Board: Bill Merry
Region 2 CDC Representative
Executive Director, HomeStretch, Traverse City
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What is the history/purpose of your organization, in one sentence?
HomeStretch is a developer of affordable housing that was incorporated in 1996, has developed/acquired nearly 100 ownership and rental housing units representing public and private investment of over $13 million, and serves the Grand Traverse Bay Region (counties of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau). For more about HomeStretch please visit our website.
What drives your passion for neighborhood/community and economic development?
The growing need for low cost housing and the desire to serve is what drives my passion. Throughout my work life I have held positions that provided a much needed community service i.e. job creation, health care and housing development. All are linked and critical to the social and cultural health of a community.
Why do you love Michigan?
Michigan is my home state. Like many others, I enjoy the water – all of it, from woodland creeks to the Great Lakes. I have always loved getting on and in the water so my principle recreational activities are sailing and snorkeling. And recently, I have been nurturing a growing interest in the wineries that have been popping up all over the Grand Traverse Bay Region. Great water, great wines, what more could you ask for?
How do your family and/or community inspire your work?
Simply stated, it is the families and individuals we serve that provide inspiration. It comes from the satisfaction of providing good quality, energy efficient, affordable housing to hard-working, low-income families that have dreamed of owning a home, but really didn’t think it was possible. Just this year HomeStretch began providing housing for the homeless and persons with special needs. Seeing the ear-to-ear smiles of single moms who now have a permanent home for their children is extremely gratifying and certainly inspiring.
What do you do in your free time?
In addition to the sailing and snorkeling, I plan to refurbish a small sailboat and possibly build a new one (if I can find the space...). I also enjoy photography – I am just getting started in medium format black and white.