MDOC provides 50 cabinet sets in 8 years

In August 2017, Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley installed its 50th cabinet set from its partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Michigan and Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC). The 50 cabinets Habitat installed have come from several facilities including: Parnall Correctional Facility, Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility, and Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility. Habitat Huron Valley is very proud of the cabinetry partnership and appreciate the care and attention to detail placed within each piece of woodwork.

“The cabinets are very high quality and they are so beautiful.  Everyone comments on how great they look," said Habitat Homeowner CJ Butcher. "The people who made them should be very proud."

In the early 1990’s, Habitat for Humanity Michigan (HFHM) joined in partnership with Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) to provide Habitat partner families with affordable cabinetry of high quality craftsmanship. The program is generously subsidized by a grant with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). Each set of cabinets requires 96 hours to build.

The Michigan Correctional Opportunities for Rehabilitation and Education (SCORE) Program creates curriculum based on hands-on projects, and service learning projects that enhance the skills and opportunities needed to gain valuable work experience once inmates are released from incarceration. An inmate will complete the program with a resume and reference letters. MHSDA has created a unique approach to providing affordable housing in Michigan and the Habitat for Humanity Affiliates are able to provide homeowners with dependable, high quality, and affordable cabinetry.

“This is a great program that makes an impact and difference in many lives. By partnering with Michigan Habitat for Humanity affiliates, prisoners have the opportunity to give back to communities,” said Housing Programs Coordinator for Habitat for Humanity of Michigan, Jessica Rick. “I am blessed to have the opportunity to be involved in the program, to meet the prisoners that build these cabinets, and to work with both the facility instructors and affiliates.”