Every Habitat for Humanity affiliate around the state has a different focus. But there’s at least one thing they all have in common; they’re grateful for the Power of Home campaign and the match Consumers Energy makes to support their mission. In 2024, the Grand Traverse Region Habitat raised $64,000 thanks to the Consumers Energy 2:1 match.
Wendy Irvin, Chief Executive Officer for Habitat for Humanity in the Grand Traverse Region believes the match takes the fundraising to another level. “It helps bring dollars from outside our community and is a powerful opportunity to give donors an extra incentive to contribute to the organization,” she said.
The Grand Traverse Habitat for Humanity serves Kalkaska, Leelanau and Grand Traverse counties. They’re currently building 47 new homes as part of their 5–7-year mission.
“We have a lot of developments. Currently we’re building a 14-home New Waves community in Leelanau
County,” Irvin said. With the housing crisis in mind, they were determined to find a way to combat it. “We want to do more; do better all the time and we’re focused on finding the best way to do that,” she said. Recently, that included aligning with Superior Walls and bringing in precast concrete walls to help expedite the builds. Three houses in the development are finished and thanks to the precast concrete walls, they’re planning to have two more new homeowners by the end of the year.
Funds raised from the Power of Home campaign will support this development. “I’m so grateful for the campaign, I wish I could duplicate it with everyone we work with,” Irvin said. “It has so many essential components including the level of outreach, competition among the affiliates and bringing dollars back to our region and engaging new people.”
Irvin said they’re always seeking funding to be able to provide affordable housing. “Our vision is a world
where everyone has a decent place to live and we’re doing our best effort to bring what we can regionally,” she said.
They aren’t just building single-family homes, but also working on developments to meet the needs of their diverse communities. “We want to align and partner with hard-working and deserving people who need an extra hand up to get to where they are intending to go,” she said. “Walking alongside of them to get them where they are going has always been such a blessing and a joy.”
In fact, it’s what has kept Irvin at Habitat for Humanity for 12 years. “I’m addicted to a happy ending,” she confessed. And many times, Habitat can provide that. “It’s beautiful to watch families thrive and see them overcome adversary and start new.”
More than Building Houses
Individuals interested in partnering with Habitat for Humanity will find the application process online. It starts with a quick five-question survey to understand if they’re likely to be eligible. If they meet the initial criteria, they can then fill out an application. Not everyone will be eligible right away but that doesn’t mean they can’t get there, and Habitat is there to help. “We want to meet every applicant where they are and give them opportunity,” Irvin said. “It’s another way of serving our community. If we’re only building seven or eight houses a year, how do we help the hundreds of other individuals who are contacting us too?”
In many cases, they connect ineligible applicants with a financial coach to get credit scores and debt
where they need to be to become eligible for the program and help them be a good, sustainable homeowner.
When eligible applicants are identified, they must be willing to partner with Habitat for Humanity to invest the time to physically help build their home and take education classes. “It’s a big partnership, but the end result is owning an affordable home – something manageable at a very low interest, and allows them to build equity,” Irvin said. “They have a safe environment where their children can play and feel peace of mind. It’s worth it.”
The work Habitat for Humanity does in communities across Michigan is important, which is why our partnership continues year after year. And others agree. Irvin said they are still connected to the son of the first family they served 38 years ago and he’s a huge advocate for them now. When volunteers and donors invest time and money into Habitat for Humanity, they’re building more than a home, they’re powering a future for hard-working families in our communities.
Habitat for Humanity is extremely thankful for the support of Consumers Energy, and Irvin hopes the partnership will continue or increase in the years ahead. “Thank you to Consumers Energy for the support through the years and allowing us to do massive outreach and help generate extra funds to support the mission,” Irvin said. She also hopes it will motivate others to step up and support the cause. “The affiliates are in desperate need to continue improving their communities and are always looking for organizations and partners to invest more to fight the housing crisis.”
Are you interested in helping build homes, sustainable communities and hope?
Learn more about the Grand Traverse Region Habitat for Humanity.
Learn more about or support the Power of Home campaign.
Related blogs:
Helping the Helpers: Patrick Ebnit Lends a Hand at Habitat for Humanity
Helping the Helpers: Rock the Block with Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity, Consumers Energy Team Up for Power of Home Campaign
