LANSING – Ken Bensen, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Michigan, is being inducted into the Michigan Construction Hall of Fame. The ceremony will take place Oct. 15 during a banquet Ferris State University's Granger Center for Construction and HVACR.
Bensen attributes Michigan’s wide network of volunteers working on behalf of Habitat for Humanity for his success. Since becoming involved in Habitat for Humanity in 1985, he put his energies not only in Michigan, but internationally. Bensen founded the first statewide Habitat support organization – which has become a model for other states. In 1986 and again in 2005 he helped lead the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Projects. Bensen has been involved in the building of more than 3,500 Habitat for Humanity homes throughout Michigan, affecting more than 14,000 lives.
“Ken’s faithful service and the many talents he has devoted to Habitat are much appreciated. Affiliates in Michigan are indeed fortunate to have benefitted from his discipleship and pioneering spirit,” says Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International.
With 79 affiliates, Michigan has a Habitat for Humanity affiliate in every county in the state. Bensen spent much of his early career with Habitat driving around the state helping organize local affiliates. When Bensen put his focus on funding, he secured a relationship with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority that now provides down payment assistance grants for nearly every Habitat house built in Michigan.
Bensen is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and has served churches in Michigan, Illinois and Arizona. For many years he was Habitat for Humanity International’s representative to the National Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.
Over the years, Bensen’s career with Habitat for Humanity has sent him across the globe. Internationally, he has worked with Habitat for Humanity organizations in Armenia, Philippines, Brazil, Romania and Thailand. In November he will travel to Viet Nam to participate in the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project. During the week-long event, Habitat for Humanity volunteers will build houses for people in need throughout the Mekong Delta.
Michigan Construction Hall of Fame inductees are selected by a committee of professionals representing the Associated Builders and Contractors, Associated General Contractors of Michigan, Construction Association of Michigan, Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association, Michigan Association of Home Builders and Ferris State University Construction Technology and Management programs.
Selection criteria include achievement in technical, managerial and leadership areas, state or national prominence as a result of industry or community activities, and service to the profession and community.
The Michigan Construction Hall of Fame serves as a permanent place for members of the construction industry to recognize and appreciate the endeavors of leaders of the Michigan construction industry.
Habitat for Humanity of Michigan is the state support organization for Michigan’s 79 Habitat for Humanity affiliates which serve every county in the state. HFHM’s mission is to increase the capacity of Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Michigan to build or renovate simple, decent homes in partnership with people in need.
