10/30/2019
Oceana’s Home Partnership is undergoing a restructuring of services, to be effective November 1, 2019. Oceana’s Home Partnership is a local non-profit that has been serving the area’s housing needs for over 32 years.
“For the last 20 years, we have been meeting our mission to promote and expand housing opportunities for area residents by using a three-tiered approach: providing housing policy advocacy; developing and building both single-family and multi-family housing; and, providing direct assistance to individuals and households that are facing a housing crisis or instability”, said Kittie Tuinstra, the Executive Director for Oceana’s Home Partnership (OHP).
Through this restructuring, OHP will continue its housing policy advocacy work and will deepen its focus on increasing housing development, but will no longer be providing direct programs and services to individuals and families.
“There is a tremendous need for additional housing in the area, both for rent and for sale, and at all price points. The amount of housing that is available is simply not sufficient to meet the demand. We are feeling the impact of this shortage across all sectors—business, education, services, even local government. Our Board believes that we are in a unique position to double-down on our efforts to bring more quality housing options to the communities that we represent and this restructuring will allow us to give development efforts the attention required. It is an exciting time,” said Ken Fisher, president of OHP’s board of directors.
Services for homeowners facing foreclosure, for first-time homebuyers, for renters facing eviction, and for people experiencing homelessness will all be provided by TrueNorth Community Services, who will have an office and staff in Oceana County ready for the transition on November 1, 2019. TrueNorth Community Services is a nonprofit that currently provides these direct services in Mason, Lake, and Newaygo Counties. Clients who are already engaged with OHP have received letters providing them with the details and status of their case transition to TrueNorth Community Services.
“We have worked alongside TrueNorth for many years, and while it is difficult for us to step out of providing direct assistance to Oceana residents, we know that TrueNorth does an excellent job and that folks will be in good hands,” said Tuinstra.
To contact TrueNorth Community Services for housing assistance after November 1st, please call 1-877-446-8730 or email [email protected] to set up an appointment.
