Each year Habitat for Humanity of Michigan organizes a statewide themed build.
The theme for 2011 was “Legislators Building Communities (LBC).” Launched by The Living in Michigan Coalition, the LBC engaged legislators, state officials and volunteers in hundreds of affordable housing and community development projects throughout Michigan.
A press conference at the state capitol officially kicked off the campaign. Senators Mark Jansen and Rebekah Warren, along with Representatives Lisa Howze and Wayne Schmidt, attended as legislative co-chairs and spoke to attendees about the importance of volunteering and investing in their neighborhoods.
Michigan legislators were invited to work up to four or more hours on a job site, helping with a project in their home district. LBC projects were diverse and came from Habitat for Humanity, community development corporations, community action agencies, homeless coalition members and local support groups.
Volunteers were invited to work alongside their legislators to help educate the general public of the need for affordable housing and community improvement. LBC organizers matched legislators and volunteers to the various projects submitted by sponsoring organizations. The campaign's ultimate goal was to raise legislators' awareness of the needs in their own communities and the efforts currently underway to address those needs.
For additional information on the LBC, please visit www.legislatorsbuildingcommunities.org. Or you may wish to drop by their facebook page to see photos and learn about the latest projects.
LBC coalition members included:
Community Economic Development Association of Michigan
Corporation for Support Housing
FiveCAP, Inc.
Community Action Program
Habitat for Humanity of Michigan
Michigan Association of Counties
Michigan Association of Home Builders
Michigan Association of Realtors
Michigan Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness
Michigan Historic Preservation Network
Michigan Housing Council
Michigan Municipal League
Michigan State Housing Development Authority
Opportunity Resource Fund
Living in Michigan is a coalition that brings together over 30 statewide and regional organizations, including the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), to promote quality affordable housing and strong community development throughout the state. Originally formed as an advocacy coalition, Living in Michigan now works to educate policy-makers and the public on the importance of investing in our communities. The coalition is led jointly by CEDAM and Habitat for Humanity of Michigan.