Midland County Habitat for Humanity is trying to raise $2 million for a campaign to support building affordable housing within the communities it serves.
The Build it Forward three-year fundraising campaign's premise is based on a Habitat report looking at a child's performance in relation to housing quality, the nonprofit posted to its Facebook page on June 26.
"Studies conducted by academics and experts draw a straight line between housing quality and the well-being of children" Midland County Habitat for Humanity posted. "Surveys of Habitat homeowners show improved grades, better financial health, parents who are more sure that they can meet their family’s needs."
As of July 7, Midland Habitat has raised $55,111 for its Build it Forward campaign, according to the organization's fundraising website.
"To grow our impact and help revitalize area neighborhoods, we are expanding our mission to construct new multifamily housing in addition to single-family homes," Midland Habitat said on its campaign website. "Your contributions to our Build It Forward capital campaign will help us grow affordable housing options for hardworking families in the Midland area — helping to transform lives and strengthen our community. Safe, affordable and stable housing builds thriving neighborhoods and strong communities.”
The initiative comes amid a local shortage of quality housing options based on a 2018 study involving Midland County Habitat for Humanity, the City of Midland, the United Way of Midland and Home to Stay Housing Assistance Center, previously Midland Area Homes, the fundraising website reported.
The Midland Habitat intends to build homes for two, three and four families, according to the campaign website. Midland Habitat said these multifamily housing units are not apartments and that the eventual homeowners will pay a mortgage. The organization, Midland Habitat said, will continue to also build single-family homes.
"Multifamily housing allows us to serve more residents per square foot of property and allows us to build at an overall lower cost per unit," Midland Habitat said on its campaign website. "These units have many benefits for homeowners, including less maintenance for homeowners and an improved sense of community for homeowners and neighbors."