Homeowner

Consumers Energy to Match Donations by 50% to Support Affordable Housing

Habitat for Humanity of Michigan announces the return of the Power of Home fundraiser, a partnership with Consumers Energy that will help build and repair homes for families across Michigan. Beginning April 1, every dollar raised will be matched by Consumers Energy at 50%, increasing the impact of every donation. For example, a $100 donation will be matched with $50, making a total contribution of $150 toward Habitat’s mission.

Consumers Energy has committed $100,000 in matching funds, meaning that if the campaign reaches its $200,000 goal, the total raised will amount to $300,000 to support affordable housing efforts statewide. Since its inception in 2013, the Power of Home campaign has raised $3.3 million to help Habitat for Humanity affiliates across Michigan serve families in need.

“We are excited to continue this collaboration to support our friends and neighbors across the state,” said Lauren Snyder, Consumers Energy’s vice president of customer experience. “We are committed to helping customers save money. This initiative will reduce their energy costs, putting more money back into their pockets.”

With 44 Habitat for Humanity affiliates participating in this statewide campaign, matching funds will be distributed across the state. Donors are encouraged to contribute as soon as possible after the campaign launches to ensure their gifts receive the match in our community before funds run out.

Donations for Habitat for Humanity Detroit can be made through this link beginning on April 1 at 8am.

Thank you to long-time Habitat for Humanity Detroit board member, advocate, and homeowner Sylvia Hubbard, who recently completed her term and stepped back after six years on the board! Sylvia has an incredible story and despite life’s immense challenges, was a constant source of inspiration and positivity during her time volunteering with Habitat Detroit.

About a decade ago, Sylvia’s life changed in just 8 minutes. A house fire quickly claimed the home she shared with her three children, as well as all of their belongings. A fund set up by neighbors overnight reminded Sylvia that there is hope and support in the community. From a very low place, Sylvia discovered Habitat Detroit and began looking into the program. In near-record time, Sylvia completed the homeownership process to become a homeowner!

Her positive experience going through the program inspired Sylvia to continue working with Habitat Detroit on a volunteer basis. She realized early on that she was helping people who had been through similar experiences and hardships. “I was helping an organization which did more than just build houses, they built hope when one felt all hope was gone,” Sylvia noted in a blog post.

Thanks to her enthusiasm and commitment to Habitat Detroit, Sylvia was selected to serve as the Homeowner Advocate Representative for the Habitat Detroit Board six years ago. During her final year of service, she served as the board’s Vice President. Sylvia has spent countless hours volunteering and supporting homeowners at home dedication ceremonies, at volunteer days, and at Habitat Detroit events.

“While serving on the board, Sylvia expertly represented the voice of the community and of Habitat homeowners,” remarked Stephanie Osterland, CEO of Habitat Detroit. “She was a fierce advocate for her peers, ensuring others had access to better housing and homeownership. She has truly embodied what it means to be a board member. We are honored that she chose to invest her time and attention to further our mission in Detroit.”

Sylvia’s positive attitude and omnipresent smile has been a source of so much hope and happiness over the 10+ years we’ve known her. And a decade after the tragic house fire, the Hubbard family is thriving. Sylvia’s three children are grown now, but they always have a place to call home.