Advocate

Why Advocate?

As a state support organization, we advocate for legislation that supports the lives of partner families. Together we can help more Michigan families acquire access to safe and affordable housing. The best way to bring about change is to speak up, so we speak on behalf of Michigan residents who are silently struggling to find a place to live. Add your voice so we’re better heard.

To get involved, please contact Don Wilkinson at dwilkinson@habitatmichigan.org.

The Cost of Home – Habitat’s First National Advocacy Campaign

Safe homes. Nutritious food on the table. Health care. Access to good schools. Reliable transportation. Which would you choose?

Families all across Michigan are paying too high a price to cover the cost of their home. Rents and homeownership costs are skyrocketing, while wages are not keeping pace. Far too often, families struggle to make ends meet. Everywhere you look—cities, suburbs, rural areas—the stability that home should bring remains out of reach for too many families. At Habitat for Humanity of Michigan, we know that a family should never have to spend more than 30 percent of their income on a home. But consider that today 1 in 8 Michigan households pay half or more of their income on a place to live.

That is unacceptable.

Habitat for Humanity of Michigan, along with Habitat for Humanity International, works hard to mobilize our partners, our volunteers and community members across the state to find the solutions and help create the policies that will allow all Michiganders to meet their most basic needs.

American Rescue Plan Act

Thanks to federal funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), we have the opportunity for historic support for housing in Michigan. Our 45 affiliates and state support office are working together to utilize ARPA funding to help more Michiganders access safe, decent, affordable housing.

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A Message from our President and CEO, Don Wilkinson

Among the abundance of challenges families face, the choice between a stable home and meeting essential needs shouldn’t be one. At Habitat for Humanity of Michigan, we’re steadfast in our belief that every family deserves the security and dignity of a safe, affordable home. It’s a fundamental right that should never be compromised by the cost of living. Yet, in Michigan, far too many are forced to navigate this impossible trade-off between housing expenses and critical necessities like food, medication, and education.

Affordable housing isn’t just about shelter; it’s the cornerstone upon which stable, thriving communities are built. It’s about fostering a foundation where families can grow, children can learn, and dreams can flourish. No one should have to sacrifice basic needs to secure a roof overhead. That’s why our work at Habitat for Humanity of Michigan isn’t just about constructing houses; it’s about crafting hope, resilience, and opportunity for every individual and family in need.

Together, let’s stand united in our commitment to ensuring that affordable housing isn’t a distant dream but a tangible reality for every Michigander. Let’s advocate, build, and empower, knowing that by providing affordable housing, we’re not just changing lives—we’re building a brighter future for our entire community.

Warm regards,

Don Wilkinson

Habitat for Humanity of Michigan

Bills We Proudly Supported

House Bill 4812 (2021)

In 2008, Habitat for Humanity throughout Michigan joined together and worked with then Senator Mark Jansen and other legislators to offer relief to our partner families and expand their ability to afford a Habitat home.

Back then, affiliates were selling the home for the amount of the buyer’s first mortgage. Local property tax assessors were assessing the property taxes at the higher, appraised value of the home. The passage of PA 340 provided that local tax assessors assess qualified properties purchased from nonprofits on the affordable first mortgage instead of the appraised value of the home. The way it’s written, though, is now outdated. When this bill was passed, Habitat was setting the purchase price equal to the first mortgage amount. Now we set the purchase price equal to the appraised value of the property.

Our goal was to have the text of the bill rewritten to clarify the intent, which is that the property should be assessed at the first mortgage amount, not the appraised amount, which will bring the property taxes in line with what’s affordable for the eligible, qualified homebuyer.

This bill was passed in July 2022 and was signed into law as Public Act 156 of 2022.

BILL 4812

House Bill 5182 (2013)

An act that ensures charitable nonprofit housing organization’s unoccupied properties are exempt from property taxes. Once a homeowner partner occupies the property, then property taxes resume. This helps our affiliates allocate more money into assisting families within their community.

BILL 5182

House Bill 5786 (2010)

An act that ensures charitable nonprofit housing organization’s retail stores are exempt from property taxes. This assists our affiliates and ReStores with keeping operational costs low so more financial impact can be made in the community.

BILL 5786

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517-485-1006

618 S Creyts Rd. Ste A Lansing, Michigan

Who We Are

Let’s build a world where everyone has a decent place to live. At Habitat Michigan, we think it’s possible, but we believe change needs to happen in our own neighborhood first. That’s why we provide programs, education, and resources to strengthen Michigan communities. We speak for 45 affiliates across the state that are bringing hope and shelter to Michigan families. HFHM cultivates an environment that reflects the values and needs of our community by seeking to serve, welcome and empower people of every race, ethnicity, nationality, economic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, size, and ability.