ABOUT US

Grand 7 Detroit was founded in 2013 by leadership at Harvest Christian Church as a means to address the increasing blight, decay, and crime activity in the community north of 7 Mile Rd and West of Telegraph. A new 501(c)3 was established and leadership quickly jumped into action cleaning the streets and buying abandoned houses. Soon, G7D owned 36 properties in the area, soon realizing the high cost of repairing or demolishing these homes! Still, the vision was cast and, one by one, homes were refurbished, blighted buildings were demolished, open lots were kept clean, and a park was created. Since 2013, Grand 7 Detroit has poured over $3 million into the neighborhood including a $1.5 million+ initial investment and a $650,000 forgivable loan through the Federal Home Loan's Affordable Housing Program. We have demolished 5 houses, remodeled more than 20 homes, maintain 13 low-income rentals, and built a beautiful park site on Lenore complete with a 2700 square foot playground. Thousands of volunteer hours have been poured into the community fixing houses, cleaning streets and yards, building and maintaining the park site, and taking care of our neighbors in various ways.  Rent in 7 of our rental homes does not exceed 30% of the household income. The other 6 properties' lease rates are kept below current market rates considering the people we wish to serve, which includes a large percentage of previously homeless families. In 2024, we will see the last 2 of our abandoned properties demolished and will begin raising funds to remodel the last of our vacant, but salvageable homes.

OUR TEAM

BOB KING, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Bob has been a part of the Grand Seven neighborhood for decades, serving as senior pastor of Harvest Christian Church near the intersection of Grand River and Seven Mile for 38 years. Ten years ago, Bob began to form a vision for developing the community, which led to the launch of Grand Seven Detroit. He has 4 children and 19 grandchildren.  All four of his children are actively involved in their churches, two of them are also senior pastors.

DON DONNELLEY, PROJECT MANAGER

As a retired fire fighter, community service has been a major theme in Don’s life. He began working with Build It Detroit, the precursor organization for Grand Seven Detroit, in January 2014.  He’s the guy in the black Magnum that all the neighbors know so well!

LEIGH FEHR, DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Leigh and his wife, Jana served as missionaries in Japan and also coached many other missionaries in fundraising. Leigh was invited to the Grand 7 Detroit team in 2016 as their Development Director. He has since connected hundreds of volunteers to G7D and succeeded in obtaining a grant with KaBOOM! to install a playground in the neighborhood they serve. Leigh is committed to seeing this project continue beyond his years and to get more people excited about revitalizing the Grand 7 community.

DON ARMSTRONG, BUSINESS MANAGER

As longtime members of Harvest Christian Church, Don and his wife have been committed to the Grand Seven neighborhood for many years. Don retired from General Motors as a powertrain manager. In addition to managing G7D’s business affairs, he serves on its board.

DIANA GLAAB, BOOKEEPING

MIKE HORVATH, VOLUNTEER CORDINATOR

LOCATION

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The Grand Seven neighborhood is a proud part of the City of Detroit, the Big D. G7D’s area of focus is defined by:

  • Grand River

  • Frisbee

  • Telegraph

  • Five Points

 

G7D's offices are located at:

Harvest Christian Church
24400 West Seven Mile Road
Detroit, MI 48219

Contact

 

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FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD, FOR THE NEIGHBORHOOD

FAST FACTS

  • Grand 7 Detroit (G7D) is a Michigan non-profit, and tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3).

  • In 2017, G7D was awarded $650,000 "forgivable loan" through the Affordable Housing Program. This money was allotted entirely for 7 homes in the Grand River/7 Mile neighborhood. These homes are now fully refurbished and held as rentals as required by the loan

  • G7D was started by leadership at Harvest Christian Church in 2013.

  • Grand 7 Detroit is named after the intersection of Grand River and 7 Mile Road to reflect our commitment to the neighborhood there.

  • Since 2013, G7D has successfully impacted a large number of properties on Woodbine, Lenore and Winston streets, between 7 Mile Road and Frisbee. Of these:

    • 5 have been demolished and the lots cleared (2 more coming this year)

    • 13 have been rehabilitated and occupied as affordable rentals. They are managed professionally by a Detroit based management company

    • 2 triple wide lots, side by side, are being used as a neighborhood park. G7D demolished a house on one of these lots, cleared over an acre of land, planted flower beds, and erected a 2700 square foot playground

    • 6 were sold to 3 other Detroit-based non-profit organizations, inviting greater impact into the neighborhood

    • 1 home was sold to the tenant, transitioning them from renter to homeowner!

      One neighbor at a time, G7D is bringing healing, hope, and homes to the Grand 7 community!