NW

Why do loyal residents often say the west side is the best side? Maybe because the area just across the Grand River from downtown Grand Rapids is filled with a thriving museum district, the John Ball Zoo, neighborhood corner pubs, beloved Polish meat markets, and beautiful cathedrals. Encompassing the Stockbridge neighborhood and the West Fulton business district, among others, the northwest side skews working class and is filled with residents and businesses who are investing aggressively in building urban community.

Community Catalysts designing a more equitable Grand Rapids

Public Agency at WMCAT is accepting applications for its next Community Catalyst cohort through Sept. 7. These diverse individuals will bring their lived experiences together to co-create equitable outcomes for Grand Rapids.

City of Grand Rapids funding housing assistance via La Lucha Fund

The City of Grand Rapids is providing up to $250,000 for rent and mortgage assistance to Grand Rapids residents meeting Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s La Lucha Fund eligibility requirements. Residents impacted by COVID-19 can apply for funds and receive up to $500 of rent or mortgage assistance for their households.

GRow1000 connects youth to jobs now and careers in the future

City of Grand Rapids' 6-week program enlists businesses and organizations to employ and connect with 1,000 youth ages 15 through 21 from the 49503, 49507, 49508, and 49509 ZIP codes, neighborhoods hit hardest by disproportionate outcomes.

Received your absentee ballot application? City has mailed them to all registered voters

Grand Rapids City Clerk mailed absentee ballot applications to all of its registered to voters for the August 4 primary and November 3 election. Here's why it's a secure way to vote.

Nonprofit provides remote cancer and grief support: Adjusting to a “new normal” at Gilda’s Club

"There are no breaks when it comes to cancer and grief, even during the current COVID-19 pandemic," says Lindsay Jousma, director of programs and operations for Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids. As a nonprofit that provides free cancer and grief support through in-person meetings and events, Gilda's Club has shifted to a remote community during quarantine, adjusting their model for a new but equally supportive normal.

Veteran bike mechanic has Common Bond with cyclists

Bob Hammond has launched his dream business, Common Bond Mobile Bike Shop, which serves bicyclists anywhere throughout the Greater Grand Rapids area.

The City of Grand Rapids’ Neighborhood Match Fund offers COVID-19 resiliency grants

The City of Grand Rapids’ Neighborhood Match Fund (NMF)  is providing focused support for community projects that help Grand Rapids’ most vulnerable residents meet their basic needs for resiliency, wellness, and safety in light of COVID-19.

Local toy store “The Gathering” place in GR

Locally owned, independent Galactic Toys & Collectibles has two locations: 3120 28th St. SE and 4174 Alpine Ave. NW. The new location, which opened in November of this year in Comstock Park, is a gathering place for customers to play cards and games.

St. James Apartments find a place in the sun

St. James Apartments and Townhomes’ now has 308 solar panels at its 750 First St. NW affordable housing project, which opened December 2018. With the solar panel installation completed last month, they began capturing energy from the sun and transforming it into electricity for the renovated school’s 52 units. The solar array is expected to generate 125,000 kilowatt hours per year and reduce electricity costs by 50 percent.

Mass incarceration and women: How two Grand Rapids programs help those returning overcome barriers

Mass incarceration is an epidemic eating away at our communities, and women face unique barriers when reentering society. Meet two nonprofits working to support these women with employment, housing, childcare, and one-on-one mentorship.

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