Home Ownership Program
Our Home Ownership Program sells newly renovated, energy-efficient homes to local individuals and families with low incomes using an affordable mortgage.
In fiscal year 2021, we sold 11 homes to 11 hardworking families in Washtenaw County. As we continue to deal with supply-chain issues, smaller volunteer groups, and increased costs, we remain committed to closing on as many houses as possible above all challenges.
Did you know?
All homebuyers
•Earn 30%-80% of area median income •Invest 200 hours of sweat equity per adult •Save & make a $1,000 down payment •Take classes in finance and budgeting, legal workshops, and how to sustain homeownership.
Home Improvement Program
The safety and stability a home can provide is life-changing. Habitat’s Home Improvement Program offers a variety of resources to help current homeowners stay housed. Our critical repair programs provide necessary repairs in an affordable way so homeowners do not have to take out high-interest loans or resort to other financial means to cover the costs.
Our energy-efficient replacement programs decrease utility bills for a more stable and sustainable future. Our Aging In Place, Veteran, and Critical Home Repair services provide repairs to disadvantaged homeowners so they can remain safely housed in their own homes. These programs have proven to be necessary and successful in the stability of current homeowners, and in investing in home improvements that add to housing value and improved community value.
1,217 homeowners were served and assisted in FY 21 through home improvements.
Habitat Education Program
Our education program offers free group classes in homebuyer education, money management, and one-on-one sessions with a HUD-certified housing counselor. Our Habitat Education services set up homeowners for successful futures; free of high rent/mortgage payments. They are then able to diversify their savings and begin to build wealth for themselves and future generations.
437 households participated in Habitat’s Education Program in FY 21. Our program works to address the critical needs due to rising unemployment and unpredictable income that many of our community members are experiencing.
A record number of people utilized our housing counselor or classes in FY 21.
Community Development
Celebrating 10 years!
Habitat partners with residents and community partners in three Ypsilanti Township neighborhoods – Gault Village, West Willow, and Sugarbrook – to guide a long-term participatory neighborhood planning process. This strategic investment, combined with our Home Ownership Program renovations and Home Improvement Program projects, further stabilizes these communities.
We engaged with 1,361 residents and community partners in FY 21. Through the year, Habitat supported activities and events have been returning to in-person, including neighborhood association meetings, community celebrations, and community beautification projects.
The impact of our 2021 house renovations (compared to new construction) saved more than 480 metric tons of greenhouse gases.
In addition, the environmental impact of all of our home improvement programs in 2021 was equivalent to eliminating nearly 5.2 million passenger vehicle miles, and our ReStore operations diverted around 712 tons of waste from landfills.
Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley ReStore
Celebrating 15 years!
The Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley ReStore had a record year, grossing more than $1,000,000 in revenue for the first time. We ranked #1 in the state for the highest revenue per square foot.
The ReStore is a retail store operated by Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley. The ReStore is a place for the public to shop for discounted merchandise, donate used items, and volunteer their time to support Habitat for Humanity. Over 85% of what the ReStore sells comes from donations from residents and businesses in the community. Donations help divert items from the landfill and provides low-cost merchandise to the public. 100% of ReStore net revenue is invested back into our programs to help more families.
The following information illustrates the growing challenges Habitat, and those we serve, continue to face. The equity from homeownership is important to build wealth for a stable future for homeowners and future generations. There are many barriers that prevent people from building savings, equity, and achieving homeownership.
The Reeves Family moved into their Habitat home in June 2021
Both Gregory and Steven are so ecstatic to become new homeowners and are very grateful for the Habitat for Humanity Home Ownership Program. Gregory says that he’s always wanted to own a home for himself and Steven; however, it was never the perfect opportunity until now. After Gregory congratulated his sister on becoming a Habitat homeowner, he was ready to jump on board.