HOUSING LEADER MARVIN D. VELTKAMP RECEIVES TOP INDUSTRY AWARD AT BUILDING MICHIGAN COMMUNITIES CONFERENCE

LANSING, Mich. – April 28, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Marvin D. Veltkamp of Kalamazoo, a statewide leader in affordable housing and community development for more than 35 years, today was named this year’s Duvernay Award winner at the Building Michigan Communities Conference (BMCC).

Veltkamp was honored during a luncheon awards ceremony at the conference, which began Monday and wraps up Wednesday at the Lansing Center. Celebrating its 17th year, the BMCC brings together individuals from across the state working to create and preserve affordable housing, serve the homeless and revitalize downtowns and neighborhoods.

The Duvernay Award is named for the late Terrence R. Duvernay, a pioneer in affordable housing who served as executive director of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). The award is chosen by a committee of past recipients and goes to a person who reflects the ideals and personal qualities of Duvernay.

Veltkamp started from the ground level in property management to become a developer of his first LIHTC community in 1993 and is currently managing general partner in 37 affordable housing developments throughout Michigan. He’s been associated with everything from acquiring and rehabilitating rural housing in the smallest communities in the Upper Peninsula, to a large U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rehabilitation project in Lansing Michigan that provides housing for refugee resettlement from 11 different countries, to providing affordable housing to formerly homeless Veterans with financing assistance from MSHDA and partnership with Great Lakes Capital Fund for Housing.

Veltkamp said one of his greatest achievements was the development of the Silver Star Apartments, for previously homeless Veterans, on the VA Medical Center in Battle Creek. The development team had to navigate a complicated land lease with the Department of Veterans Affairs, but he said it was worth it because he has been able to provide 175 formerly homeless Veterans with safe, decent housing and helped coordinate effective support services and case management counseling, enabling the Veteran residents to move forward toward a positive life vision for their future.

“I love walking through the hallways of Silver Star and thinking of all the personal stories of the Veteran residents that are behind each door,” Veltkamp said. “I am truly honored to be a small part of creating an environment that welcomes home each resident every day in appreciation for the incredible commitment they have provided in serving our country.”

Veltkamp has been an outspoken advocate for affordable housing. He has traveled to Washington, D.C., to speak on behalf of the industry and has used his expertise as a frequent speaker at housing conferences.

Veltkamp has worked for decades at making his personal vision of helping as many people as possible no matter their situation in life.

“To help people with their housing needs, financial needs, spiritual needs and with whatever God directs me to do, is where I plan to continue focusing my time,” Veltkamp said.

Most recently, that direction has led Veltkamp to establish a faith-based business venture in Uganda, Africa, called Kingdom Farms. Proceeds from this agricultural venture will be used for building and sustaining a bible college for training pastors in new church plants throughout Uganda.

“I am honored and humbled to receive the Duvernay award. I am privileged to work in this industry which truly is all about the people. Terry’s legacy lives on and I am proud to be a small part of fulfilling his passion.”

Recognition and honors were also given to additional industry leaders and presented by BMCC partners. They are:

Community Economic Development Advocate of the Year
Presented By: CEDAM
Winners: Marjorie Green, Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis; and Jonathan Bradford, Inner City Christian Federation

Community Economic Development Leader of the Year
Presented By: CEDAM
Winners: Urban Neighborhood Initiatives and Neighborhood Housing Services

Michigan Foreclosure Prevention Corps Host Site of the Year
Presented By: CEDAM
Winner: Northern Homes Community Development Corporation

The Corrie Bair Building Inclusive Communities Award
Presented By: Michigan Disability Rights Coalition
Winner: David Layne, MORC Home Care, Nursing Facility Transitions

Julie Sandorf Award
Presented By: Corporation for Supportive Housing
Winner: Ellis Houghton

Community Spirit Award
Presented By: Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis
Winner: Martin L. Heger, Jr., Dearborn Federal Savings Bank

2015 Affiliate of the Year
Presented By: Habitat for Humanity Michigan
Winner: Saginaw-Shiawassee Habitat for Humanity

2015 Housing Education Program Agency of the Year
Presented By: MSHDA
Winner: Southwest Economic Solutions Homeownership Assistance Team

2015 Housing Education Program Counselor of the Year
Presented By: MSHDA
Winners: Dan Drake, Kalamazoo Neighborhood Housing Services; Alice Yeoman, Northern Homes Community Development Corporation; Lon Shook, Oakland County; and Sylvia Saldaña, Wayne Metro Community Action Agency.