Written by Tanya Terry, with photos courtesy of Communities First, Inc.
Featured photo: Anthony Kelly, who recently hired as the Communities First, Inc.’s new planning and advocacy manager
The Courier had the opportunity to interview Anthony Kelly, who recently hired as the Communities First, Inc.’s new planning and advocacy manager.
He shared that for the past decade, roughly half of all renters in Flint have been cost-burdened or severely cost-burdened, indicating those households spend an unsustainable share of their income on housing expenses. (Source: American Community Survey, 5 Year Estimates, US Census Bureau)
During the interview, Kelly also pointed out that according to the Michigan Housing Data Portal, 62.8% of senior renters in Flint are cost burden, meaning that they spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs.
“I’m someone who’s very genuine and passionate about this work, and I want to see everyone live and flourish in an environment where we have affordable, equitable housing and innovative programs,” Kelly added. “That’s something that we’re currently working on through Communities First and something I want to continue to do.”
Before joining Communities First, Kelly worked as a planning specialist at the Genesee County Metropolitan Planning Commission, where he managed federal grants, including the Housing Investment Partnership Grant and Emergency Solutions Gant (ESG) for affordable housing and shelter funding.
He also led regional housing partnership work, overseeing seven counties.
Born and raised in Flint, Kelly attended Eastern Michigan University and Wayne State University, before moving back to the city five years ago to work for Genesee County.
He joined Communities First to make a greater impact in the city specifically, as county and city positions cannot overlap in spending federal funding.
He has observed that landlords exploit housing shortages by charging high market rates, while avoiding necessary repairs.
Upcoming events he is working on include the Step Up Pick-Up event from September 16 – 26. Though it, area residents compete to collect the most litter and take the most steps in order to strengthen Flint neighborhoods and win cash prizes.
Through the Community Candor LIVE! event, next occurring at 8 a.m. September 25 at Factory One, local residents can discus critical state and local issues and have breakfast.
Additionally, a youth-led voter ambassador workshop is tentatively scheduled for September 19 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Community Enrichment Center, in north Flint.
Kelly stated his goal at Communities First is to continue to advocate for affordable and equitable housing, while amplifying voices of those unheard in decision-making spaces.
