4 years ago · Justin Becker · Comments Off on Cedar Springs Public Schools Receives Donation from CSME

Cedar Springs Public Schools Receives Donation from CSME

During these uncertain times, many families have been affected by COVID-19.

The reality is that millions of people in the U.S., and in the state of Michigan, are unemployed right now. Furthermore, in an effort to stop the spread of this disease, schools are still closed. When coupled together, the result is many children are left without food.

Cedar Springs Public Schools

The truth is that the Cedar Springs Public School lunch programs are a necessity for many students. Yet with homeschooling continuing at Cedar Springs Public Schools, like Cedar Trails Elementary, Beach Elementary, Cedar View Elementary, Red Hawk Elementary, among others, for the foreseeable future and parents having limited resources, many children in the community simply are not getting enough to eat.

That’s where Cedar Springs Mobile Estates comes in.

Cedar Springs Mobile Estates cares about its residents and is dedicated to helping out where they can. This is why they have donated over $1,000 to the Cedar Springs Public Schools summer food program and are offering an unofficial food drive of sorts within the community.

“Though it may not seem like much, people need all the help they can get right now. And I think there is a lesson to be learned here. We need to help one another during these difficult times and in general. Moreover, we must work together to stop the spread of this disease,” said Caitlin Marvin, the park’s property manager.

About Cedar Springs Mobile Estates

Cedar Springs Mobile Estates is an affordable manufactured home community that has been a part of the Cedar Springs community for many years.

That said, if this is your first time hearing about Cedar Springs Mobile Estates, it is a family-owned and operated mobile/manufactured home community located on 18 Mile Road and North Main Street, in Cedar Springs.

Even before life was forever changed due to COVID-19 and the ongoing pandemic, this manufactured home community was giving back.

In the last two years alone, there have been numerous improvements to the community and the front offices.

Besides upgraded homes and adding new signage, Cedar Springs Mobile Estates recently added a garden to the property. This is not just any garden, however, rather it is a place where fruits and vegetables can grow. At the moment, the property manager and staff pretty much manage the garden, but it is definitely on its way to becoming more of a co-op garden for the community.

That said, an expanded picnic area and flowers surround the garden, making it a great place for families to socialize, while still observing CDC guidelines.

Mobile Home Living

In addition to donating money to feed the children at Cedar Springs Public Schools, Cedar Springs Mobile Estates is currently working on other ways to help support its community.

Currently, people who are looking for a mobile or manufactured residence can finance one through the community, making down payments and mortgage payments extremely affordable.

“Right now, we understand that things are tight for everyone. That is why we have made it a point to help our residents financially, by offering in-house funding and explaining how financially-sound purchasing a home is now versus leasing,” Marvin said.

If you have never had the pleasure of stopping by Cedar Springs Mobile Estates, then you might just be surprised at all that there is to see.

Inside this serene manufactured and mobile home community, you will find affordable luxury homes, playground areas, basketball courts, lush landscaping, and tons of amenities/features.

The majority of manufactured residences here are single-wide and double-wide homes with the latest in home comforts, including, oak kitchens, stone fireplaces, luxurious bathroom suites, and custom layouts. What’s more, there are available mobile/manufactured residences for both lease and sale.

Other notable features here include a prime location around the corner from major roads/highways (US-131), move-in ready homes, a reasonable pet policy, plus an all-around welcoming environment for growing families, retirees, and young professionals.

A Neighborhood That Cares

Yet another way Cedar Springs Mobile Estates is stepping up to the plate, besides donating to the Cedar Springs public educational system local summer food program, is through direct community outreach.

Presently, Cedar Springs Mobile Estates is helping its residents directly with meals and gift cards to local grocery stores to ensure that everyone has food. Moreover, the management team has gone above and beyond by assisting residents with their utilities and rent.

“We want our residents to know that we are here for them and that we are affected by the ongoing pandemic too. So, whatever we can do to help our community, we do,” explained Marvin.

Doing whatever to help is a sentiment that has also resonated with the current residents.

“Neighbors are checking-in on one another and getting groceries for our older residents. We are proud to see that everyone wants to pitch in and take care of each other. This just goes to show you how much of a close-knit community we really are,” informed Marvin.

This is just more proof that this mobile/manufactured home community is a collective group that cares, which honestly is rare to see at the moment.

The Surrounding Community

By partnering with the local Cedar Springs Public Schools, not only are the mobile home community’s residents able to receive the necessary assistance, but so is the surrounding county.

Currently, many schools in the area are doing distance learning and need funding to help students across the state gain access to much-needed resources. So, whether this means donating money for meals, laptops, or helping to support local superhero teachers, it is important that we all step up to do our part.

When asked why Cedar Springs Mobile Estates decided to partner with Cedar Springs public educational system, the answer was clear for Marvin.

“We are trying to partner with as many organizations as we can to help the entire community of Cedar Springs, not just our residents. We are proud to be a part of the greater community, and we want others to be just as proud to have our mobile home community in their county. Partnering with the local public schools is a way to ensure that every child that needs assistance gets it, and that is what matters most,” explained Marvin.

This is clearly just the beginning for Cedar Springs Mobile Estates when it comes to making a difference in the surrounding community. Only time will tell how they positively impact the entire city of Cedar Springs, MI next. Their continued support for children across the county is definitely welcomed and appreciated.

Team Up with Cedar Springs Estates

Cedar Springs Mobile Estates is always looking for organizations and charity groups to partner with.

If you are interested in helping out or donating to feed the children, then you can reach out to this manufactured home community or contact the Cedar Springs School District.

Even if you just want to help out a little in the garden, you can — just contact Cedar Springs Mobile Estates for more details.

Take Away

Ultimately, it is important to give back to the community and to residents, which is something that has truly stuck with Cedar Springs Mobile Estates.

By partnering with Cedar Springs Public Schools and others to ensure that no child goes hungry in Cedar Springs, MI, this mobile home community is truly demonstrating their dedication to this town.

Moreover, the work they are doing within their resident community is also worth highlighting. That said, Caitlin Marvin probably sums it up best.

“…Partnering with organizations and the local school helps our residents and the surrounding community. I believe being a bigger part in Cedar Springs is definitely helping set our standards higher and higher. We are proud of our progress, and we want others to be proud to partner with us, as well as live in Cedar Springs Mobile Estates.”

4 years ago · Justin Becker · Comments Off on How Life in a Mobile Home Park Must Change Due to COVID-19

How Life in a Mobile Home Park Must Change Due to COVID-19

There is no question that the COVID-19 pandemic caught everyone off-guard. The pandemic has disrupted everything around the world and changed the way people do things.

For instance, we have witnessed curfews and lockdowns being imposed in different countries to control the spread of the disease. One group, of many, that has been affected involves those people living in a mobile home park.

Mobile home with American flag mobile home parks

The effect the disease has had, especially on those who live in mobile homes, has forced almost everyone to pause their lives and consider how they live moving forward.

Although there has been positive news of the development of a vaccine, the pandemic has changed the way we consume, the way we work, the way we travel, and the general face of our cities.

Small blue gray mobile home mobile home parks

How do you think life in a home park should change as a result of the pandemic? Here, we look at how life must adjust in any mobile home community.

Life in a Mobile Home Park

If you have ever lived in a mobile park, you understand that life in most parks or mobile home communities is easier, fun, and affordable.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has lead to several changes, as we’ll see below:

Changes in Energy Consumption and Emissions in a Manufactured Home Community

COVID-19 has led to lockdowns throughout the world that have affected different sectors, manufactured homes not excluded. One area that has felt these effects is the energy sector.

New manufactured home in a new community mobile home parks

It has affected both the production and consumption of energy. For instance, we have witnessed a decrease in energy consumption for the first time since the great depression.

For each month of the lockdown, the energy consumption has fallen by at least 20%, according to the IEA (International Energy Agency).

The closure of many factories and offices is what has led to the decrease in consumption of energy.

This is despite the domestic energy consumption in mobile homes increasing, due to many people working from home.

Those who have spent more time at home have seen their utility bill increase and, consequently, their rent.

Caravan site park aerial view mobile home park

We have also seen an increase in renewable sources of energy, such as solar. Solar has proven to reduce the cost of energy in mobile home parks.

Even post-pandemic, it’s expected that the use of renewable sources of energy will continue to limit the emission of carbon into the atmosphere.

To keep in line with reducing energy consumption and related cost, you could be forced to use energy-saving options in your manufactured home.

Park owners are supposed to encourage and work with residents to do the following to their mobile homes:

● Install insulated skirting

● Install energy-efficient doors and windows

● Add insulation to walls

● Incorporate insulation into the belly

● Install a belly wrap

● Make general repairs and maintenance

● Incorporate insulation on the roof and install roof caps

Working from Home in a Manufactured Home Community

The workforce has also experienced a tremendous change due to the COVID–19 pandemic.

For instance, the value placed on the supply chain and different workforce members has at least been redefined, temporarily.

There has also been increased recognition of essential and critical workers, including drivers, supermarket staff, health care staff, and teachers.

Scenic view of modern trailer of caravan park in summer. mobile home park

Some workers have even lost their jobs due to companies cutting down on their workforce to keep up with increased losses in income.

A new manufactured home at a retirement trailer park.

A popular trend that has come up since the pandemic started is the ‘work from home’ formula that different companies have implemented.

Most of the workers in many companies have been forced to work from home and only report to work when necessary.

Mobile home with American flag, front lawn and clear blue sky.

Those with a single-wide home have been forced to set aside some space in the living room for office functions.

Some with double-wide or triple-wide units have set aside one room as office space. This is a trend that is set to continue into the future.

In the future, the designers and developers of homes in home communities may have to include office space in the homes.

Internet connection in a new mobile home should also improve in order to allow people to work with ease, or even video conference without trouble.

Reduced Social Activities in Trailer Parks and its Environments

Life in a mobile park has always been full of fun, entertaining social activities and events.

For instance, many home communities have organized games, festivals, ice skating, and hiking to keep people together.

Some mobile home communities have parks where people can go and hang out with their loved ones and families.

However, the pandemic has led to social distancing and lockdowns, leading to people remaining indoors most of the time.

This trend is set to continue for some time, and people will have to adjust and comply with the rules set by the different authorities.

If you love to engage in social activities within a mobile home park, then you’ll have to forget it for some time.

However, certain activities might be allowed, as long as people comply with health protocols and rules, such as social distancing and wearing masks.

We can only expect things to resume back to normal once a vaccine is fully in operation. Until then, we should get used to the new normal.

The Design and Development of Mobile Homes in Home Parks Must Change

There is no denying that COVID–19 is changing planning for most human needs, including shelter.

Manufactured home dealers and developers are thinking of the best ways to improve their homes to help people survive this disaster with ease, both economically and financially.

They recognize that good mobile housing is the cornerstone of reliable and strong neighborhoods.

Before the pandemic, open floor plans had ruled the market for many years, even with the family shrinking.

With the pandemic in place, it seems we’ll have to get used to fewer open spaces. There will be more insulation of the interior environment, which will allow for quieter places.

Outdoor spaces, screened-in porches, and new landscaping approaches will likely keep disease-bearing organisms, such as mosquitoes, at bay.

Home–based jobs are calling for better offices in a house environment. Therefore, designers will be forced to balance the between job requirements, along with the safety and privacy of the family.

For instance, during the design and development process, the manufacturer should have in mind how utilities, such as water and sewer, will be available to tenants.

Operators of Manufactured Home Communities Should Invest Wisely in Mobile Homes

The majority of the people living in manufactured homes are low income households and families.

The pandemic has led to reduced working hours and, in worst cases, job losses for these low–income families.

You should note that most consumers who purchase mobile homes usually buy a mobile home unit and then lease the land where it’s located. In most cases, the lot rent on the land is affordable.

Some lenders have made it hard for homebuyers to secure home-only loans, potentially affecting the demand for manufactured homes.

During the pandemic, most of the mobile homeowners in parks have seen lower sales.

However, many people anticipate that the demand will resume once the lockdown restrictions are eased, and people begin going back to work.

The mobile home industry is predicted to also see a rise in demand for manufactured housing units, especially from consumers looking to downsize their homes from a site-built home to a mobile one.

People are likely to downsize since manufactured units in a trailer park are more affordable, compared to other options.

Many people now prefer buying vacation houses and property as possible safer alternatives to resorts and hotels.

This calls for real estate investors to weigh their investment options wisely before investing in a mobile home.

Please note, as an investor, ensure that you comply with the HUD Code for manufactured units.

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