MVAA Helps Local Non-Profit Find a Home for a Veteran Single Mother

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) granted the non-profit organization, Renewed Communities, $150,000 from the Michigan Veteran Homelessness Prevention Grant (MiVHPG) to provide housing for a veteran single mother experiencing homelessness. The MiVHPG grant funding is made available to provide financial assistance to Michigan-based nonprofit organizations that assist service members, veterans and their families who are experiencing or are at risk of experiencing homelessness.

Renewed Communities was founded by Shelley Doezema back in 2022 to provide housing, education and support services for individuals and families facing various life insecurities. The organization focuses on creating affordable, community-based housing options for individuals in need.

“We believe catastrophic loss and trauma result in a broken spirit that needs to be restored by belonging, being a neighbor, a friend and a community,” said Shelley Doezema. “We can change the stigma and our community by creating an environment for people to heal and thrive.”

In 2024, MVAA granted Renewed Communities funds to purchase and renovate a home in Battle Creek for a single mother who had served in the U.S. Army for six years and is currently serving in the Army Reserves. The service member has served in the armed forces for over 15 years. She was referred to Doezema and her organization by a veteran service officer (VSO) in Muskegon.

Doezema did extensive research during the home selection process to ensure the tenant and her family were placed in a safe neighborhood with viable access to public transportation and close to employment opportunities and an elementary school. A 2 bedroom, 1 bath home was purchased and underwent extensive renovations. The renovations included full-home electrical updates, new carpet, laminate flooring, countertops, fresh paint throughout the entire house, professional lawncare assistance, window repairs and hired contractors for any necessary demolition and clean-up.

“It has been nothing but a pleasure to work with the MVAA team,” said Doezema. “Our hearts overflow with the opportunity to serve this way and be a solid foundation for this single parent’s future for her children.”

More information about the Michigan Veteran Homelessness Prevention Grant is available by emailing MVAAGrants@michigan.gov.