Message from the CEO: Winter 2024

As ICCF Community Homes marks its 50th anniversary, we are filled with gratitude for God’s provision and the countless individuals who have contributed to our journey.

What began as a humble, volunteer-driven, single-home initiative has blossomed into a multifaceted organization impacting thousands of families annually. The generous gift of a single house to a church in 1974 continues to bless our community, reinforcing the enduring truth that it only takes one person to positively influence a family tree for generations.

Barbara, who you’ll meet in this issue, is a shining example of how planting a seed of change can have an impact that lasts for generations. Barbara purchased her home from ICCF in 1990 and has since dedicated thirty years to providing a haven for her sons. The collective efforts of donors, volunteers, craftspeople, legislators, educators, and social workers—those who champion ICCF’s mission—have played a pivotal role in shaping Barbara’s story. Today, she gives back to the community as a passionate advocate for affordable housing.

West Michigan is home to so many resilient individuals like Barbara, who strive daily for the best life for themselves and their families. The tangible resources offered by ICCF help bridge the gap between their dreams and achievable realities. We are thrilled to acknowledge and celebrate the tangible impact of ICCF’s mission evident in safe, stable, and affordable homes throughout West Michigan, with more promising developments on the horizon. As we begin our fiftieth year, we reaffirm our commitment to ICCF Community Homes’s mission: equitable opportunity, affordable homes, and thriving neighborhoods.

Grace and peace,

Ryan VerWys
President and CEO

This story first appeared in our Winter 2024 Blueprints newsletter. Click here to explore all stories from this edition.