Habitat affiliate closes on 79th house in Northeast Michigan
Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan, which covers Alcona, Alpena and Presque Isle counties, builds homes for families currently unable to obtain traditional mortgage financing. Each “partner” family selected must be able to complete the “sweat equity” hours, demonstrate a need for a safe, decent and affordable home, as well as be able to make a no or low-interest monthly mortgage payment. Part of these payments then is returned to assist the affiliate in building more homes in the local area.
“We are committed to eliminating poverty housing in our communities. Every day, we work to raise the awareness of this issue through the involvement and collaboration of our local churches, businesses and individuals,” said Ted Fines, executive director of HFHNEMI. “We believe that with the help of everyone, we can have the success of building enough homes for families in need who would otherwise have no alternative. We are very pleased to have helped a family find a safe and affordable home, just in time for Christmas.”
HFHNEMI announces the completion of its newest Habitat home, located at 309 W. Oldfield, Alpena. It is the 79th Habitat home in Northeast Michigan.
The mortgage closing was held Nov. 30 at Northern Abstract & Title. Attending the closing were “partner family” and new home owner, Taylor Peck, along with Fines and Board of Directors President Max Lindsay.
The home was a complete renovation, with volunteer labor from many groups in Alpena, around the state of Michigan and across the country. Peck is a mother with two young children and a baby due in January. She was required to complete 250 “sweat equity” hours working on the rehab of the home, volunteering in the Habitat ReStore as well as helping with various fundraising efforts. She has also completed financial counseling courses and new homeowner classes.
“It’s been an absolute blessing and a privilege to have been given this opportunity through Habitat for Humanity,” said Peck. “To be able to celebrate Christmas with my children and family in our new home will be the biggest gift; to finally have a place called home.”
She said that she would like to thank her grandparents, Charlie and Tania Allen, for convincing her to apply when she felt undeserving of the opportunity. She also expressed her thanks to Lillian Shriner and Ann Eagle from Word of Life Baptist Church for guidance and advice throughout the process.
The public is welcome to attend the home dedication at 5 p.m. Wednesday with a small gathering of family, friends, volunteers, Habitat’s staff and board members. Peck will receive a personally signed Habitat Bible, a quilt handmade by the Quilters of Grace Lutheran Church in Alpena and a few additional household items donated for the occasion.