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The Michigan State Housing Development Authority is hopeful that organizations will continue to assist residents make repairs to their homes. Yesterday Executive Director of MSHDA, Amy Hovey, met with local organizations in charge of dispersing funds for the MIHOPE, and other state programs. To date MIHOPE has been used to replace things like windows, roofs, and furnaces, with success through the Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region, Copper Country Habitat for Humanity, and the Baraga Houghton Keweenaw Community action Agency.
“We have three different programs that we are awarding checks for. One is our MIHOPE program. Which is an energy efficiency program, that grants up to 25,000 dollars per house, for improvements like roofs, windows, and insulation, energy efficient appliances. Another program is our Neighborhood Engagement Program (NEP). Which is providing funds for really innovative ideas in communities to help with housing stock and other sort of place making activities. And the third program we are giving out awards for, today, is the MSHDA MSH program, which provides for different types of home repairs. Specifically for seniors, and making houses accessible so our seniors can age in place. ” – Amy Hovey, Executive Director, Michigan State Housing Development Authority
With the western region often topping the state’s snow totals each year, and an aging housing stock, MIHOPE can do a lot to help homeowners increase the livability of a structure. MIHOPE makes it easier than ever to access grant funding by allowing homeowners to qualify if their annual income falls within three hundred percent of the federal poverty level.
“It’s helping to improve the housing stock that you have here and you guys have a lot more colder weather than in other parts of the state. And this is energy efficiency program really helps tighten the house up. From that energy standpoint, with the improvements that it is making. So we are hoping that it not only stabilizing housing, but ultimately bringing down the cost of energy for the homeowner. Making it more affordable for people to live in our colder climates.” – Amy Hovey, Executive Director, Michigan State Housing Development Authority
During its meet and greet with local organizations MSHDA awarded over 1.5 million dollars between two of the programs, MIHOPE and Neighborhood Engagement Program.
“This is our second check We received 500,000 dollars for the four counties. We have now, up to date, received one million dollars for the four counties. And we have recently applied for phase 4, for another 500,000 dollars. Which we should hear in the next couple of months if we have received that funding.” – Lisa McKenzie, Assistant Regional Planner, Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region
The Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region first received funding from MSHDA for the MIHOPE Program about a year ago. WUPPDR has helped local residents take advantage of MIHOPE by helping applicants fill out paperwork, and spreading the word throughout the region. Thanks to the tremendous work, total project already completed and more on the way, MSHDA awarded WUPPDR with a special Trailblazer Award.
“And we also, had the most, well probably as a smaller agency, had the most applicants. We had 182, 184 applicants who were added to our system. Which will help to feed into other programs as well. We also did an extensive marketing program, and reached out to local media who have been helpful in getting information to our communities.” – Lisa McKenzie, Assistant Regional Planner, Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region
After dispersing checks to each the; Gogebic-Ontonagon Community Action Agency, Copper Country Habitat for Humanity, Baraga-Houghton-Keweenaw Community action agency, and the Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region, groups broke into a round table discussion. Hovey updated leaders on what the housing authority is working on, on behalf of Michigan residents. And heard about how the local regions are progressing with state programs, and what issues are being felt in the region.
Find a full list below of each organization working with MSHDA and its housing programs below:
MIHOPE Phase 1:
Gogebic-Ontonagon Community Action Agency – $125,000
MIHOPE Phase 2:
Copper Country Habitat for Humanity – $500,000
Baraga-Houghton-Keweenaw Community Action Agency – $250,000
MIHOPE Phase 3:
Gogebic-Ontonagon Community Action Agency – $500,000
Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region – $500,000
Neighborhood Engagement Program Round 8:
Gogebic-Onotonagon Community Action Agency – $300,000
Contact info
Gogebic-Ontonagon Community Action Agency Contact
Baraga-Houghton-Keweenaw Community Action Agency Contact
Copper Country Habitat for Humanity Contact
Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region Contact
