Habitat for Humanity of Michigan is one of more than 40 organizations in the Living in Michigan Coalition. The first goal of the Living in Michigan coalition was to establish a state housing fund. That happened in 2004, when the Michigan Legislature established Michigan’s Housing and Community Development Fund. Our CEO, Ken Bensen, serves as co-chair of this organization.
In the 2008 budget the legislature gave the fund its first allocation – $2.162 million. The goal of the coalition is to grow the annual funding number. Why? Because each dollar invested will bring more money and jobs to our economy - $2.8 for every dollar spent. And, by furthering our goals to create a vibrant Michigan, we attract companies and people. It's just common sense–when you keep up neighborhoods and housing–you have a place that people want to be.
In FY 2008, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) granted awards for the first time from the Fund to 18 different organizations across the state. Many of the groups held check presentation ceremonies with local public officials, state legislators, and more importantly, the residents of the projects being funded by MHCDF. See the list of Habitat recipients here.
Check the Box Campaign
In 2008, the Michigan Legislature granted Michigan Housing and Community Development Fund a voluntary donation spot on the State Income Tax Form (line 24). The voluntary contributions will allow us to grow the fund.
Congratulations to the 9 Habitat affiliates who received funding in 2008:
Habitat for Humanity of Bay County - $34,000
Project Location: Bay City
Project Description: Habitat for Humanity of Bay County will construct two new homes in Bay City to be owned by two very low income families. The grant will be used to purchase building materials.
Habitat for Humanity of Detroit - $162,408
Project Location: Detroit
Project Description: Habitat for Humanity of Detroit will construct 20 new, green built homes in its Vision 2020 comprehensive community initiative currently underway in Detroit’s Morningside Commons. The grant will be used for construction costs.
Habitat for Humanity of Genesee County - $60,000
Project Location: Flint
Project Description: Habitat for Humanity of Genesee County will construct four homes as part of a three year Cities of Promise project that will result in 15 new construction homes by 2010. The grant funds will be used to purchase construction materials.
Habitat for Humanity of Kent County - $60,000
Project Location: Grand Rapids
Project Description: Habitat for Humanity of Kent County will rehabilitate two foreclosed homes in Grand Rapids. The homes will be rehabbed by students at the Grand Rapids Community College’s Tassel m-Tec program, which build or rehabs LEED certified homes. The grant will be used to purchase construction materials.
Habitat for Humanity of Lansing - $24,342
Project Location: Lansing
Project Description: Habitat for Humanity of Lansing will build three homes in the City of Lansing for very low-income families. The grant funds will be used to purchase construction materials.
Habitat for Humanity of Macomb County - $33,000
Project Location: Clinton Township
Project Description: Habitat for Humanity of Macomb County will build one new home as part of its 2008 Women Build in the Vision 2020 Colchester revitalization initiative. The grant will be used to purchase construction materials.
Read the Detroit Free Press article covering the check presentation ceremony for Habitat for Humanity of Macomb County.
Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County - $17,000
Project Location: Monroe
Project Description: Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County will construct one home in the City of Monroe with students from Monroe Public Schools Youth Educational Construction Program. The grant funds will be used to purchase construction materials.
Habitat for Humanity of Muskegon County - $8,350
Project Location: Muskegon Heights
Project Description: Habitat for Humanity of Muskegon County will construct one new home in the City of Muskegon Heights to be owned by a single mother with a disability. The grant will be used for direct construction costs.
Harbor Habitat for Humanity - $100,000
Project Location: Benton Charter Township
Project Description: Harbor Habitat for Humanity will use the grant for pre-development costs for a proposed Phase II subdivision in Benton Charter Township. The grant will be used for infrastructure and utilities.