ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc., through its banking arm ChoiceOne Bank, has awarded a significant $1 million grant to Fresh Coast Alliance as part of an Affordable Housing Program (AHP) initiative. This partnership, announced on January 22, 2026, also involves the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, which plays a crucial role in funding affordable housing efforts across the region.
Kelly Potes, the Chief Executive Officer of ChoiceOne, expressed gratitude for the collaboration with FHLBank Indianapolis. “As the local community bank, our purpose is rooted in helping our communities thrive,” Potes stated, emphasizing the importance of supporting housing stability. The grant will specifically fund renovations to four of Fresh Coast Alliance’s five sober living homes, enhancing safety and livability while increasing housing capacity by 10 percent. This expansion aims to create additional beds for individuals, particularly men and women, working to rebuild their lives following incarceration or addiction.
In response to the grant, Joy Sparks, Executive Director of Fresh Coast Alliance, highlighted the partnership’s significance. “Their support goes far beyond funding—it reflects a shared commitment to dignity, stability, and long-term success for men and women on their reentry and recovery journeys,” Sparks remarked. This initiative underscores the growing recognition of recovery housing as a vital aspect of community stability and public health.
The Affordable Housing Program is designed to address critical housing needs for low- and moderate-income individuals and families. Patricia Brown, Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer at ChoiceOne, noted, “At ChoiceOne, we believe that access to affordable housing is fundamental to building strong, thriving communities.” She added that the bank not only distributes the funds for the final project but will also provide additional support and financial education classes through its Community Development Team.
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, which plays a pivotal role in this partnership, is one of 11 regional banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. These banks are government-sponsored enterprises established to facilitate access to low-cost funding for financial institutions, particularly for projects that meet housing and small business needs.
Fresh Coast Alliance collaborates with over 30 agencies, 18 employers, and 14 churches to provide comprehensive programming, experienced coaching, and accredited sober housing. The organization owns and operates ACAC (Alcohol and Chemical Abuse Consultants), which offers licensed therapy for mental health and substance use disorders. This partnership aims to expand access to quality treatment for individuals with limited resources.
ChoiceOne Financial Services, headquartered in Sparta, Michigan, manages assets exceeding $4.3 billion and operates 54 offices across the state. The bank is dedicated to investing in community development and improving the quality of life for its residents.
