OUR MISSION
Habitat for Humanity of Michigan is the state support organization for the state’s network of local Habitat for Humanity affiliates. Our mission is to increase our capacity to build simple decent homes in partnership with people in need in the State of Michigan. HFHM is a non-profit 501c (3) organization established in 1993 to provide services to 79 local affiliates in 82 counties in Michigan. It is proud to be the first successful state support organization in the country.
MICHIGAN STATISTICS
With 79 affiliates, Michigan is one of Habitat for Humanity’s most active states in the nation. Every county in Michigan is served by a Habitat for Humanity affiliate.
Since 1982, Habitat for Humanity has built 3,000 homes in Michigan, providing 15,000 individuals with decent, affordable housing. The market value of these houses is approximately $300,000,000.
In 2008, Michigan affiliates built 235 homes in partnership with people in need. Habitat homeowners in Michigan pay approximately $4.5 million in property taxes each year.
Michigan is also home to more than 40 Habitat for Humanity ReStores. These stores are run by affiliates with their primary mission to provide additional funding to support house building goals. ReStores sell everything from building supplies to household goods, at a reduced cost, allowing Habitat another avenue to serve the low income community.
ReStores benefit the environment. By accepting and selling donated, usable items, Habitat ReStores help keep thousands of pounds of materials from going to landfills. Habitat ReStores accept donated materials from building contractors, manufacturers and the general public. Donors receive a tax deduction.
HFH MICHIGAN’S SERVICES to AFFILIATES
- Educational training and networking opportunities;
- Consultation on board development and other board related issues;
- Administration of grants to the affiliates received from;
- Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA)
- Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB)
- Michigan Housing and Community Development Fund
- Mich. Dept. of Corrections Prison Build Program
- Various corporate and private gifts and grants
- Fundraising efforts for housing production
- Creation of statewide public awareness of the need for decent affordable housing and how Habitat can meet that need
- Advocacy on both the state and federal level on issues relating to Habitat for Humanity affiliates.
- Consultation on energy efficient and sustainable building techniques
- Consultation on capacity building
THE MISSION OF OUR AFFILIATES
The purpose of Habitat affiliates is to build or rehabilitate decent, affordable housing in partnership with families. As a grassroots movement, Habitat affiliates are responsible for housing construction, family selection, and other key decisions. More than 200,000 volunteers have been recruited and trained to build houses for people in need in Michigan.
THE AFFILIATES’ GUIDING PRINCIPLES
- Demonstrate the love and teachings of Jesus Christ
- Advocate on behalf of those in need of decent shelter
- Focus on shelter by building and renovating simple, decent and affordable houses
- Engage broad community through inclusive leadership and diverse partnerships
- Promote dignity through full partnerships with Habitat homeowners and future home partners
- Promote transformation and sustainable community development
HOW HABITAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
According to a study conducted by Davenport University, the work of Habitat for Humanity has proven to make a real difference in the lives of Habitat partner families:
- 68 percent of families report an increase in their income
- 25 percent of families report better grades in school for their children
- 23 percent of families report less sickness
- 58 percent of families report less family conflict
- 40 percent of families report going on to obtaining additional education.
Habitat for Humanity works! Those who volunteer and support Habitat for Humanity of Michigan and its affiliates are making a real difference in the lives of our citizens.