HOUSING & NEIGHBORHOOD STEWARDSHIP
We desire to be present in neighborhoods of Detroit with the posture and presence of a neighbor. Therefore, rather than functioning out of a church building, we’ve decided to purchase a house instead so that we can create a gathering space and community resource hub to show love to our friends in the neighborhood. Each of our ministry houses has a supervisor who lives nearby and supports the ministry work in and around the house.
Through this approach, we’ve also begun supporting individuals and families in their efforts to own their own home. We know that communities are improved when owner-residents are the primary decision makers in a neighborhood. So we are committed to supporting this value by supporting local residents through homeownership and property development.
We also provide support on tax reduction programs, Land Bank buyback programs, and Home Repair grant applications. If you’d like more information about our housing initiatives, please email us at [email protected].
EQUITABLE HOUSING IN DETROIT
Led by Housing Director Abbey Waterman, our housing ministry works alongside Detroit families to build stability, ownership, and lasting neighborhood renewal.
NEIGHBORHOOD MINISTRY HOUSES
Rather than functioning out of a traditional church building, we purchase neighborhood houses to create welcoming gathering spaces and community resource hubs—each supported by a nearby supervisor.
RESIDENT HOMEOWNERSHIP
Communities flourish when owner-residents are the primary decision makers in their neighborhood. We walk alongside individuals and families in their efforts to own their own home and develop local property.
TAX REDUCTION & LAND BANK BUYBACK
We assist Detroit residents in navigating property tax reduction programs and Detroit Land Bank buyback programs to preserve family stability and neighborhood continuity.
HOME REPAIR GRANTS & REHAB
We provide hands-on guidance for Home Repair grant applications and rehabilitate neighborhood homes so families have safe, dignifying, and comfortable places to live.
ABBEY WATERMAN
Abbey Waterman is the Hesed Community Church Housing Director. Although her degree is in Biology, she has a wealth of expertise in housing and community development in addition to her lifelong experience living and serving in Detroit. Her passion is to provide and encourage equitable housing in Detroit neighborhoods.
“They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.” — Isaiah 61:4