Posted January 14, 2022
Award to support production of 160 healthy homes in Michigan
Lansing, Mich. – Habitat for Humanity of Michigan (HFHM) announced today that they have received a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Healthy Homes Production Grant Program.
The grant funding will address the home repair needs for 160 low-income families over 42 months, which increases HFHM’s current repair program by 50%. HFHM will also provide training and resources to build capacity for Habitat affiliates and minority/women owned businesses and promote expanded healthy homes intervention in Michigan. HFHM uses targeted outreach, affirmative marketing, and program evaluation to ensure these funds are used as required by the grant.
“On behalf of Habitat for Humanity throughout Michigan, we wish to thank HUD for the trust placed in us to partner with households to make their homes healthy,” says Sandy Pearson, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Michigan. “We all gain when people live in homes that are healthy and don’t make them sick with illnesses such as asthma from mold and lead-based paint illnesses. The funding will bolster our programs to expand and holistically address a variety of high-priority housing-based health and safety hazards, such as mold and moisture, poor indoor air quality, pests, carbon monoxide, injury and safety hazards, in addition to lead-based paint. It’s a win for all!”
HUD shared the announcement on Wednesday, stating that the grant program will help nonprofit organizations identify health and safety hazards in low-income families’ homes. The grants will protect children and families with incomes at or below eighty percent of the area median income level by targeting significant lead and health hazards in over 7,400 low-income homes for which other resources are not available.
“This funding propels Habitat Michigan’s goal to serve more families and children who live in unacceptable housing conditions” says Sue Ortiz, Chief Program Officer for Habitat for Humanity of Michigan. “Healthy Homes funding will also positively impact long term change by providing Habitat affiliates and other small businesses the education, training, and support to help them thrive. We are thrilled to receive this award.”
The grant to Habitat Michigan is part of $104.7 million awarded from HUD to 60 non-profit organizations, and state and local government agencies located in 29 states to protect children and families from home health hazards.
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About Habitat for Humanity of Michigan
Habitat for Humanity of Michigan is the state support organization for Michigan’s more than 40 Habitat for Humanity affiliates and ReStores which serve nearly every county in the state. Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity of Michigan brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.