About Us (Rural Initiatives for Shelter and Education-R.I.S.E)
In cooperation with Migrant and Rural Community Health Association, RISE was formed in 1983 with the express purpose of building seasonal farmworker housing in southwestern Michigan. RISE is a state wide, membership, community based 501 (c)(3) organization concerned with rural issues involving shelter and education. Keeler was chosen due to Van Buren County being the second largest area of migrant laborers in the state of Michigan.
In 1986 RISE, in conjunction with United States Department of Agriculture-Rural Development and Gardner Management, SunRISE Apartments opened for seasonal farmworkers. Prior to Sunrise being built, farmers with small operations had little to no means of obtaining employees, due to not being able to provide housing for them.
Twenty-two apartments serve farm worker families as they work in the production and harvest of vegetables and fruit in southwestern Michigan. The apartments open in April and close in November.
RISE has successfully sought and received a grant and loan for $1.3 million to renovate the existing twenty apartments and construct two handicap accessible units. Grounds include new playground equipment, paved drives and landscaping.
This property provides rental assistance for all 22 apartments. Occupants must meet eligibility of low-income where the monthly rent payments exceed 30 percent of a household's adjusted monthly income. Additionally all income must be made from Farm Labor.
For more information on Rural Initiatives for Shelter and Education contact
Connee Canfield, Executive Director conneecanfield@hotmail.com. Please refer to the contact tab for contact information regarding applications and tenancy at SunRISE apartments.