LANSING, Mich. — Capital Area Housing Partnership (CAHP) Board of Directors announced today that Rawley Van Fossen, currently Assistant Executive Director of CAHP, has been selected as CAHP’s new Executive Director. Van Fossen assumed the role on March 1, 2019.
CAHP is a nonprofit Community Housing Development Organization that has been providing access to affordable housing opportunities in the mid-Michigan area since 1993. Over the course of the last 25 years, CAHP has provided assistance to home buyers and homeowners through their development of single-family homes and homeowner rehabilitation projects valued in excess of $30 million; housing counseling and education assistance to more than 5,500 families; and over $30 million in the investment and preservation of over 300 affordable rental units.
“CAHP is proud to celebrate 25 years of providing affordable housing assistance to midMichigan residents,” said CAHP Board Chair, Tom Lapka. “On behalf of the board, we are excited to help Rawley best utilize his community development expertise to achieve goals including neighborhood stabilization, adequate affordable housing options and providing educational services designed to make mid-Michigan stronger.”
Van Fossen began his involvement with CAHP in 2014 as a volunteer board member. In 2018, he joined CAHP staff as the Assistant Executive Director – overseeing CAHP’s housing counseling program, asset management, community engagement and educational services. Van Fossen holds a degree in Social Relations and Policy from James Madison College at Michigan State University. He previously worked for the Michigan House of Representatives, as well as the Ingham County Land Bank.
“I am honored to have been appointed as CAHP’s next Executive Director. It is a privilege to be part of an organization that delivers superior services and innovative solutions to the affordable housing community. CAHP develops high-quality housing options and does its part to improve the community we serve,” said Van Fossen. “We are an organization led by a purpose – to make a meaningful impact in our community.”
“Rawley is a hard worker and tremendous advocate for housing in Lansing and throughout the region. He will make an excellent executive director and I am excited to work with him,” said Lansing Mayor Andy Schor.
Van Fossen succeeds Mikki Droste who stepped down from CAHP to pursue new opportunities. Droste will continue to share her expertise with CAHP as a consultant, and work to create new and creative ways to provide affordable housing and services in mid-Michigan. During Droste’s tenure at CAHP, the organization provided housing services to over 260 homes in midMichigan; oversaw the acquisition of over 300+ affordable rental units; and increased opportunities for the community in the development, education and funding of affordable housing.
“I am proud of the work accomplished during my time with CAHP,” said Droste. “With a fantastic board of directors and high-capacity staff, many things are possible. I am excited for Rawley and the continued growth of CAHP’s vital services.”
East Lansing Mayor Mark Meadows adds that “CAHP’s professional staff and dedicated board members have worked diligently over the last 25 years to provide opportunities for deserving families.”
Learn more about CAHP by visiting www.capitalareahousing.org or by calling 517-332-4663.
