Byrum:
Habitat for Humanity builds homes, stronger communities
Mid-Michigan is home to many
great organizations that aim to help people who are
working hard to make ends meet and to improve their
quality of life. One organization I have long admired
and supported throughout my years in public service
is Michigan Habitat for Humanity.
Michigan Habitat is inspired
by a simple vision: Build decent homes for families
in need in Michigan. With the help of volunteers and
sponsors, Michigan Habitat builds good-quality homes
and, through zero-percent financing, puts families
on the path to homeownership.
Habitat's goal has attracted
tremendous support and commitment from members of
communities across Michigan, all joined in partnership
to make our neighborhoods better and to help those
who need a home.
Brick by brick, joist by joist
and shingle by shingle, Michigan Habitat has built
more than 2,700 homes with the help of its affiliates.
The prospective owner chips in as well, putting in
sweat equity of at least 250 hours of work to build
the homes. Formed in 1993, Michigan Habitat has put
more than 11,000 people in comfortable, affordable
housing.
And by encouraging homeownership,
Michigan Habitat is also helping us build stronger
and more stable communities to make them great places
for all our families to live and work.
Homeowners have higher rates
of participation in community organizations, such
as clubs, neighborhood associations, and religious
institutions, than renters, according to a 1998 study.
Homeowners also have higher rates of direct political
participation and have a greater awareness of local
political officials, according to a 1994 study.
A Davenport University study
found that 68 percent of families in Habitat homes
reported more income; 25 percent were healthier; and
40 percent got more education.
These are important indicators
of community success. It's especially striking, given
the fact that 60 percent of Michigan Habitat's homes
go to single parents with two or three children.
Homeownership for these parents
helps them and provides a stable environment for their
kids, who tend to get better grades in school, studies
show.
I am proud that Michigan has
an active Habitat for Humanity that is putting thousands
of people into good houses. Thanks to an army of ready
volunteers, a HabiCorps of 45 members serving 17 affiliates
throughout our state, regular training sessions for
hundreds of volunteers, a Vision 20/20 program to
eliminate substandard housing in 20 communities by
2020 and Michigan State Housing Development Authority
grants worth $3.75 million in 2005, Habitat of Michigan
can look forward to building on its great success.
Michigan Habitat recently celebrated
its 10th annual awards dinner in East Lansing. It
has much to be proud of.
Habitat isn't resting on its
success. Across Michigan, many families are in need
of shelter and a home. More than 100 families have
applied for a Habitat home in Michigan so far this
year.
You too can help with this tremendous
work. The need for volunteers is great, but so are
the rewards.
Habitat and its volunteers build
more than just houses. They're giving families a home
and building better communities.
I want to know what you think.
Write me at House Democratic Leader Dianne Byrum,
State Capitol, P.O. Box 30014, Lansing, Michigan 48909-7514
or e-mail me at diannebyrum@house.mi.gov.
Dianne Byrum, D-Onondaga,
is the representative for the 67th State House, which
includes most of Ingham County.
