Barbara Seabolt - Quarterly Newsletter͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ 
Mecosta County Habitat for Humanity

Mecosta Habitat Family Circle

Quarterly Newsletter #9

 

Dear Friends and Supporters of Mecosta County Habitat for Humanity,

As I sit down to write this month's newsletter intro, I find myself reflecting on a journey that has been both profoundly personal and immensely rewarding. From my initial steps as a volunteer at the ReStore, to embracing the role of an employee there, and now navigating the responsibilities of a Program Coordinator, each phase of my journey has offered unique insights into the heart of our mission and the incredible impact we collectively make in our community.

My adventure with Mecosta County Habitat for Humanity began in the bustling environment of our beloved ReStore at its first location in Rogers Heights. As a volunteer, I was initially drawn by a desire to contribute to our community in a meaningful way. The ReStore, with its kaleidoscope of items and the ever-changing inventory, was a perfect backdrop against which I learned the value of every small effort. It was here, among the donated furniture, home goods, and building materials, that I first witnessed the tangible outcomes of our collective work: every sale, every donation, directly translated into support for building and repairing homes in Mecosta County.

My dedication as a volunteer did not go unnoticed, and I was soon offered a chance to join the ReStore team as an employee. This transition marked a significant shift in my understanding of our mission. It wasn't just about the transactions, the sorting, or the displays; it was about being a part of a larger narrative, one where every action contributed to building stronger, more resilient communities. This period of my journey deepened my commitment and expanded my skills in ways I had not anticipated, preparing me for many significant chapters to come.

Now, as a Program Coordinator, I stand at a pivotal point where the paths of volunteerism, employment, and leadership intersect. This role has granted me the privilege of viewing the many faceted sides that go into all of our projects and programs. It's a role that challenges me daily to leverage the experience and education I've gained throughout this incredible journey as we chart the course for our future initiatives. It's a responsibility I don't take lightly, but it's also one that fills me with hope and excitement for the future. 

As I write this I am also reminded that my journey at Habitat for Humanity is a shared one. It's a mosaic of individual paths converging towards a common goal. Whether you're a volunteer, a donor, or someone just beginning to explore how you can contribute, your role in this journey is valued and important.

Here's to more growth, more impact, and more stories of transformation in the lives of those we serve in Mecosta County!

Trisha Davis

OUR HOME OWNERSHIP PROGRAM

OUR PROCESS

We want every family in Mecosta County to have a safe and affordable home where they can be proud to live. When we partner with a family, not only do we help them build or rehab a home for their family, we help them develop the skills they need to become successful homeowners.

FIRST STEP: FINANCIAL COACHING

In an effort to offer the best possible opportunities for families in Mecosta County, we have banded together with Habitat of Michigan to provide support and coaching to each family interested in long term home ownership. The Financial Coaching Program is a shared service offered by Habitat for Humanity of Michigan (HFHM) which educates low-income individuals to help them make smart decisions regarding improving their housing situation and meeting the responsibilities of home ownership. Interested? There are just two requirements to join the program. A family or individual must: Have the goal of becoming a long-term, successful homeowner and earn less than 80% of the area median income annually.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Schedule your appointment, please call Anitra Austin at 517-485-1006 X 117 or email aaustin@habitatmichigan.org or Daeja Henderson (517) 485-1006 ext. 135 dhenderson@habitatmichigan.org

SECOND STEP-APPLICATION

After you have contacted and fulfilled your financial coaching classes, you will be referred to Mecosta County Habitat for Humanity and then will fill out an application for our Home Ownership Program.

Habitat for Humanity of Michigan believes that everyone should have a decent, affordable place to live. All are welcome to participate regardless of race, color, religion or creed, gender, national origin or ancestry, disability, familial status, political views or any of the other distinctions that too often divide people. Habitat welcomes people from all backgrounds and also serves people in need of decent housing regardless of race, color, religion or creed, age, gender, national origin or ancestry, disability, familial status, or any other legally protected class. Habitat for Humanity of Michigan does not proselytize, meaning we do not express or imply that a condition for assistance is that people must adhere to a particular faith, convert to a particular faith, or listen to messaging about converting to a particular faith.

HABITAT OF MICHIGAN FINANCIAL RESOURCES - Sign up for FREE classes

 LEARN MORE 

OUR CRITICAL HOME REPAIR PROGRAM

Critical Home Repair - Habitat’s Home Repair Program works with homeowners who need assistance with critical repairs that will alleviate health and safety issues and increase their quality of life in the home. The purpose of this program is to keep low-income homeowners safely in their primary residence.

Hand up Not a hand Out- This program is a repayment program and follows the same basic guidelines for eligibility as our Homeownership Program. Eligibility is based on: need, ability to re-pay and willingness to partner. Critical Home Repair Program (CHRP) is built on the Habitat model of providing a hand up, not a handout.

Basic requirements of the program are:

  • You must own your home in Mecosta County

  • The home must be the full-time residence of the homeowner.

  • The homeowner must have the ability and commitment to repay the expenses of the project

  • Applications requesting assistance will be prioritized based upon the most urgent and critical nature

Application process

Application- Application for our program can be obtained by visiting our website mecostahabitat.org. You can either download the application and submit by mail or directly fill out online application and submit. If you cannot connect to the internet you can call 231-598-2092 and an application can be mailed to you.

Determine Eligibility- Once application is received and we have determined that all basic requirements have been met our Programs director will reach out to the applicant. After determining the scope of work needed estimates are requested.

Estimates and Home owners agreement - Once the total cost of the project is determined MCHFH and the home owner agrees to a repayment plan within the homeowner’s ability to pay.  

Repairs complete, Note and Lien signed - After the repairs are complete the home owner will sign a promissory note and a lien will be obtained on the home for the length of the loan. Once the loan has been paid in full the lien is released.  

If you or someone you know is in need of our CHR program please visit mecostahabitat.org or call 231-598-2092

OTHER HOME RESOURCES

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OUR VETERANS PROGRAM

At Mecosta Habitat, we believe that every veteran deserves to be welcomed home to a place of peace, stability, and community. Our Veterans Program works to empower all veterans through homeownership opportunities and home repairs. Together we can give veterans the opportunity they need to build strong and stable lives.

We partner with veteran homeowners to repair their homes in need of critical repairs that may be too costly or physically challenging. Every veteran deserves to spend their lives in a safe, stable, and a healthy home. Repairs may include plumbing, electrical, insulation, roofing, bathroom and doorway renovations and ramps to accommodate veterans with a disability.

Our Veterans program follows the same guidelines and application process Critical Home Repair Program. One difference is the repayments are based on a sliding scale which is determined by their income.

If you or someone you know would benefit from our Veterans Program please visit mecostahabitat.org or call 231-598-2092

OTHER VETERAN RESOURCES

 LEARN MORE 

OUR DONORS - Our Foundation

Why I Support Mecosta County Habitat for Humanity

My introduction to Habitat for Humanity happened forty years ago when I joined the Mission Commission of the United Church of Big Rapids. I had heard about the organization in association with President and Rosalyn Carter but the only local chapter then was in Lake County and our Church supported Lake County Habitat for Humanity with both financial support and volunteers.

When Mecosta County started its own chapter, we switched our support to our local chapter. Through the Church we provided both volunteers and financial support. My husband and I also started to personally support the Program as houses were built and dedicated. We felt privileged to work with an organization providing affordable housing to the residents of our county where the need is so great. When the focus changed to rehabilitating for veterans and other residents, we supported that as well.

We enjoyed being sponsors for the Annual Golf Outing since Donald’s passion was golf, he played his favorite game while lending a helping hand. I have appreciated continuing that practice in his memory. We also appreciated the opportunity to shop at the ReStore where we purchased the perfect table to complete our kitchen remodel.

This year, his tools and other possessions had an opportunity to provide support again by donating them to the ReStore. I am so grateful for the service Habitat provides to provide the means to donate those items to raise more money for Habitat. The workers who came to my home to help me clean out my pole barn and basement were wonderful. Giving away your loved ones possessions can be wrenching but they were so helpful and kind that it eased the grief involved, especially when they reminded me that he was, once again, making a contribution.

Susan Grant

OUR VOLUNTEERS- Our Backbone

My Name is Karen Kitson. I am the “book lady” at Mecosta County Habitat Restore. I started volunteering at the Restore several years ago. Over time one room at the store became dedicated to books, music CDs and tapes. I sort books when they are donated and keep shelves stocked. It gives me great joy to recycle books and to offer a place for people to browse since many bookstores have closed. A man stopped in looking for chapter books for his 9 and 10-year-old children, a woman was looking for an author she enjoys reading, another was looking for vintage books. And, of course the proceeds are used to fund Habitat’s mission-Seeking to put God’s love into action. Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. Since my husband and I were residential builders before retiring, we know how important it is for families to have homes of their own.

Karen Kitson

OUR RESTORE

WORKSHOPS

Are you interested in learning how to take old furniture and make it new again? Just click the link below

 INTERESTED 
 RESERVE A SPOT TODAY 

OUR FAMILY NEWS - Keeping Connected

Find out more about Rosalynn Carter’s impact on Habitat

2024 Annual Golf Outing

 

BUILDING A WORLD WHERE EVERYONE HAS A DECENT PLACE TO LIVE!

For more information please visit mecostahabitat.org

Mecosta Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 18387 Northland Drive, Big Rapids, MI, 49307, United States

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