Awardee: Habitat for Humanity Menominee River
Habitat for Humanity of Michigan is proud to recognize Habitat for Humanity Menominee River as our 2021 Affiliate of the Year! Celebrating its 27th year, Habitat for Humanity Menominee River continues to strive for innovative ways to serve families in need of affordable housing solutions.
Focused on increasing programs that provide strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter, Habitat Menominee River has been recognized by Habitat for Humanity International for their performance in home repairs by a small rural affiliate. Their national ranking includes five rankings in the top five highest performing affiliates, including three number one rankings. In 2020, Menominee River continued to rank as the highest producing small affiliate in Michigan and in the top 15 in the nation. Through the work of their small staff, Habitat Menominee River is able to have a large impact in the two counties that they serve. They have completed over 200 home repairs and will start building their 50th home in the spring of 2021.
Habitat Menominee River also serves as a mentor to other Habitat affiliates, has representatives on Habitat for Humanity of Michigan’s Board of Directors, and serves as a member of Habitat for Humanity International’s Rural Advisory Committee. Locally, they are engaged with organizations like The Salvation Army, Red Cross, Community Service Agency, VCAT, and Land Bank Authority for Dickinson County.
Despite the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Habitat Menominee River has continued to engage their volunteers through virtual events and small, socially-distanced projects. They diligently pursued grant opportunities to increase their capacity to serve their community when traditional fundraising events had to be cancelled.
While housing costs have surged, Habitat Menominee River is working with developers, advocating for policies that support affordable housing, and educating employers and citizens to create new housing options to ensure that all people can live, work and thrive in their community.
Operation Shingle Storm