Battle Creek: Washington Heights UMC celebrates the first home built in its new community revitalization project.
FAITH GREEN TIMMONS
Michigan Conference Communications
Rev. Dr. Monique French-Turner had a vision in her heart when she was appointed to Battle Creek: Washington Heights UMC amid the pandemic. She saw this season as an opportunity to get acquainted with her new neighborhood, asking those she met: “What do you recall loving most about Washington Heights?”
The answers she heard resonated with her thoughts, thus laying the foundation for exciting plans to reestablish an affordable, family-friendly village for all. Click to read more about this dream. This past month, just a few years later, a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a newly built single-family home was evidence of the outcome, a result of their collective vision and efforts.
“This home embodies the spirit of community and opportunity,” said longtime resident Irene Williams. “I was truly impressed by its welcoming atmosphere and thoughtful design. The layout maximizes space, making it feel cozy and functional, perfect for families or individuals looking for comfort. The community surrounding the home is vibrant and friendly, with convenient access to local amenities and parks, fostering a strong sense of belonging.”
The open-concept, 932-square-foot ranch is the first of seventeen houses in the works. They are all part of the Recover Our Neighborhood project, an endeavor that is already making a profound impact. This initiative, adopted by Washington Heights UMC, aims to address the severe housing shortage in the blighted area and help rectify a history of grave injustice. The project is about not just building houses but rebuilding a community and restoring hope.
Many of the people living in the Washington Heights neighborhood today are transplants. Their parents and grandparents were forced out of the homes that they owned, which were destroyed by a near-historic flood decades ago. Those houses were never rebuilt as promised, and the tragedy left hundreds of Black families and immigrants unhoused. To this day, they report being denied just compensation after the environmental disaster, despite the generational, emotional, and economic devastation that it caused.
The Recover Our Neighborhood project is a comprehensive initiative that includes constructing new homes, community development, and advocacy for those affected by an intensifying housing crisis. “This new home is part of a strategic plan and holistic approach to ministry,” explained Pastor French-Turner. “Our area of focus is a 3- to 5-mile radius around the church and creating a community.”
Brenda Murphy has lived in the area for decades and shared a long-term perspective: “It was truly refreshing to witness the emergence of a new home . . . particularly in the Washington Heights area, that matches the quality and charm of this property. This beautiful home is filled with light and an airy atmosphere, instantly creating a sense of comfort and tranquility. From the moment you step inside, the decor enhances the overall experience, instilling a feeling of hopefulness. It’s a blessing to have access to attainable and affordable housing options within [this] community.”
Excitement over this accomplishment is palpable. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom home is now on the market. Proceeds from its sale will help finance the next house. “We are still raising funds to complete the project,” said Rev. French-Turner, “but I am excited! We have a great team working with us.”
The Recover Our Neighborhood project has several dimensions. It addresses economic stagnation, decaying infrastructure, inadequate housing, and a lower quality of life while striving for systematic and sustainable change.
“This is transforming our community!” exclaimed Kara Beer, president and CEO of the Battle Creek Chamber of Commerce, as she smiled at the newly completed dwelling. This single-story home, built following green practices, is move-in ready and equipped with appliances to accommodate a single mother with children. The community’s response to this initiative has been overwhelmingly positive, reflecting their enthusiasm and support.
It is the most recent success in a series of contributions that the congregation has accomplished. The congregation also provides residential apartments for formerly unhoused individuals and assists local seniors in retrofitting their homes for energy efficiency.
Washington Heights UMC utilizes the Purpose Built Communities framework and collective impact strategies as a guide. The Purpose Built framework is a comprehensive approach to community development that addresses housing, education, and community wellness. The plan’s founders are real estate developer Tom Cousins, billionaire Warren Buffett, and the late Julian Robertson, an investor and philanthropist. Collective impact strategies are a set of principles for achieving large-scale social change.
When applied to the housing initiative, these strategies help coordinate efforts among various stakeholders, aiding Battle Creek. Washington Heights UMC uses these resources as a guide for advocating for themselves and their neighbors, obtaining land, and navigating through red tape. However, there are no handouts. The congregation raises funds on an ongoing basis to transform their community and effect social change.
“We haven’t raised any additional funds for this project, which is disheartening,” shared Pastor French-Turner, who is also a county commissioner, “but we continue to seek grant funding . . . . 73% of Black people in Battle Creek don’t own homes. Homeownership could be an asset to bridge that generational wealth gap.”
She continued, recalling the neglect families have contended with for decades: “We are addressing the barriers that were here. This has been a historically disinvested community, and we want it to be a thriving community.” They plan to re-create an economically blended neighborhood, featuring multi-bedroom homes priced between $135,000 and $155,000, as well as two-bedroom, two-bathroom homes ranging from $180,000 to $230,000. Plus, they are offering financial guidance to support, encourage, and sustain long-term homeownership. “We just want to bring about a life-giving change,” French-Turner explained.
“It’s a very beautiful home with a start of beautiful memories,” said Sharon Miller, who lives in the area. “I see the property value of homes in the area increasing when they sell.” Another resident, Joey Hull, agreed: “Mixed-income housing options will provide an excellent opportunity. I am excited about all the buzz. Another house . . . was gutted and redone. It’s looking beautiful. I want to applaud those in Washington Heights.”
Washington Heights UMC’s work serves as a catalyst and visual reminder. What the congregation has achieved stands out among several national and international examples and was spotlighted by National Public Radio in a series on faith-based developments. NPR shared their accomplishments in referring to churches taking the lead to transform underutilized or excess land and build affordable housing, calling it an international phenomenon.
The congregation is working to break a cycle of poverty, foster long-term community health, create safe spaces for children to play and thrive, while addressing structural racism and health equity, and encourage reinvesting, especially as it relates to those who have historically been neglected and continue to be ignored, primarily minorities.
They say the Washington Heights community revitalization project is more than infrastructure improvements. It’s about building a future where community thrives through collaboration, equity, and sustainable development. This initiative is poised to become a beacon of community-driven progress and a testament to the transformative power of holistic revitalization.
“I fervently hope this marks the beginning of a revitalization effort, leading to more affordable housing opportunities in the area,” said community member Brenda Murphy. “For residents who have dedicated many years to this community, there is new hope after decades of investing in their homes, many purchased over 40 to 50 years ago, without seeing an increase in property value. This change may give them the potential for property appreciation and other associated benefits. I commend the efforts of Washington Heights United Methodist Church for making this endeavor possible. To God be the glory.”
Last Updated on June 26, 2025