INGHAM COUNTY - The Greater Lansing Housing Coalition is working toward a Five-Year Fair and Affordable Housing Plan for the Tri-County area.

“Our campaign is called ICE which stands for Ingham, Clinton and Eaton County,” said Katherine Draper, Executive Director of the GLHC.

The GLHC surveyed 215 households in an effort to assess housing conditions and to better understand community needs. The ultimate goal is to establish a Five-Year Fair and Affordable Housing Plan specific to each area and for all kinds of families.

“If we get the support we need we can devise and implement a plan,” said Draper.

Survey information shows more than half of respondents don’t believe there is enough affordable housing in their area and the GLHC said, “there is work to be done.”

The GLHC also added it is important for people recognize whether or not public transportation is an option in their area, especially for seniors. Senior housing was identified as an issue in all three counties.

Some survey information although not overwhelming was important to discover according to the GLHC.

"We were kind of surprised by some of the comments we have gotten about the hidden homelessness, couch surfing or teenagers that aged out their parents’ house,” said Susan Moriarty, an urban planner and grant research associate with the Plan.

The GLHC hopes to draft a concrete plan by June after more surveys are completed with the help of the Michigan State University School of Planning, Design, and Construction.