Posted July 18, 2022
Award to support housing counseling services and education in Michigan
Lansing, Mich. – Habitat for Humanity of Michigan (HFHM) announced today that they have received a $5,000 grant from the Lake Trust Foundation to assist with housing counseling and financial education.
Habitat Michigan is a US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved housing counseling agency. HFHM employs certified housing counselors and financial coaches who educate, counsel, and coach Michigan consumers that want to improve their financial and/or housing situation. HFHM staff members also walk along with people as they remove barriers and pursue their home ownership goals. These services include pre-purchase home buyer group education and individual counseling, financial management and budget group education and individual counseling, default avoidance, and more.
“We are grateful for the partnership and support of Lake Trust Foundation to assist more people in achieving their housing and financial goals,” says Sue Ortiz, Chief Programs Officer for Habitat for Humanity of Michigan. “With costs rising from gasoline to groceries, more and more people need a hand getting their finances in order. This grant will enable us to continue serving those households with these necessary programs.”
“Lake Trust Foundation is focused on creating strong, diverse, and vibrant communities by fostering financial wellbeing. We know that the path to home ownership is built on a foundation of sound personal financial education,” said Brandalynn Winchester-Middlebrook, Board Member, Lake Trust Foundation. “The support Habitat Michigan provides is essential to assisting more friends and neighbors realize their dream of home ownership and helping local communities thrive.”
Habitat for Humanity of Michigan has been providing housing counseling and financial education services since 2015. During Fiscal Year 2021, the program served 859 households and an additional 34 went on to purchase a home after using HFHM’s services.
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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.
About Lake Trust Foundation
Lake Trust Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that was established to enhance Lake Trust’s core value of making a difference. Lake Trust Foundation supports a wide range of community programs – from scholarships and financial wellness programs to tackling food insecurity. Since 2013, Lake Trust Foundation has distributed $405,000 in Foundation grants and donations and presented a cumulative total of more than $1.2 million in scholarships to students in Michigan. Learn more about the Foundation’s mission and donate at www.laketrust.org/foundation.