Courtesy photo This is one of three new homes built in Alpena by Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan. The new house could be occupied before Christmas and a local family enjoying the holiday in it.

ALPENA — Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan is filling the affordable housing need in Alpena with three newly constructed homes on Bedford Street near Ella White School. Construction is complete, and two families and one individual are eagerly awaiting the moment they officially move in to spend the holidays in their new homes.

“Habitat is filling the affordable housing need in Northeast Michigan,” said Ted Fines, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan. “We offer the support that individuals and families need to qualify for a new home.”

Habitat provides classes and guidance for working individuals and families to assist them with financial stability and support during the homeownership process. Qualified applicants must have the income to sustain their mortgage payments.

“We are actually offering classes and grant support for workforce housing needs,” Fines added.

Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan’s Homeownership Program consists of two divisions: homeownership and financial counseling through Habitat Michigan.

“Each division is a self-help program where Habitat for Humanity of Michigan provides you with counseling and the tools necessary to become better prepared for homeownership,” said Jennifer Nestell, homeownership coordinator for Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan.

Program participants are required to participate in a series of online workshops hosted by Habitat for Humanity, with topics including home maintenance, personal finance, and budgeting.

In addition, qualified Habitat for Humanity homeowners must complete “sweat equity” hours working on their home, which can include construction, painting, and other tasks. This gives the new homeowners an additional hands-on investment into their property, as well as an opportunity to work alongside Habitat team members and volunteers.

Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan has expanded to serve a five-county area including Alpena, Alcona, Montmorency, Oscoda and Presque Isle counties. Current and upcoming projects include housing developments in Hillman and Rogers City.

For more information, visit habitatnemi.org or Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan on Facebook. The Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan office and ReStore are located at 2630 U.S.-23 South, Alpena. If you have questions, email info@habitatnemi.org or call 989-354-5555.