the main street housing story.
Affordable housing has become one of Lowell's greatest challenges. As housing costs continued to rise, more working families, seniors, and individuals found it increasingly difficult to remain in the community they call home. Flat River Outreach Ministries (FROM) recognized that need and in 2016, purchased our first affordable housing property at 504 E. Main Street, creating 10 affordable apartments and laying the foundation for a much larger vision.
Over the next several years, FROM built partnerships - bringing together our expertise in Lowell and their expertise in affordable housing - while working with community leaders to create a long-term solution. That vision became the Building Foundations, Building Hope Campaign, a community-wide effort to expand affordable housing in Lowell. The campaign inspired an incredible response, bringing individuals, businesses, churches, foundations, and community partners together to raise more than $3 million, making it possible to expand the campus and construct new affordable homes alongside the existing apartments.
of their income only on housing.
50%
FROM Program Impact Survey, Calvin University Center for Social Research
23% of local survey participants reported spending at least
Construction began in Spring 2025, transforming vacant land and neighboring properties into a thoughtfully designed housing campus that includes one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes for individuals and families. During construction, we saw divine timing play out when the neighboring property, 524 E Main St. came available for purchase. FROM purchased the home and the neighboring former gas station at 526 E Main St. Utilizing separate funds from the campaign to purchase it added two additional units to the campus. The old gas station will be transformed into an office space for FROM.
Today, the Main Street Housing campus provides a total of 29 affordable and supportive housing units, including the original home FROM bought in 2016, the newly built units, and the neighboring home, offering stable homes for the community now and for generations to come. The project is about far more than the buildings and construction. It helps children remain in their schools, allows employees to live near their jobs, allows seniors to age in the community they know, and provides families with the stability they need to build brighter, more peaceful futures.
Main Street Housing is proof of what can happen when a community comes together around a shared purpose. What started with a single apartment building has become a lasting investment in Lowell and in the people who make it home. We are beyond grateful for the steadfast support of the families, businesses, churches, and individuals in our community.
FAQ
Call our Connections Office for Housing resources.
All Main Street Housing units are currently occupied.
Q: How can I apply?
A: Applications are currently closed.
Q: What is the rent, and how were rent and utility charges determined?
A: Rent and utility charges were calculated to cover the costs of operations. Based on a third-party study conducted in June 2024, our rent levels are 50% of the market rate for Lowell. (Baker Tilly, 2024).
Q: Why are there minimum and maximum income levels?
A: These apartments are income-restricted, meaning your household income must fall between the minimum and maximum limits to qualify. Minimum income levels are set based on the state of Michigan guidelines that rent should not be more than 30% of household income. Maximum income levels are based on either 50% or 80% AMI (area median income) levels set by MSHDA and based on household size.
Q: Does the rent change based on my income?
A: No, the rent and utility charges are fixed. To qualify, your income will need to fall between the minimum and maximum income requirements.
Q: What size unit do I qualify for?
A: Each unit has a maximum allowable occupancy based on local standards. The maximum is listed on each application. We try to match the size of the household to the size of the unit available.
Questions? Contact us today!
info@fromlowell.org
616-897-8260
Photo Gallery
504 E Main, A
Efficiency Units
For individuals.
Shared laundry.
504 E Main, B & C
1 Bed
Shared laundry.
504 E Main, B & C
2 Bed
Shared laundry.
504 E Main
Duplex, 3 Bed
In-Unit Washer & Dryer.
524 E Main
2 or 3 Bed
In-Unit Washer & Dryer.
Shared laundry.
Thank you to our partners:
Lowell Area Community Fund
