Southwest Michigan Perspectives
The session will be split into 3 parts. It will start with an introduction to the Southwest Michigan Regional Housing Partnership whose objective is to build a connected, collaborative, and inclusive housing ecosystem tied to MSHDA’s Statewide Housing Plan. Then we will hear from Whitney Wardell the President and CEO of Neighborhood Inc on her work with landlords and reaching clients experiencing homelessness in Calhoun and St Joseph Counties. We will also get a sneak peek into NIBC’s new Path 2 Purchase program. Alison Harrop Director of United Christian Services will discuss the challenges faced as a service provider in Van Buren County and how their new Coffee Connections program has revolutionized their approach.
Presenters
Emily Petz holds degrees in Urban and Regional Planning and Environmental Economics, dedicating her career to supporting community growth that enhances quality of life. She is passionate about fostering socially and ecologically restorative communities, particularly in the realm of affordable and sustainable housing. Over her ten years with the State, including roles at the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Emily successfully guided communities and developers on projects ranging from $1 million to $80 million. This experience enabled her to oversee more than 100 projects, utilizing a diverse array of financing tools from federal and state sources building vital relationships across Michigan. Emily is skilled in leveraging financing options such as Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Historic Tax Credits, Community Revitalization Program (CRP), Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), and HOME Investment Partnerships. She has been a LEED Accredited Professional in Building Design and Construction since 2009 and is recognized as an Economic Development Finance Professional by the National Development Council now called Grow America. Currently, Emily leads the Regional Housing Partnership for Southwest Michigan at the W.E. Upjohn Institute, where she also develops comprehensive housing plans. Emily’s research and work at the Institute is primarily concentrated in the fields of economic development, regional planning, workforce development, housing, real estate development, and local government policy. She lives in the City of Kalamazoo in the Vine Neighborhood with her husband, dog and cat.
Whitney Wardell currently serves as the President & CEO of Neighborhoods Inc. of Battle Creek (NIBC), where she leads efforts to promote housing stability, strengthen neighborhoods, and create inclusive opportunities for families across Calhoun and St. Joseph Counties. Her career in housing and community development began as a property manager for low-income tax-credit housing, where she worked closely with individuals and families at risk of homelessness. During this time, Whitney not only ensured that residents had stable housing but also created opportunities for community connections such as organizing annual Back to School Bash events to connect tenants with resources, community partners, and school supplies for children from low- to moderate-income households. In August 2020, Whitney became the Housing Lead at Summit Pointe, where she gained her first experience in homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing. When Summit Pointe transitioned away from housing work, Whitney joined NIBC in June 2021 as the Director of Housing Initiatives, overseeing Calhoun County Housing Services and the Housing Assessment Resource Agency (HARA). In this role, she managed property operations, rapid rehousing, and homelessness prevention programs while working diligently to expand grant funding that supported housing stability for families across the community. She also oversaw the Calhoun County Point in Time (PIT) Count, an annual effort to collect data on sheltered and unsheltered individuals experiencing homelessness. Whitney’s leadership was especially critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she and her team worked to meet the increased housing and financial needs of low- to moderate-income populations. In March 2023, she was named President & CEO of NIBC, where she continues to advance innovative housing strategies and partnerships to ensure that all families in Calhoun & St. Joseph Counties have the foundation they need to thrive. Beyond her professional work, Whitney is deeply engaged in the Battle Creek community. She has served numerous boards to advance affordable housing initiatives and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in housing conversations. She also collaborated with local artists to create the Black Lives Matter Stand in Solidarity Mural near Monument Park and was a member of the Wet Safari Splash Pad Committee. Whitney is passionate about housing, human relations, and fostering an inclusive community where every resident feels welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Alison Harrop serves as the Director of United Christian Services of Van Buren County (UCS). The organization is dedicated to assisting individuals in need of emergency financial support and basic needs, while also offering pathways to sustainability. UCS seeks to avoid duplicating services but help in the gaps! Alison is deeply committed to aiding people during the most challenging times in their lives by guiding them towards resources that can help change their circumstances. During the nine years that Alison has served as director she has launched several new initiatives. One notable program is Coffee Connections, a weekly event that offers free coffee and creates opportunities for community agencies to engage with individuals in person for expert guidance and direction. Alison is currently a board member of the Paw Paw Housing Commission and actively participates in the Van Buren Continuum of Care. One of her key passions is to help the homeless by tackling gaps in support, especially for single men, vulnerable individuals, and seniors. In pursuit of this goal, she and the Board of UCS are presently developing a new initiative called “Homeless Solutions.” Alison and her family relocated to Kalamazoo from the UK in 2008 due to her husband’s job. Her family, faith, and three dachshunds bring her immense joy and purpose in life. Sewing, reading and painting ceramics are on her weekly “to do” list.