news

Meridian Donates $20,000 to Habitat for Humanity Detroit to Support Affordable Housing and Improve Residents’ Quality of Life

Meridian Donates $20,000 to Habitat for Humanity Detroit to Support Affordable Housing and Improve Residents’ Quality of Life 1200 800 habitatdetroit

Meridian, a leading managed care organization in the state of Michigan and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), has invested an additional $20,000 in Habitat for Humanity projects in Detroit to improve housing affordability, safety and quality for low to moderate income families seeking a decent place to live and wanting to build long-term financial security. The investment is part of Meridian’s ongoing commitment to address the root causes of health disparities to create healthier, more vibrant communities across Michigan.

Meridian’s donation to Habitat Detroit will help the nonprofit builder of affordable homes offset the rising costs of building and construction materials and associated operational costs. In 2023, the two organizations formed a partnership, and Meridian donated $52,000 last year to Habitat with a commitment of staff volunteers who have worked on homes primarily on Detroit’s eastside. More staff volunteer events are planned for next year.

Housing stability continues to be a major issue across Michigan, including in Detroit, the largest city in Michigan, with an estimated population of 633,218. An estimated 39,000 Detroit households — around 13% of the city’s residents — spent more than half their income on rent and mortgages in 2022, well above the 30% considered affordable, which means families may have trouble paying other bills, whether that’s food or medical care, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Studies have also shown poor housing options may contribute to health issues due to lack of access to a reliable source of medical care, overcrowding and safety risks, such as mold, water leaks, and inadequate heating or cooling systems.

In addition, Habitat Detroit also offers a critical repair program for eligible homeowners such as installing a new roof, gutters, siding, HVAC systems, and accessibility modifications such as ramps. Under a separate program, Habitat Detroit, in partnership with Henry Ford Health System, provides a program called “Return Home Safe,” which conducts in-home fall risk assessments for those 55 and older. Participants must be referred to the program by Henry Ford. However, repairs such as installing grab bars and fixing uneven flooring are done at no cost for those who are eligible.

“We’re honored to continue our partnership with Habitat because we know a home is more than just a roof over your head – there’s a strong correlation between mental and physical health and having a stable place to live. Meridian is committed to ensuring Michigan residents have access to safe and affordable housing, which is one of the best ways we can address health issues that affect many in our state,” said Tara O’Neil, Senior Vice President, Operations, at Meridian, who serves on Habitat Detroit’s board of directors.

“We are grateful for partners like Meridian who allow us to make meaningful changes in Detroit,” noted Stephanie Osterland, Habitat Detroit’s CEO. “We see daily the positive effects having a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home has on a person’s wellbeing.”

About Meridian
Meridian in Michigan provides government-sponsored managed care services to families, children, seniors and individuals with complex medical needs primarily through Medicaid (Meridian), Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Wellcare), Medicare-Medicaid Plans (Health Insurance Marketplace (Ambetter from Meridian). Meridian is a Centene Corporation company, a leading healthcare enterprise committed to helping people live healthier lives. For more information about Meridian, please visit mimeridian.com.

WDIV Visits Women’s Empowerment Week

WDIV Visits Women’s Empowerment Week 1200 800 habitatdetroit

We had such a great week last week during our Women’s Empowerment Week with three productive and inspiring days of building. A strong group of volunteers came together to support Habitat Detroit and make major improvements to one of our current projects on Maryland St.

Habitat Detroit’s Women’s Empowerment Week was made possible thanks to sponsorship by Carhartt, BrassCraft, and Walker-Miller Energy Services. Additional support was provided by Detroit’s Future Is Female, Red Ants Pants, and Rebel Nell.

The week ended with a bang on Saturday with the additional help of teen volunteers from the Rhonda Walker Foundation. We were so thrilled to have WDIV on the scene to document it all!

Watch the news coverage here!

Building Hope and Homes With Women’s Empowerment Week

Building Hope and Homes With Women’s Empowerment Week 1200 800 habitatdetroit

Habitat for Humanity is hosting its first-ever Women’s Empowerment Week from Nov. 12-16. The weeklong event features three days of building and volunteering events for women as well as female-focused brand representation, and opportunities for networking among people with similar passions for giving back and bettering Detroit.

Women’s Empowerment Week with Habitat Detroit is presented by Carhartt with additional generous sponsorship from Brasscraft. Further event support is being provided by Walker Miller, Detroit’s Future is Female, Red Ants Pants, and Rebel Nell.

All three days of the event take place on Maryland St. in Detroit’s Morningside neighborhood. This block of homes has undergone a major transformation over the past few years, thanks largely to multiple home restorations and new homes being built through Habitat Detroit’s Homeownership Program.

On Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday of next week volunteers will gather at Habitat Detroit’s latest home renovation project to prepare the home for its new first-time homeowner. The week will wrap up on Saturday with additional volunteer support from teens with the Rhonda Walker Foundation.

“We are thrilled to be able to celebrate the strength, resilience, and creativity of women through this new project,” said Mary Ellen Kearney, Director of Philanthropy at Habitat Detroit. “Our goal is to inspire more women to join us on build sites, support those who aspire to pursue careers in the trades, and ensure that current and future homeowners feel supported throughout all stages of their homeownership journey. At Habitat Detroit we want to build a future where women thrive, homes flourish, and dreams become reality. We are eagerly looking forward to seeing the incredible outcome this year’s project will bring.”

Habitat Detroit Homeowner Named 2024 Homeowner of the Year by Habitat for Humanity of Michigan

Habitat Detroit Homeowner Named 2024 Homeowner of the Year by Habitat for Humanity of Michigan 1200 800 habitatdetroit

Donyelle Till, a homeowner with Habitat for Humanity Detroit, has been honored as the 2024 Homeowner of the Year by Habitat for Humanity of Michigan. This award recognizes Till’s outstanding contributions to her community and embodiment of Habitat for Humanity’s mission.

Stephanie Osterland, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Detroit, commented on Donyelle Till’s award: “Donyelle embodies the spirit of community that Habitat Detroit strives to build. Since becoming a homeowner in 2009, she has tirelessly given back to her Morningside neighborhood. Her dedication to welcoming new homeowners, participating in community initiatives, and inspiring others makes her a true ambassador for Habitat’s mission. Donyelle’s journey shows how homeownership can transform not just a family, but an entire community.”

Donyelle Till purchased her Habitat Detroit home in 2009, seeking stability for her family. Over the past 15 years, she has become a pillar of the Morningside community, contributing in numerous ways:

  • Welcoming and supporting new Habitat homeowners as they adjust to homeownership
  • Serving on the Morningside Association election board, ensuring community representation
  • Participating in neighborhood cleanups and beautification efforts
  • Speaking at Habitat Home Dedications, sharing her inspiring story with new homeowners
  • Motivating program participants to overcome obstacles and persevere

Till’s impact extends to the next generation as well. Inspired by his mother’s dedication, her youngest child now works with the Eastside Development Corp., contributing to business development in the Morningside community.

The Homeowner of the Year award will be presented at Habitat for Humanity of Michigan’s annual Affiliates in Motion (AIM) Conference on October 30, 2024 in Frankenmuth, MI.

Donyelle Till’s story exemplifies how Habitat for Humanity Detroit’s mission goes beyond providing affordable housing to building strong, resilient communities.

Sign Up for our Newsletter!

    Privacy Preferences

    When you visit our website, it may store information through your browser from specific services, usually in the form of cookies. Here you can change your Privacy preferences. It is worth noting that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our website and the services we are able to offer.

    Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking code.
    Click to enable/disable Google Fonts.
    Click to enable/disable Google Maps.
    Click to enable/disable video embeds.
    Our website uses cookies, mainly from 3rd party services. Define your Privacy Preferences and/or agree to our use of cookies.