NeighborWorks and Habitat: Empowering Communities for Success
At Habitat for Humanity of Michigan, we believe in the power of community and the impact of collective effort. This year, as we celebrate NeighborWorks Week and the 45th anniversary of NeighborWorks America, we are proud to highlight our ongoing partnership with this incredible organization. Our collaboration with NeighborWorks America not only strengthens our mission but also amplifies our impact across the state of Michigan.
The Power of Partnership
NeighborWorks America, established in 1978 by Congress, is a robust network of nearly 250 member organizations across all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico. This network is dedicated to creating opportunities for people to live in affordable homes, improving lives, and strengthening communities. The foundation of NeighborWorks lies in resident leadership, starting from its inception in Pittsburgh in 1968 by Dorothy Mae Richardson, who spearheaded the fight against disinvestment in her neighborhood.
Our Journey with NeighborWorks
Habitat for Humanity of Michigan has been a proud member of the NeighborWorks network since 2012. We are one of seven NeighborWorks partner organizations in Michigan.
Becoming a member of this network means that we meet a rigorous threshold of governance, management, and impact. Every year, we continue to be accountable to these high standards through comprehensive assessments and continuous improvement efforts. This commitment ensures that we operate with the utmost integrity and effectiveness, delivering on our mission to serve communities across Michigan.
Our partnership with NeighborWorks gives us access to valuable resources like:
- Unrestricted Grants: Providing us with flexible funding to address urgent needs and innovate solutions.
- Technical Assistance: Offering expertise that enhances our programs and operational efficiency.
- Professional Training: Ensuring our staff and volunteers are well-equipped with the latest skills and knowledge.
- Board and Executive Leadership Development: Strengthening our leadership to better serve our communities.
- Peer Learning: Facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration with other organizations.
- Organizational Assessment: Helping us maintain high standards of governance and impact.
- Access to Subject Matter Experts: Providing specialized guidance on complex issues.
- Data Support: Enabling data-driven decision-making to improve our services.
Celebrating NeighborWorks Week & Our Impact in Michigan
NeighborWorks Week, held annually during the first week of June, is a time to celebrate the achievements of the NeighborWorks network. This year, our celebration includes highlighting the significant milestones we reached in FY 23 through our partnership. The collaboration between Habitat for Humanity of Michigan and NeighborWorks has resulted in substantial community investments and housing solutions. Some key impacts in Michigan include:
- Housing and Counseling Services: Providing critical support to 1,088 families seeking homeownership and financial stability.
- Home Repairs: Ensuring 93 homes are safe, healthy, and energy efficient.
- New Homeowners: Helping 23 families achieve the dream of homeownership.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, the partnership between Habitat for Humanity of Michigan and NeighborWorks America will continue to be a cornerstone of our efforts to build stronger communities. We are committed to leveraging this partnership to further our mission of providing affordable housing and improving the quality of life for Michigan residents.
Join Us
We invite you to join us in celebrating NeighborWorks Week and the 45th anniversary of NeighborWorks America. Together, we can continue to make a difference, one home and one community at a time.
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For more information on how you can support our work or get involved, please visit the Get Involved page of our website or contact us directly. Your support helps us create a brighter future for families across Michigan.
