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. 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, including nine Habitat Michigan affiliates. 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.