Cheboygan County Habitat for Humanity: Building Stronger Communities Together

Cheboygan County Habitat for Humanity has received a significant boost in its mission to provide safe, affordable housing. Recently, Awakon Federal Credit Union generously donated $50,000, marking the beginning of a promising partnership focused on making critical home repairs in the village of Wolverine. This collaboration aims to serve three to five families, restoring their homes to a safe and healthy condition through hands-on home repairs.

A Vital Partnership for Wolverine

Many of the health and human services organizations are physically located in other communities, so Wolverine, a rural community, is often overlooked. This adds to existing challenges, including limited resources for affordable housing and public assistance. The housing stock in Wolverine is old and in dire need of repairs, with a noticeable amount of blight affecting the area. Many residents, especially the elderly, require modifications to their homes to remain safe and in their homes as they age.

The $50,000 donation from Awakon Federal Credit Union is not just a financial contribution; it represents a commitment to revitalizing this underserved community. Cheboygan County Habitat for Humanity plans to use these funds to perform critical home repairs, directly impacting the lives of several families. These repairs will address safety hazards, improve living conditions, and help ensure that these homes are sustainable in the long term.

Leveraging Partnerships for Greater Impact

Cheboygan County Habitat for Humanity envisions this partnership as a catalyst for broader community involvement. By demonstrating the tangible benefits of collaboration, they hope to attract more businesses and community members to join their cause. The goal is to create a movement where local resources and volunteer efforts come together to tackle the housing challenges in Cheboygan County.

Wolverine’s situation highlights the broader issues of rural communities where aging infrastructure and economic limitations pose significant hurdles. Cheboygan County Habitat’s strategic approach involves not just repairing homes but revitalizing entire neighborhoods. This holistic method will improve the overall quality of life, instill pride in homeownership, and foster a sense of community.

Current Projects and Future Plans

Cheboygan County Habitat for Humanity’s impact extends across the county. With a dedicated team of six, including two members focused on construction, they are actively managing several exciting projects. One notable development involves relocating a donated house to a vacant lot in Cheboygan. Once moved, the house will undergo extensive rehabilitation to become a new home for a Habitat Program Partner. This innovative project not only repurposes existing resources but also provides a family with a fresh start in a newly renovated home.

In addition to this unique project, Cheboygan County Habitat will soon begin building two new homes in a subdivision in Indian River, continuing their successful efforts in that community. This year alone, they have completed and will sell two homes to income-qualified families in Cheboygan County.

Cheboygan County Habitat for Humanity completes 8-10 home repair projects annually throughout the county. Looking ahead to 2025, Habitat plans to expand its impact, hoping to complete an additional five critical home repair projects, each accompanied by block revitalization. This initiative works toward fostering community-wide improvements and a sense of collective connection.

The Power of Community Involvement

Cheboygan County Habitat for Humanity’s efforts embody the power of community-driven initiatives. This work not only provides relief to families in need but also promotes long-term stability and growth. By addressing housing issues, they are helping to build stronger, more resilient communities.

The recent donation from Awakon Federal Credit Union underscores the importance of local partnerships in driving meaningful change. As Cheboygan County Habitat for Humanity continues to engage with businesses and community members, their impact will only grow, creating a ripple effect that benefits the entire county.

Join the Movement

Cheboygan County Habitat for Humanity invites everyone to join their mission. Whether through financial contributions, volunteer work, or community advocacy, there are many ways to get involved. By working together, we can ensure that every family in Cheboygan County has access to a safe, affordable home.

The partnership between Cheboygan County Habitat for Humanity and Awakon Federal Credit Union marks a significant step towards addressing the housing challenges in Wolverine and beyond. With continued community support, this initiative will not only improve individual homes but also enhance the overall quality of life in Cheboygan County.

Cheboygan County Habitat for Humanity contact information:

Mandy Martin, Executive Director

mandy@habitatcheboygan.org

Habitat for Humanity of Michigan Media Contact:

Wendy Clow, Director of Marketing and Communication

wclow@habitatmichigan.org