These two Kent County housing projects have received funding from the state

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Two Kent County housing projects have received funding from the state.

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority has approved funding for nine housing developments throughout the state, it said in a Monday release. The nine developments will create or rehabilitate more than 350 attainable housing units.

In Wyoming, the Villa Esperanza Apartments will receive $9.5 million for a rehabilitation project. The two-story development at 1446 44th St. SW near Burlingame Avenue has 40 one-bedroom senior housing units, the state said.

Also in Kent County, Elmdale Apartments in Grand Rapids — an 18-unit housing community at 1361 Elmdale St. near Plainfield Avenue — is set to receive $4.8 million for rehabilitation.

The funding comes as Kent County faces a housing crisis . A 2022 Housing Next Housing Needs Assessment found the county needs 35,000 housing units by 2027.

But progress is being made. Throughout Michigan, the housing shortage has dropped from 190,000 to 141,000 housing units, the state announced earlier this month.

“We are maintaining this progress through the Board’s approval of funding for several projects across the state, increasing the number of available homes for Michiganders,” Amy Hovey, CEO and Executive Director at MSHDA, said in the release.

Other projects that received funding from the MSHDA Board include a four Detroit-area affordable housing projects and a new 72-unit development in Southfield, which received $28.7 million in MSHDA loans.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.