ALPENA — Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan invites the public to celebrate new homeowners and tour three nearly completed homes from noon to 3 p.m. on Thursday.

The homes on Bedford Street represent the culmination of years of hard work by future homeowners who have partnered with Habitat to qualify for homeownership. Each family will officially close on their mortgages and receive keys by early November.

“We’re thrilled to build three new homes at once on Alpena’s Bedford Street. These quality homes have really improved the whole neighborhood,” said Ted Fines, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan, serving Alpena, Alcona, Montmorency, Presque Isle and Oscoda counties. “The open houses offer a great chance for existing neighbors to meet their new neighbors, as well as provide community members curious about Habitat’s affordable home building program an opportunity to learn what it takes to qualify for homeownership.”

The homes open to the public for walk-through tours and refreshments on Oct. 2 are located at 307, 317, and 321 Bedford Street.

“This is an excellent opportunity for neighbors, friends, volunteers and supporters, as well as those interested in learning more about Habitat homeownership, to tour these energy-efficient, high-quality two- and three-bedroom homes with garages,” a press release from Habitat states. “Habitat strives to provide affordable, accessible housing for local families and individuals who are committed to the qualifying process.”

Qualification involves an application process, online home finance classes, and demonstrated ability to make mortgage payments. Through grants and generous donations from individuals and foundations, in-kind donations and discounts on building supplies and appliances, and strong partnerships with local financial institutions, Habitat and its partners assist those wanting homeownership with down-payment assistance, closing costs, and low-interest mortgage rates. Benefits vary depending on the level of local support available. The homes on Bedford Street were made possible through support from the State of Michigan and County of Alpena Land Banks, Besser Foundation, Huntington Bank, Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan, and Whirlpool Corporation, as well as the future homeowners and community volunteers.The open house will be followed by Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan’s Annual Dinner at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, 500 W. Fletcher Street, Alpena. Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) CEO and Executive Director Amy Hovey, representing Michigan’s largest funder of affordable housing, will deliver the keynote address.

If the federal government is shut down on Oct. 2 due to pending budget approval, the annual dinner will be relocated to JJ’s Steakhouse, Phoenix Room, 411 N. 2nd Ave., Alpena. Limited tickets are still available for $75 each.

To learn more about how you can participate in Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan’s new home building program or critical repairs for existing homes program, visit www.habitatnemi.org, call 989-354-5555, or visit the office in person from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 2360 U.S.-23 South, Alpena.

For great deals on home furnishings and household items, visit Habitat’s ReStore from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about dinner tickets or to make a donation, call 989-354-5555, or visit the office.