Sustainable Housing Innovations

Sustainable Housing

Families build strength, stability and self-reliance by partnering with Habitat to construct new homes and preserve existing homes. Habitat works to make sure every home is safe, healthy, and energy efficient.

Habitat volunteers and staff erect a wall in Benzie County

Building Affordable New Homes

Habitat designs and builds homes that meet high standards of performance. They are stronger, use less materials to construct, and use much less energy during occupancy. Materials are carefully selected to ensure healthy indoor air quality, and the homes can be visited or occupied by nearly anyone regardless of ability. 

Construction staff on scaffolding replacing a second story window

Preserving Existing Homes

Rehabilitating and repairing existing housing improves neighborhoods and revitalizes communities. Habitat restores homes to create new affordable homeownership opportunities. Low-income families already owning a home in need of repair can partner with Habitat to get the work performed at a cost they can afford.

PRIORITY HOME REPAIRS: HELPING OUR NEIGHBORS

Many low-income families occupy homes and spaces that are in urgent need of costly critical repairs.  These repairs can cause safety and health issues to the family. With financial support from Consumers Energy and Michigan State Housing Development Authority, affiliates in the state of Michigan received funding to partner with these families to assess a home’s defects and deficiencies along with the functional needs of the family.  Those needs are ranked and prioritized by following a critical path, making certain that steps are completed in order of importance and urgency, prioritizing safety, health, and security. Read more here...

Our Programs

Roof that was repaired with Priority Home Repair program with HFH Huron Valley

Priority Home Repair Program

This program, supported by MSHDA and Consumers Energy, addresses safe and healthy housing solutions for low-income homeowners. A qualified expert assesses the home for any hazards that threaten the occupants. This assessment highlights the urgent and important repairs needed.

Midland County family with HFHM's Mobile Response Unit

Disaster Risk Reduction & Response

Low-income households can be among the most affected by natural and man-made disasters. When disaster strikes, Habitat can help with basic needs such as water, sanitation, and emergency or transitional shelter and then partner to rebuild from ruin to recovery. (Photo credit Midland County Habitat for Humanity)

Home Depot and Team Rubicon work with Habitat for Humanity of Kent County

Veterans Build

This program was created to serve the housing needs of returning veterans. Affiliates across Michigan empower military and veteran families to build better lives for themselves and help bridge the gap to civilian life with fulfilling community engagement. Learn more about our Veterans Build Program here
(Photo credit Habitat for Humanity of Kent County) 

Volunteers with Habitat for Humanity Huron Valley install cabinets provided by the Prison Build Program

Prison Build Program

Michigan Correctional Facilities and Habitat provide work experience, skills, and community service to inmates.  These prisoners build hand crafted, quality cabinets and products for Habitat homes. This program is supported by MSHDA. (Photo credit Habitat for Humanity Huron Valley)

Construction staff gather for the 2018 HOMES Green Building Summit

Education and Training

Our construction staff and volunteers have many opportunities to come together and share best practices, ask questions, and learn from one another.

Sample house floor plan

Housing Quality Standards & Plan Assistance

Total costs of homeownership include more than just a mortgage. Utilities, maintenance, insurance, and other expenses must be factored into affordability. Habitat Michigan uses thoughtful design features to reduce operating costs and save families money. 

woman holds a girl above a field of blue that reads "Helping Neighbors Program"

Partner Spotlight: Consumers Energy Helping Neighbors Program

We’re proud to share that we are collaborating with Consumers Energy to get started on your energy-saving journey.  

Through the Consumers Energy Helping Neighbors program, single-family, income-eligible Consumers Energy customers receive assistance with reducing energy usage while improving comfort in their home. Qualified customers can receive FREE services that include an in-home or virtual assessment performed by a trained technician, a customized summary report with recommendations and may receive energy-saving upgrades like:

  • LED Bulbs and Nightlights
  • Carbon Monoxide Detector
  • Water Heater Pipe Wrap
  • Programmable Thermostat
  • High-Efficiency Showerheads
  • Kitchen/Bathroom Faucet Aerators

Get started today by visiting www.ConsumersHelpingNeighbors.com to schedule your FREE assessment online using the promotional code ARHHMI or by calling 877-448-9433, option 1.

“Building communities is the essence of what we do at Habitat for Humanity. Constructing houses is simply the means by which we do it.”

Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity