Currently, 1 in 8 Michigan households are spending half or more of their income on housing each month. Michigan’s minimum wage is $9.65/hr, yet $18.55/hr is what’s needed to afford fair market rent for a two-bedroom apartment. The median income for renters is $33,600, yet $46,834 is what’s needed to purchase a median-value home. Being able to own a home continues to get further out of reach for many. This leads many families in our community to continue to rent homes, rather than purchase them. Studies have proven that Homeowners are more likely to occupy homes with fewer repair needs than renter households, and housing problems are more acute for low-income households.

Habitat builds new homes sustainably, using green building techniques and materials that increase the efficiency and durability of the home and use less resources. Many homes are Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, and Energy Star certified. Habitat’s energy-efficient designs generate financial savings for homeowners by lowering utility costs, which are typically the second greatest monthly expense after mortgage payments. Accessible and affordable energy-efficient homes are transformative for low to moderate income families who too often must choose between paying this month’s energy bill or paying for food or medicine. More energy-efficient housing translates into real savings for families and would result in healthier, more decent places to live. Low-income families in the U.S. spend anywhere from 17 percent to 50 percent of their incomes on household energy, whereas others spend an average of 4 percent. Midland County Habitat for Humanity builds durable, healthy and sustainable houses at the lowest possible cost. With partnerships with DuPont and Whirlpool, Midland County Habitat is able to build ENERGY STAR rated homes.