PlatFORM Group

Want to stay up-to-date with what is going on? Follow our Page for the latest updates on the PlatFORM Group and Avon Street property

Transforming Communities, One Home at a Time The PlatFORM Group’s Avon Street Project is making headlines! Featured recently on WIFR, this $45 million initiative will bring 116 affordable housing units, mixed-use spaces and community resources to Rockford’s Ellis Heights neighborhood. State Rep. Maurice West said it best: “This is like a rising tide that will lift all boats.” Highlights of the project: - 116 affordable homes, including apartments, duplexes and single-family units. - Artist lofts, early childhood education center and commercial spaces.  - A community-focused design that addresses Rockford’s housing crisis. Learn more about this transformative development here: https://lnkd.in/gP8qkzXz

Recently, Ellis Heights residents saw new signs of a coming PlatFORM Group Affordable Housing development on Avon Street in Rockford, Illinois. Many stopped and asked what’s up, to which we replied, "affordable housing is coming to the Westside soon!” We’re excited to look forward to groundbreaking in 2025. Check out the video and visit platformrockford.org for more information. At the PlatFORM Group, we're working hard to bring Healthy Housing Solutions to Avon Street and beyond. https://lnkd.in/gG-kWQgV

Rockford area stakeholders - If you haven’t yet taken the Region 1 Planning Council survey, please do so and share across your networks.

The Future of Affordable Housing in Our Region Needs Your Voice! In the Rockford Region, housing should be accessible, affordable and safe for all. Region 1 Planning Council (our Metropolitan Planning Organization or "MPO"), is currently developing a comprehensive Housing Coordination Plan to help achieve just that. Now, R1 needs to hear your voice to assure the plan it produces is truly responsive to our community's needs. If you live in Winnebago, Boone or northeastern Ogle County, please take a few minutes to complete this survey. Your insights will inform a guidebook of recommendations to create and preserve a diverse, more equitable range of housing options so our community will be ready to thrive and grow in the future. https://lnkd.in/g6bP4i7S

The housing crisis in Rockford and across the United States requires a comprehensive approach at various levels of government, involving strategies such as zoning reforms, subsidies, tax credits and builder incentives. Direct active citizen engagement is vital in advocating for effective housing policies and holding elected officials accountable. The housing affordability crisis contributes to wealth inequality, with homeowners benefiting from rising property values while non-owners struggle with affordability and saving for future purchases. Limited inventory impacts sellers and hinders economic growth. Potential solutions include easing zoning regulations, promoting affordable housing initiatives, adjusting interest rates, and implementing tax reforms. By working together, governments and citizens can improve housing affordability, accessibility and equity. Collaboration between government entities and active citizen involvement is crucial for addressing shortages and promoting housing equity through effective policies and plans. https://lnkd.in/e4KFfKAD

Is Rockford ready to grow? Rockford needs your voice. PlatFORM Group VP Ron Clewer analyzes recent articles by the Wall Street Journal & Realtor[dot]com, DailyMail, Rock River Current and others that examine Rockford's recent dramatic increase in home prices - as well as the declining for-sale inventory. While Rockford is far from being the Underwater Mortgage Capital of the Nation, the flip side of the news is that 52.2% of area renters are cost-burdened as defined by the Federal government. More concerning is that over 25% of renters spend over 50% of their income on housing costs, which qualifies them as "severely cost-burdened." Click to read about the region's housing successes and challenges and learn how you can help advocate for a dynamic, equitable region that offers affordable housing solutions for all working people. https://lnkd.in/d8vNiGHr

The PlatFORM Group is a local not-for-profit organization dedicated to solving our community’s affordable housing crisis by promoting healthy housing solutions. One critical component of “healthy housing” is that residents should feel free to be creative and to express themselves. That's why we are pleased to support the final year of Rockford’s CRE8IV: transformational art mural festival. Specifically, our support will make possible an inspiring mural on the southwest side of Rockford, a neighborhood in which we concentrate most of our efforts. This year’s CRE8IV Music & Arts Fest, May 31 - June 2, is sure to be a visual and musical success enjoyed by ALL. We could not be prouder to stand in support. Best of all, the mural we support will stand as testimony to our community’s creative spirit for many, many years to come.

A household with at least one child under 18 and an income of $80k+ is more likely to be evicted than a childless household making less than $40k. Eviction can negatively affect a child's lifelong health, educational attainment, and employment. Affordable housing can help fill in gaps Americans are experiencing at higher rates while creating stability for kids and the broader community. https://lnkd.in/dKWP_2xq

The Housing Justice Symposium is a unique event focused on ACTION. Distinguished authors Richard Rothstein (The Color of Law) and daughter Leah Rothstein (Just Action) will present a lecture followed by Q&A and table breakouts to address residential segregation in our region. The Rothsteins’ lecture will center around their latest co-authored book, Just Action, which describes how we can address segregation while providing strategies local groups can pursue for racial housing justice. We hope to see you there!