Blog

What does it take to truly understand a community's needs? Well, sometimes, it starts with a glass of wine, a few good appetizers, and an honest conversation! This spring, Community Catalysts took a more intentional step toward connection by hosting a series of four small-group gatherings right here at our Grand River Avenue office. Each evening brought together guests (neighbors, colleagues, friends, and community members) for something simple but meaningful: a chance to ste

For families and individuals experiencing homelessness, receiving the keys to a stable home is a powerful, unforgettable milestone. But the journey to long-term stability doesn’t start (or end) with housing alone. It begins with something deeper: human connection. At Community Catalysts, we see this every day at Bethel Suites. Bethel Suites is a place where people begin rebuilding their lives, often after experiencing instability, trauma, or immense loss. And in these moments

Livingston County, Michigan is a beautiful place to live, but for many of our residents, finding housing that fits their budget is a constant struggle. Market rate rents for a one-bedroom apartment hover around $1,000, while a two-bedroom can cost $1,400 to $1,500. Almost half of the county’s households spend more than 30% of their income on housing, and one in five is severely burdened, devoting more than half their earnings to rent. Many of these residents earn less than $4

From the very beginning, Community Catalysts has worked hard to make sure information and knowledge about affordable housing is accessible to anyone who wants (or needs) it. But, simply due to its very nature and complexity, 'affordable housing' is a tricky topic to explain. .. especially to someone not directly working in the real estate industry! (ADUs? County taxes? Building permits?! Not exactly the most glamorous line items.) That complexity was the subject of conversa

Ahhhhh... what a night! On November 13, we gathered for our annual Sip for a Cause fundraiser...and nearly two weeks later, the impact is still resonating. The evening brought together neighbors, partners, and friends for an unforgettable experience centered around connection, storytelling, and community-driven purpose. Guests explored our Old World vs. New World wines theme, enjoying curated tastings and expertly selected wine pairings. Throughout the program, we shared po

When we think of economic development, conversations often turn to new businesses, infrastructure projects, and job creation. But there’s...