Habitat builds new home for first time in four years

On Oct. 6, 2017, Habitat Huron Valley raised the walls of a new home for the first time in 4 years. Mitsubishi Motors R&D America (Mitsubishi) employees volunteered between 9am – 4pm to raise the walls on the Hickman Family’s future home.

Habitat Huron Valley is able to renovate roughly 19 houses in Washtenaw County each year for local low-income households who qualify for the Habitat Home Ownership Program. Through an affordable mortgage, local households save hundreds of dollars a month. A partnership with Ypsilanti Township allowed this property to be donated with the foundation and garage in place, saving Habitat Huron Valley more than $20,000.

“We are thrilled to create affordable homeownership for households throughout Washtenaw County,” said Executive Director, Sarah Stanton. “We celebrate the accomplishment of completing one new build this year with our local partners, volunteers, donors, and sponsors.”

Plante Moran Ann Arbor and Mitsubishi are the local sponsors of the future Hickman Family home. All sponsors enjoy construction volunteer days on site as well as contribute financial funding for the home. Plante Moran has been a partner since 2016 and has contributed over $13,500 through employee fundraising.  Mitsubishi, a new sponsor, contributed over $5,000 and will spend two volunteer days on site. The contributions from these partnerships will prepare the Hickman Family home for a spring closing. Habitat Huron Valley is still pursuing additional sponsors to help offset the cost of the home.

Future homeowner, Kristine Hickman, is looking forward to the security being a Habitat Homeowner will bring. “I’m most looking forward to having a spot that everyone can return to and call home”, says Hickman. “A home that brings peace and a feeling of being settled that only a home can provide.” She also appreciates the stability it is going to provide for her four children and can’t wait to watch her children decorate their very own bedroom.

Kristine has been shocked by her experience completing sweat equity hours. Shocked that, unlike other volunteer experiences, a volunteer is making a significant difference and really building a home. She loves that Habitat creates a partnership between all volunteers, community partners, staff, and homeowners. “Everybody is so peaceful and positive. The people giving are so generous and my experience working with Habitat has been amazing,” said Hickman.