocated by Dec. 31, 2024, but the County has until December 2026 to spend the funds.
The Board will announce other ARPA projects in the coming weeks.
###
|
