What Happens When Nurses, Carpenters, and Cooks Can’t Find Housing?

Essential workers are being pushed out. And it’s affecting all of us.

In Northern Michigan, the workforce that powers our hospitals, schools, restaurants, and job sites is shrinking, not because people don’t want to work, but because they simply can’t afford to live here.

As housing prices skyrocket, it’s become harder for nurses, teachers, tradespeople, and hospitality workers to find a stable, affordable place to live anywhere near their jobs. What started as a seasonal staffing issue has turned into a year-round crisis.

When Housing Dries Up, Services Break Down

The ripple effects are everywhere:

  • Hospitals are experiencing longer ER wait times and staffing shortages due to the lack of nurses and healthcare professionals.
  • Schools can’t recruit or retain educators, leaving classrooms understaffed.
  • Small businesses are closing early or operating seasonally because they can’t find reliable staff.
  • The trades, including carpenters, electricians, and plumbers, are aging out, and there’s no one local to replace them.

And let’s not forget the cooks, cashiers, cleaning crews, and caregivers who keep our day-to-day lives running. Without them, our communities lose their character—and their ability to thrive.

We’re Not Just Losing Workers. We’re Losing Community Anchors.

A shortage of housing is creating a shortage of people. People who care deeply about the places they serve. People who want to put down roots, raise families, and contribute.

Local leaders are sounding the alarm. As Munson Medical Center CEO Ed Ness put it:

“One of the most significant barriers to our ability to recruit and retain talent in our region is the availability of affordable housing for families moving to this region.”

SBGC Is Working to Turn the Tide

At the Sleeping Bear Gateways Council, we’re committed to advocating for housing strategies that prioritize the very people our communities depend on. Through partnerships, regional collaboration, and innovative land use models, we’re focused on workforce-first solutions that help communities grow and stay strong.

But we can’t do this alone.

How Can You Help?

There are so many meaningful ways you can support the work of the Sleeping Bear Gateways Council and help strengthen our community.

  1. Northern Michigan has always been shaped by those who showed up, stayed, and gave back, especially second homeowners. You are part of that legacy. Make a donation today.
  2. Help us spread the word—talk to your friends, neighbors, business owners, and local officials. Share this newsletter with organizations you’re connected to, like your Chamber of Commerce, clubs, or neighborhood groups.
  3. Do you own land that might be suitable for conservation or community use? We’d love to hear from you—whether you’re open to donating or selling it to a local 501(c)(3), your contribution could make a lasting impact.
  4. If you haven’t already, subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the loop—there’s a sign-up link right at the bottom of our homepage. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates and stories from the region.
  5. Looking for hands-on ways to get involved? Consider volunteering with us. Every bit of support helps us protect and enhance the gateway communities of the Sleeping Bear Dunes.

  6. Please attend Zoning and Village Council meetings, encouraging their support to tackling the attainable housing crisis we have in our communities.

The Glen Arbor Township Board holds regular meetings on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM. These meetings take place at the Glen Arbor Town Hall, located at 6394 W. Western Ave., Glen Arbor, MI. Depending on circumstances, meetings are held either in the main hall or the lower meeting room. For 2025, the scheduled meeting dates are:

  • August 19th
  • September 16th
  • October 21st
  • November 18th

The Empire Township Board meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Empire Township Hall, located at 10088 W. Front Street, Empire, MI. For 2025, the scheduled meeting dates are:

  • September 9th
  • October 14th
  • November11th
  • December 9th