Updates

A few quick updates for you all:

Homes of Hope is developing an official website. We will still be updating this blog, as well as our other social networking websites, but our main website will be the most active online source for information (in regards to Homes of Hope). We do not have a release date set yet and are still working out details. Hopefully, it will be up soon!

Another exciting development is that ODL Corporation has pledged to send 90+ people to help with projects and neighborhood restoration on May 20, 2014. Thank you to all of you that are helping us turn our vision into a reality. 

Did you catch us on radio WYCE? The interview with Homes of Hope was featured last Tuesday. We will be sure to inform you on any similar events that may occur in the future. We also would like to thank all of you who participated in our fundraiser at The Omlette Shoppe. What could be better than eating some great food while, at the same time, raising money for an important cause? 

As always, feel free to contact us with any questions, suggestions, or pledges at

homesofhopemi@gmail.com

or contact us on 

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Come Eat With Us!

We have some exciting news to share with you today...

Homes of Hope is partnering with The Omelette Shoppe in Grand Rapids to raise funds for Homes of Hope vision of changing people’s lives through the building of new homes and restoring neighborhoods in the Grand Rapids area. Please join us on Tuesday, February 4th between 8:00AM – 3:00PM! 15% of your expenditure will be donated to Homes of Hope! 

Please share this event your friends and family!

Design Charrette

Here are some pictures from our latest Design Charrette, where are main topic of discussion was the Nest Project. 

Above are pictures of some of the participants of the Design Charrette pitching and sharing ideas. Some of the ideas/information shared are pictures below. 

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Floor Plans for the Nest Project

Copyright 2014 Image Design, LLC

Shown above is part of the Floor Plans for The Nest Project, designed by Eric Hughes at Image Design LLC.  Some of the special features of the plans include a Green House and a Library Den for the community. These plans are set up to meet Lifetime Design and are going to be ZeroStep certified. ZeroStep focuses on universal design and, which creates a user-friendly and attractive environment for all. This differs from an accessible design because it is usable by everyone, regardless of ability. The Nest Project  is designed to be safe for the communities' children and focused on the idea of community rather than self. Below is the lower level plan, which will also be accessible to the community.

Copyright 2014 Image Design, LLC

The lower level will consist of several areas that will benefit the community. There will be a Craft Room, School Help/Homework Area, and the root cellar. The Craft Room and Homework Area will be mainly for the communities' children to use as a safe and quiet place to learn and for fun activities.  The Root Cellar will be open to the whole community to store vegetables, canned goods, etc...

To learn more about Image Design or The Nest Project, refer to the links below:

Image Design

The Nest Project

Proposed Designs and Elevations for The Nest Project

Here is a preview of the "Nest" house which is registered as West Michigan's first Living Building Challenge registered project, designed by Eric Hughes at Image Design LLC. This project will also be a LEED for Homes V4 registered project and has also been registered for Passive House and Zero Step  certification. Living Building Challenge certification requires this project to be Zero Energy and Zero Water use and has a Red List of material that cannot be used in this project. Below please find some of the advanced features of this home. Key Features: 

• Rain Water Harvesting 
• Grey Water & Black Water
• Passive Solar
• Solar Hot Water Heating 
• Photovoltaic 
• Greenhouse
• Clay Straw Walls
• Durisol ICF Insulation 
• Hydronic Heating 
• Urban Farming
• Root Celler
• More features to come as the project progresses!

We are going to updating you all on the site plans and other developments as we proceed into 2014. If you haven't checked our Twitter or Facebook page yet, follow us for more updates as well. 

Donate to Homes of Hope

It's now easier than ever to contribute to Homes of Hope. All you need to do is click on the donate button in the upper left corner of our blog and it takes you directly to the Homes of Hope paypal account. It's as easy as that! Any monetary gifts that we receive are greatly appreciated. Homes of Hope is avidly working on the early stages of our current projects, The Nest and Home for a Hero, and we have already received so much support.  2014 will bring our vision to life, with the help of you. 

We will be updating our blog more frequently as we get the ball rolling on these projects. We now have a twitter as well. Follow us to keep updated on what's going on over at Homes of Hope. Click here to head on over to our twitter or click the follow button on our blog. 

We look forward to the new year and all of the positive things to come in the near future. We wish you all the best and hope that you are looking forward to 2014 as much as we are.

Pictures from the Harvest Party Festival

Saturday was our first fundraiser and it went incredibly well! We had a pretty decent turn out, even with the weather not fully cooperating. We are so excited for everything the future holds for Homes of Hope and our projects. We have a vision and to have all of you behind us, and to share our vision with us, is more than we could ever ask for. 

Here are a few pictures from the fundraiser (thank you Erik) and keep an eye out for updates on future events.

Click here to see more pictures!