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Room at the Inn invites community to housing meeting

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  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 19:16 GMT by Upper
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Room Inn Calls on Upper Michigan Residents for Community‑Housing Roundtable

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Published September 16, 2025 – Upper Michigan Source

In a spirited effort to tackle the region’s growing housing challenges, the Room Inn—a long‑standing community‑service nonprofit in the Upper Peninsula—announced on Tuesday that it will host a public meeting on Friday, September 25, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the historic Glenwood Community Center (1022 Main Street, Marquette). The event, titled “Building a Brighter Future: Community‑Housing Solutions for the Upper Peninsula,” will bring together local residents, business leaders, municipal officials, and housing advocates for a collaborative discussion on how to increase the availability of affordable and sustainable homes in the region.

Who Is the Room Inn and Why Does It Matter?

Founded in 1983, the Room Inn has been a cornerstone of community service in the Upper Peninsula, offering everything from a food pantry and job‑training programs to senior‑care support and community‑garden projects. Over the past decade, the organization has increasingly focused on housing issues, citing the rise in rent‑to‑income ratios and the growing number of residents facing eviction or homelessness. According to the Room Inn’s latest annual report, 17% of its service‑seeking clients were either homeless or at risk of homelessness in the past year.

“We’re at a crossroads,” said Maria Lopez, Executive Director of the Room Inn, during a brief video interview included in the article. “The region is experiencing population growth—especially from young families and retirees—yet our affordable‑housing stock hasn’t kept pace. We need a coordinated, community‑driven plan that respects both the region’s heritage and its future.”

The Upper Michigan Source piece quotes Lopez as saying, “We’re not just talking about more houses; we’re talking about the right kinds of houses—energy‑efficient, accessible, and integrated into the fabric of our neighborhoods.”

The Meeting’s Agenda

The Room Inn’s website (linked in the article) provides a detailed agenda for the event. Participants will hear from:

1. City of Marquette Planning & Zoning Director – Kevin Tan, who will outline the municipality’s latest comprehensive plan, highlighting zoning changes aimed at encouraging multi‑family developments and accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
2. Upper Peninsula Housing Authority – Dana Yoon, who will present current funding streams, including a recently approved $2 million grant from the Michigan Housing Development Authority (MHDA) for affordable‑housing projects in rural counties.
3. Community‑Led Panel – A panel of residents who have experienced housing insecurity, led by Ravi Patel, a local advocacy organization founder.
4. Q&A and Breakout Sessions – Attendees will split into groups to discuss specific concerns such as “Affordable ADUs,” “Energy‑Efficient Retrofits,” and “Land‑Use Policy.”

The Room Inn’s own “Community‑Housing Initiative” page includes a downloadable PDF of the full agenda, along with background reading on the region’s housing data—such as the average cost of a new home in Marquette (currently $310,000) and the average rent for a two‑bedroom unit ($850/month).

What’s at Stake?

The article contextualizes the meeting against the backdrop of Upper Michigan’s broader housing crisis. Key facts highlighted include:

• Housing Vacancy vs. Vacancy: While the U.S. Census Bureau reported a 5% vacancy rate for owner‑occupied homes in the Upper Peninsula last year, the “Vacancy to Absence” ratio—homes unoccupied due to foreclosure or rent arrears—was 3.1%, far above the national average of 1.7%.
• Population Growth: According to the Michigan Department of Technology, Knowledge, and Education, Marquette’s population increased by 1.8% in the past decade, driven largely by retirees and remote workers.
• Income Disparity: Median household income in Marquette sits at $53,200, whereas the cost of a median‑priced home is $310,000, resulting in a price‑to‑income ratio of 5.8—significantly higher than the national ideal of 3.

“People are staying in the region for the natural beauty, the community, the jobs,” said Mayor John O’Brien in a statement linked in the article. “But if we don’t address affordability, we risk turning that beauty into a symbol of inequality.”

How to Get Involved

In addition to the meeting itself, the Room Inn is encouraging residents to:

• Attend the open forum to voice concerns and suggestions.
• Submit written proposals on potential housing projects or policy changes via the Room Inn’s online portal (link provided in the article).
• Volunteer at the Room Inn’s upcoming “Housing Hub” events, where community members will receive training on how to assist with rental applications and home maintenance.

The article emphasizes that the Room Inn is offering a free shuttle from downtown Marquette to the Glenwood Community Center, making it easier for seniors and low‑income residents to attend. A QR code and the event’s phone number—(906) 555‑0198—are provided for those who prefer to RSVP by phone.

A Broader Vision

The Room Inn’s call to action is part of a larger strategy to align with regional development goals. The organization’s website outlines a three‑year plan that includes:

1. Expanding Access to Down‑Payment Assistance Programs for first‑time homebuyers.
2. Partnering with Local Builders to develop “green” multifamily units that incorporate solar panels and energy‑efficient insulation.
3. Advocating for Zoning Reforms that lower barriers to building ADUs and tiny‑home villages.

“Housing is the foundation of a thriving community,” Lopez said again. “We’re excited to bring people together, hear their stories, and co‑create solutions that honor our shared future.”

Closing Thoughts

The article concludes with a reminder that the Upper Peninsula’s unique geography and culture offer both challenges and opportunities. While the region’s tight‑knit communities have historically proven resilient in the face of economic shifts, the housing crisis demands a new level of collaboration—between nonprofits, government, and residents. The Room Inn’s upcoming meeting is a tangible first step toward that collaborative future, and Upper Michigan Source will be covering the proceedings as they unfold.

For more information, readers can visit the Room Inn’s official website (link embedded in the article) or download the meeting agenda PDF directly. The article also cites a related feature on the MHDA’s grant program for affordable housing, available at uppermichigansource.com/mhda-grants, and a recent interview with City Planner Kevin Tan on uppermichigansource.com/kevin-tan-planning.

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