Contact: Debra Lashbrook
dlashbrook@habitatmichigan.org
517 485-1006 x15
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 24, 2010
(Lansing) Habitat for Humanity of Michigan (HFHM) board members are meeting in emergency session May 25 to address how to deal with a 50% cut in 2009-10 MSHDA funding, the possibility of additional staff layoffs and the uncertainty of future funding levels.
The MSHDA cuts came in January without warning to Habitat staff, its board of directors or its 77 affiliate chapters throughout Michigan. Habitat board members say the cuts were directed by MSHDA staff and are a dramatic departure from regular funding levels in years past. The MSHDA Board of Directors meets May 26, but it is not clear if Habitat funding levels are on its agenda.
According to Bob Filka, HFHM board chairman. “To say our mission is at risk is an understatement. The timing of the cuts creates tremendous complications for the 61 families selected, who have worked hard to qualify for their Habitat home and obtain mortgage funding. We are profoundly disappointed, especially since the cuts come at a time of record level federal funding for MSHDA programs.”
Habitat board members say that Governor Granholm has always been highly supportive of Habitat, and that her staff met with HFHM staff and board members to discuss the MSHDA decision to try and resolve the problem. The Governor was a keynote speaker at Habitat’s March banquet in Lansing, where she announced her “MI Family Builds Michigan” initiative taking place this summer all over Michigan.
Habitat President Ken Bensen opines, “We are at a loss to understand why MSHDA has changed their policy mid-year, without notice, delaying 61 Michigan families and cutting jobs, not only at Habitat but in the construction sector. Habitat affiliates throughout the state are angry and frustrated, as are we. Furthermore, without reinstatement of normal funding levels, affiliate chapters aren’t able to plan for 2010-11, and Habitat Michigan faces the uncertain demise of our mission.”
MSHDA manages hundreds of millions of dollars in state and federal funds that are used to provide financial and technical assistance through public and private partnerships to create and preserve safe and decent affordable housing. During fiscal year 2010, their work includes demolition projects and retrofitting homes that are put on the market to be sold.
Habitat for Humanity of Michigan is the state support organization for Michigan’s 77 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.
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