Nizhoni, which means beauty, in Navajo was started in 2007 as a Project Neighborhood house connected to Calvin University and owned by Creston Church in the Creston neighborhood on the north east side of Grand Rapids. When Calvin University lost funding for their intentional community houses, Nizhoni separated from Calvin University and is now run by Creston Church. Creston has been revamping the program to include more leadership development and closer ties to neighbors and the church. Creston Church practices asset based community development, and the house is a place where residents can both learn and live out these values and skills in a supportive, faith based community.
Nizhoni house offers an intentional community living experience that combines leadership development opportunities guided by a house mentor, faith enriching spiritual rhythms, good neighbor practices, low cost living, and collaboration with a local small church rooted in hope and hospitality. Together Nizhoni house practices loving God, loving neighbor, and loving creation.
An intentional house where residents pursue asset-based community development alongside Creston Church
New residents to the house will need to apply and go through an application interview process before being able to live in the house. Please visit Creston Church’s website for application and info https://www.crestonchurch.org/
Creston Church is comprised of about 50-80 members, of which the Nizhoni house is a close part of. Residents are required to commit to becoming active participants in the church community. We are an open and affirming church.
One person or partnership has ultimate authority.
Generally seek agreement, but have backup methods when consensus isn’t reached.
Power and responsibility are shared relatively equally among members.
The house is owned by Creston Church who helps administratively and with building issues. The Council of the Church and subcommittees have oversight into how the house is run. The house mentor was hired by the church and is an active member of the church. The pastor oversees the house mentor so there can be a close relationship between the house and the church and activities can overlap in purpose and scope. Within the house, on a day to day basis, the mentor is there to help assist with group meetings, meals, etc.
Members maintain separate personal finances with minimal sharing.
Regular fees: $400
Labor: Yes (7 hrs/week)
Members with pre-existing debt: allowed
The only fees are for rent. Residents may choose to pool money for food. Meals are usually shared together at least once a week. Otherwise, residents are free to cook as they’d like.
Common House, Outbuilding(s), Fire pit
Within city limits with access to urban amenities and infrastructure.
Shared living spaces with private bedrooms/bathrooms and communal
kitchens, dining, and social areas.
Cooperative housing primarily for students, often with shared chores,
meals, and democratic decision-making.
Residential communities focused on providing space for meditation, spiritual practice, and personal growth retreats.
A residential project: people live here as their primary home.
An institution, business, network, or project that isn’t a residence (e.g. a learning center, farm, or network with no one living there full-time).
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