Who is Oakland Housing?​

Oakland Housing is a nonprofit housing developer that builds quality homes in
thriving neighborhoods for families earning between 80- and 120-percent of an area’s
median income. Our goal is to change people’s lives through home ownership.

Our Team

Jeff Hockman

CHAIRMAN

Jeff Kragt

SECRETARY

Kate Baker

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Elliott Hall

BOARD MEMBER

Frank Roney

BOARD MEMBER

Chris Yaw

PRESIDENT

T. Hart Mecke, III

ASSISTANT TREASURER

Adam Clous

BOARD MEMBER

Keegan Mahoney

BOARD MEMBER

Susan Diehl

TRINITAS ADVISORS

John Frasco

VICE PRESIDENT

Linda Hill

ASSISTANT SECRETARY

Stacy Esbrook

BOARD MEMBER

Rachel Perschetz

BOARD MEMBER

Krysta Pate

THE OWNERSHIP INITIATIVE

Our History

Early in his career, former Detroit Mayor and U.S. Senator James Couzens was a partner to automaker Henry Ford. He saw the impact of seasonal layoffs on autoworkers and their families and wanted to improve their lives.

He launched Oakland Housing with an endowment, forming a nonprofit organization focused on providing affordable homeownership for families who did not have the means for such housing.

Oakland Housing began in 1935 with Westacres, a 150-home development with a clubhouse, library, beach, and transportation service to help autoworkers get to and from their jobs. The community is still strong today.

OH has completed developments around metro Detroit since Westacres, for a total of over 250 homes built and sold. Now, OH is launching North Pine Street Townhomes, a 14-unit development in Detroit’s North Corktown community.

Image: Westacres, West Bloomfield Twp, circa 1936

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"When I first saw this home in 1998, I had been living in an apartment above my church. I toured the home, which is right next to a beautiful river, and I saw how little I had to put down. I was sold. I have raised my family here and made very good friends in the neighborhood. I'm very thankful to Oakland Housing for making this happen."

- Andrew J.

Past Developments

Oakland Housing has been developing homes for middle-income families since 1935.

Westacres – West Bloomfield
Woodgrove – Rochester Hills
Hidden Ridge – Troy
Hilldale – Pontiac
River’s Edge – Pontiac
Woodbridge Estates – Detroit

Image: River’s Edge, Pontiac, circa 2000

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