Habitat for Humanity of Michigan Fact Sheet

OUR MISSION

Habitat for Humanity of Michigan is the state support organization for the state’s network of local Habitat for Humanity affiliates. Our mission is to increase our capacity to build simple decent homes in partnership with people in need in the State of Michigan. HFHM is a non-profit 501c (3) organization established in 1993 to provide services to 77 local affiliates in 82 counties in Michigan.  It is proud to be the first successful state support organization in the country.

MICHIGAN STATISTICS

With 77 affiliates, Michigan is one of Habitat for Humanity’s most active states in the nation.  Every county in Michigan is served by a Habitat for Humanity affiliate. 

Since 1982, Habitat for Humanity has built over 3,500 homes in Michigan, providing 15,000 individuals with decent, affordable housing.  The market value of these houses is more than $325,000,000.

In 2010, Michigan affiliates built or rehabbed nearly 300 homes in partnership with people in need. Habitat homeowners in Michigan pay millions of dollars in local and state property taxes.

Michigan is also home to more than 40 Habitat for Humanity ReStores.  These stores are run by affiliates with their primary mission to provide additional funding to support house building goals.  ReStores sell everything from building supplies to household goods, at a reduced cost, allowing Habitat another avenue to serve the low income community.

ReStores benefit the environment. By accepting and selling donated, usable items, Habitat ReStores help keep thousands of pounds of materials from going to landfills. Habitat ReStores accept donated materials from building contractors, manufacturers and the general public. Donors receive a tax deduction

HFH MICHIGAN’S SERVICES to AFFILIATES

  • $12,000 Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Grants from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) for ENERGY STAR certified homes
  • Reimbursement of homeowner financial counseling services through MSHDA
  • Construction products produced by The Michigan Department of Corrections
  • Sustainable Building program supporting Habitat affiliate construction and energy efficiency 
  • Statewide affiliate directory
  • Partnership with the Domestic Violence Prevention & Treatment Board of the Michigan Department of Human Services for homeowner readiness
  • Spartan Store, Comcast Cares and Waste Management employee volunteer and/or donation programs
  • Federal Home Loan Bank grants
  • AmeriCorps members via Michigan Community Service Commission
  • Michigan Regional Distribution Center facility: a statewide warehouse in support of Michigan based ReStores
  • Organization and support of statewide affordable housing advocacy events
  • Annual two-day Affiliates In Motion (AIM) training conference and exhibit show
  • Seminars conducted over the World Wide Web (Webinars) on various topics including Habitat’s New Leader Orientation and affiliate requested topics
  • Support of the three affiliate leadership councils (Upper Peninsula, Northern Michigan, Southern Michigan)
  • Support of the six topic councils (Fund Development, Family Selection & Support, ReStores, Construction, Volunteer Coordination, Faith Relations) with staff and underwriting conference call and Webinar services
  • Support of the statewide network of Habitat Restores
  • Biweekly statewide e-newsletter distributed to Michigan affiliates, volunteers and legislators
  • State Website
  • Annual statewide awards banquet and advocacy event
  • Occasional distribution of resources from corporations wanting impact beyond a single affiliate
  • Public relations and marketing consultation for affiliates
  • Technical assistance to affiliates as needed

THE MISSION OF OUR AFFILIATES

The purpose of Habitat affiliates is to build or rehabilitate decent, affordable housing in partnership with families.  As a grassroots movement, Habitat affiliates are responsible for housing construction, family selection, and other key decisions.  More than 200,000 volunteers have been recruited and trained to build houses for people in need in Michigan.

THE AFFILIATES’ GUIDING PRINCIPLES

  1. Demonstrate the love and teachings of Jesus Christ
  2. Advocate on behalf of those in need of decent shelter
  3. Focus on shelter by building and renovating simple, decent and affordable houses
  4. Engage broad community through inclusive leadership and diverse partnerships
  5. Promote dignity through full partnerships with Habitat homeowners and future home partners
  6. Promote transformation and sustainable community development

HOW HABITAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

According to a study conducted by Davenport University, the work of Habitat for Humanity has proven to make a real difference in the lives of Habitat partner families:

  • 68 percent of families report an increase in their income
  • 25 percent of families report better grades in school for their children
  • 23 percent of families report less sickness
  • 58 percent of families report less family conflict
  • 40 percent of families report going on to obtaining additional education.

Habitat for Humanity works!  Those who volunteer and support Habitat for Humanity of Michigan and its affiliates are making a real difference in the lives of our citizens.