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
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.
Power and responsibility are shared relatively equally among members.
Members maintain separate personal finances with minimal sharing.
Monthly fees/dues: $400
Labor required: 7 hours/week
Members with pre-existing debt: Yes
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.
Join our newsletter to stay up to date.
{{ item.label }}
{{ item.value ? item.value : currencyFormat( item.amount ) }}
Subtotal
{{ currencyFormat( pricing_summary.total_amount ) }}
