Habitat for Humanity Detroit has launched its Building on Faith/First Family Build partnering with Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, First Gentleman Daniel G. Mulhern, their family, and a partnership of metro area religious organizations/churches. This is also the official launch of the MI Family Builds Michigan initiative (www.michigan.gov/mifamily).

In partnership with the community, local faith organizations, the City of Detroit and Michigan\'s First Family, Habitat Detroit is doing its part to help revitalize this once thriving neighborhood that has been devastated by the recession and the mortgage foreclosure crisis. This partnership will build two new homes, renovate a third home and demolish dangerous, abandoned structures in Morningside.

Working, low-income families will purchase the three homes that will be built or renovated in Detroit. These families are also part of the partnership and must invest 250-350 sweat equity hours towards the purchase of their home. Sweat equity includes working to build their home, their neighbor's home and/or attending homebuyer and financial literacy classes.

Monday, June 14 marked the public launch of the Habitat for Humanity Detroit - Building on Faith/First Family Build, a partnership with the First Family, religious organizations and churches from the Detroit area.  Faith-based sponsors include Grosse Pointe Partners, a coalition of 12 churches of various denominations, Thrivent Builds Homes and various Lutheran churches in the Detroit area and the Detroit Presbytery.  Other sponsors include the City of Detroit through its block grant program, Michigan State Housing and Development Authority with Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds on the rehabilitation home and Henry Ford Health System.

The First Gentleman's mother grew up not far from the development site and played a large role in their selection of this project. The First Family raised funds and is volunteering their time to demonstrate that Michigan families can make a difference in their neighborhoods through community service activitiea. Their involvement with Habitat Detroit's building efforts marks the kick-off to the MI Family Builds Michigan initiative (www.michigan.gov/mifamily).

The First Family has partnered with Habitat for Humanity Michigan and other Habitat affiliates across the state to elevate the need and importance of community service. The MI Family Builds Michigan initiative will not only help Habitat to build quality, affordable homes, but also demonstrate how community service can help speed Michigan’s recovery from the recession and the mortgage foreclosure crisis.

Vincent Tilford, Executive Director, states “We are pleased to have been asked to support this state-wide effort during our Build on Faith.  Having the Governor and the First Gentleman’s family kicking off this state-wide effort and making their personal financial commitment to the Detroit event is another step towards creating stable neighborhoods.�

For more information on the MI Family Builds Michigan initiative: www.michigan.gov/mifamily

For more information on Habitat for Humanity of Michigan: www.habitatmichigan.org

Click here to read Rochelle Rileys Detroit Free Press Article.

Click here to read Alicia Smiths coverage on Channel 7-WXYZ.

Click here to read A Giving Spirit, a letter to the editor by John Osler in the Detroit Free Press.

Click on link at the top of the page to read the Dorothy Bade article from The Beacon NewsMagazine.

To view photos of volunteers working on these houses, click here.

To view photos of event sponsors, click here.