October is when Michigan homeowners start thinking about the months ahead. Furnaces get their first real workout, roofs take on fall rain and early snow, and utility bills begin to climb. For a homeowner on a tight budget, a house that needs work can turn the start of heating season into a source of constant worry. 

Duane Cofield knows that feeling. Duane served in the U.S. Army, where he earned the Army Service Ribbon. He has lived in his home in Ypsilanti since 2008 and has kept it up as best he could. Over time, though, the house began to need more than he could take on alone. 

A Leaking Roof and a List of Smaller Problems 

The most urgent issue was the roof. Water was leaking into his home, and while Duane had the roof patched, a patch only holds for so long. Every heavy rain brought the risk of water damage, mold, and structural problems that get more expensive the longer they wait. 

When the team from Huron Valley Habitat for Humanity assessed the home, they found other needs Duane hadn’t thought to ask about. The fans in his living room and kitchen were undersized for the space. The bathroom light was missing its covers and didn’t give off enough light, and the bathroom had no GFCI outlet, the basic safety device that cuts power to prevent electrical shock near water. His major appliances were old and inefficient, which kept his electric bill higher than it needed to be. 

What the Project Covered 

Working with Duane, Huron Valley Habitat put together a scope of work that addressed the whole house and utilized Habitat Michigan’s Priority Home Repair program to fund the project: 

The roof leak was fixed, so Duane no longer has to watch the ceiling every time it rains. 

The living room and kitchen fans, bathroom lighting, and bathroom outlet were brought up to standard. 

His washer, dryer, stove, and refrigerator were replaced with ENERGY STAR units, and a new gas water heater was installed. 

Lower Bills Heading Into Winter 

October is Energy Awareness Month, and Duane’s project shows why efficiency belongs in the home repair conversation. ENERGY STAR appliances are certified to use less energy than standard models, and the U.S. Department of Energy identifies water heating as one of the largest energy expenses in a typical home. For a homeowner on a fixed or modest income, a lower monthly utility bill frees up money for groceries, medication, and the next small repair before it becomes a big one. 

At the final home visit, Duane was overwhelmed with gratitude for what Habitat was able to provide. He no longer has to worry about a leaking roof or old, inefficient appliances as the weather turns cold. 

Why Repairs Matter for Michigan Housing 

Much of the conversation about Michigan’s housing shortage focuses on building new homes, and that work is essential. Keeping existing homeowners safely in the homes they already own is part of the same solution. When a roof fails or a furnace quits and the owner can’t afford the fix, the result can be health hazards, mounting damage, and eventually a family forced to leave. A timely repair protects the homeowner and keeps an affordable home in the community’s housing supply. 

Habitat for Humanity of Michigan funds critical repairs through the 43 local Habitat affiliates across the state. Our Priority Home Repair program, supported by HUD and corporate partners like Consumers Energy, DTE Foundation, and The Home Depot, helps income-qualified homeowners address urgent health and safety needs. Our Homes of the Brave program focuses on repairs for veterans and military-connected families like Duane’s.  

Help a Neighbor Stay Home This Winter 

Every repair starts with someone who cares enough to make it possible. A gift to Habitat for Humanity of Michigan helps fund roofs, furnaces, water heaters, and safety upgrades for homeowners who have nowhere else to turn as the cold sets in. 

CTA: Donate now, linked to our donate page. Secondary link: [home repair program page / contact page]