Neighborhood Revitalization

Over the last two years, we have seen foreclosures hit Washtenaw County in numbers we’ve never seen before.  We have also seen more and more families denied an opportunity to own a home through the traditional housing market.

And Habitat is doing something about it.

We’ve acted quickly to acquire foreclosed and abandoned properties and turn neighborhood eyesores into safe, decent, and affordable homes where families can thrive.

Two years ago, Habitat’s leadership made a conscious decision to not just “weather the storm” of a tough economy.  Instead, we have crafted a Strategic Plan that responds to the opportunity and to the tremendous needs of our community in this economic crisis.  Every property we are working on right now was foreclosed and empty. We are revitalizing our community by renovating these houses and turning them into homes for hardworking families.  It’s incredible to see the tangible difference we can make together.

Since 2008, we have more than doubled our capacity in helping more families, with an aggressive plan to help 14 families this fiscal year.

The organization’s strategic priorities over the next three years include:

  • Continue to increase Habitat’s capacity to respond to the urgent need for reliable, affordable housing in Washtenaw County
  • Revitalize neighborhoods hardest hit by the foreclosure crisis
  • Give more parents in our community the opportunity to provide a safe, stable, and decent home for their families

Now is the time to respond to the urgent need to help families and reclaim neighborhoods – together, we can accomplish just that.  Our efforts will have an impact now and for years to come.  The successful impact of homeownership is not short-lived: stable homeownership increases out county’s tax base, stabilizes our school system, and sets the benchmark for years to come.

All of us – together—can continue to be the relevant solution to affordable housing we need.