Community Homeworks is proud to announce our 2025 Advocates of the Year, Jamauri Bogan and Christopher Miller, as well as the 2025 Housing Champion of the Year, the Kalamazoo County Housing Department. These awards recognize outstanding contributions in advancing the organization’s mission and leadership in the local housing ecosystem. All three of this year’s recipients were honored at the organization’s annual Founders Day Celebration, held on Thursday, September 18, 2025.
Advocates of the Year: Jamauri Bogan and Christopher Miller
Each year, Community Homeworks selects up to two individuals who have gone above and beyond to support our mission as Advocates of the Year.
Honoree Jamauri Bogan
Jamauri has served on the Community Homeworks Board of Directors since mid-2020 and has been a key leader in expanding the board to a group of visionary community leaders. Over the past five years, he has consistently elevated the organization, serving each year as both Fund Development Chair and Campaign Cabinet Chair.
Jamauri has been a driving force behind Community Homeworks’ fundraising success, inspiring staff and volunteers to exceed ambitious goals set each year. He has represented the organization at events, brought in new supporters, and this past year helped co-lead a nine-month strategic planning process.
“Jamauri’s dedication, vision, and leadership have been extraordinary,” said Chris Praedel, Executive Director. “He has truly gone above and beyond in championing our mission, making him a clear choice for 2025 Advocate of the Year.”
Honoree Christopher Miller
Christopher is a creative, community-minded leader with a passion for complex systems change and innovation. Since first partnering with Community Homeworks, he has been a nonstop collaborator with the organization, volunteering at the Tool Library, attending staff events and trainings, and contributing ideas for more efficient processes and community impact.
He also serves on the boards of Public Media Network (PMN) and Havermill Foundation and is Board President of ENNA Foundation, consistently fostering partnerships and working to dismantle systemic barriers across the community. Christopher’s dedication and collaborative spirit make him an invaluable extension of the Community Homeworks team.
Housing Champion of the Year: Kalamazoo County Housing Department
Community Homeworks is also proud to recognize the Kalamazoo County Housing Department as our 2025 Housing Champion of the Year. This distinction is the highest honor the organization bestows annually on a local individual or organization exemplifying unwavering commitment to advancing housing access and stability.
The Housing Department works with public, private, and nonprofit partners—including Community Homeworks—to address key housing needs, allocate resources, and drive solutions that create lasting impact. Over the past year, the department has gone above and beyond to support homeowners in crisis, from families facing displacement due to failing septic systems to households without heat in winter months.
Thanks to the Housing for All Millage, Community Homeworks has been able to serve 51 families this year, remediate pest infestations, and expand service access to mobile homes.
“The Housing Department team is dreaming big and working tirelessly to coordinate with partners across the housing continuum,” said Praedel. “We are proud to honor their leadership, vision, and dedication to our community.”
