Albion-Homer United Way Approves Habitat for Humanity Grant

Albion-Homer United Way approved a grant to help fund an emergency roof replacement program through the Battle Creek Area Habitat for Humanity. 

The program is for Albion residents who need new roofs to save their homes. According to Habitat Executive Director Robert Phillips the $5,000 grant will add to an existing Calhoun County grant for roof replacement. He stated, "We have a long list of people in Albion that need new roofs before it is too late. These are for people who cannot afford new roofs and without a roof they are going to lose their homes."

Phillips said the people served by the grant are at 30-60 percent of the federal poverty line and have no money for these critical repairs. With the AHUW grant Habitat crews will be able to repair two roofs for Albion residents. This grant money is separate from Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSDHA) funding which mandates Habitat must employ local contractors to replace roofs. The MSHDA program has long waiting-list and does not allow for immediate emergency roof replacements. The AHUW funding will allow Albion residents' roofs to fixed immediately by Habitat crews. 

According to the AHUW Habitat grant proposal the Albion roof replacement program will be on on-going with more funding through Calhoun County grant money. 

Albion-Homer United Way's commitment is to help fund non-profit programs through grants. On-going donations throughout the year are needed for funding these efforts. 

According to AHUW Executive Director Marcia Starkey there are several good reasons to donate to the local United Way including that donations fund Albion and Homer specific programs and funding decisions are made by a local board. Donor lists are never shared with other agencies and payroll deductions make donating easier. Donations can be mailed at any time to AHUW P.O. Box 55, Albion, MI 49224, made on-line at www.albionhomeruw.org or by contacting Starkey at 517-499-2563. 

AHUW board members are Virgie Ammerman, Carolyn Amos, Donisha Brewer, Chris Burdette, Art Kale, Michael Leskowich, Isabell Nazar, Eddie Williams and Shane Williamson.


Photo caption: Battle Creek Habitat for Humanity crews work on the type of house repair project to be done in Albion as part of grant money from the Albion-Homer United Way. 

Battle Creek Habitat for Humanity crews work on the type of house repair project to be done in Albion as part of grant money from the Albion-Homer United Way.