Lowe’s grants $102K to Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan

HILLMAN - Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan has received a $102,000 grant from Lowe's to help repair at least 12 homes within their coverage area of Alpena, Alcona, Montmorency, Presque Isle, and Oscoda counties.

These critical home repairs will allow homeowners to stay in their current homes by providing safety and mobility updates as well as essential repairs, including roof and furnace replacement. Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan Critical Home Repair Coordinator Kristen LeSage heads up these projects, allocating grant funding and coordinating with local contractors to get the repairs completed in a timely manner to ensure homeowners, including seniors and veterans, are safe in their own homes.

"We're in a low-income area and these residents can't afford the repairs needed to keep their homes safe," LeSage said. "If we didn't help, they would let the repairs go. These repairs provide a safe space and allow them to stay in their homes independently."

LeSage's efforts have allowed Habitat NEMI to lead Michigan in the number of home repairs completed annually, as the local affiliate is on track to complete nearly 120 critical home repairs in 2026 alone. The national average per affiliate is 10 to 12 critical home repairs in a year, according to Habitat for Humanity International. Habitat NEMI is completing 11 times the average amount of critical home repairs, thanks to LeSage's hard work and dedication.

This Lowe's grant funding allows Habitat NEMI to continue its efforts to make homes safer and healthier, building stability and strengthening communities.

In addition to Lowe's grant funding, Lowe's red vest associates volunteered in Hillman on Wednesday, Oct. 14 to build raised garden boxes for each of the three new Habitat homes on Pine Street. Lowe's Gaylord Manager Gary Timmons arranged for eight Lowe's volunteers to come build the garden boxes on-site using donated lumber from Lowe's. The project was completed within two hours, providing yet another reason for local Habitat homeowners to feel a sense of pride in ownership as they prepare to receive the keys to their new homes.

Timmons said his Lowe's team enjoys getting to help the communities where they live. He added that they appreciate all that Habitat for Humanity has done for Northeast Michigan.

The projects are part of Lowe's commitment to deliver 10 million square feet of impact in communities nationwide this year. The initiative includes enabling 20 local Habitat affiliates to complete 200 repair projects across the United States. Lowe's continued partnership with Habitat for Humanity International supports home repair and preservation efforts in owner-occupied homes, helping neighbors safely remain in the homes they cherish. Since 2003, Lowe's and Habitat have worked together to help more than 18,000 people build or improve a place to call home.

For more information about Habitat NEMI's Critical Home Repair and/or Homeownership programs, call 989-354-5555 or visit the Habitat Office and ReStore at 2630 U.S.-23 South, Alpena. Information is also available online at habitatnemi.org.

About Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan

For more than 35 years, Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan has been helping families build strength, stability, and self-reliance through safe, affordable housing. Founded in 1989, the local affiliate has grown alongside the communities it serves, expanding programs and services to address the evolving housing needs of Northeast Michigan.

Habitat NEMI proudly serves Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, Oscoda, and Presque Isle counties. Covering more than 6,630 square miles, Habitat NEMI serves the largest geographic service area of any Habitat affiliate in the United States.

Through its Homeownership Program, Critical Home Repair services, and ReStore operations, Habitat NEMI reinvests directly into the communities it serves, creating long-term impact that goes far beyond housing.