Aug 9 2005
Habitat for Humanity Detroit (HFHD) will "Blitz Build" one, single-family, 3-bedroom ranch-style home on the grounds of the Michigan State Fair.
The house is sponsored by Masco Corporation and Centex Homes and will be built by volunteers on site at the Fair beginning on Wednesday, August 10. This is the first time Habitat has constructed a home at the Michigan State Fair.
Following the close of the 2005 Fair, the house will be transported to its permanent location at 19171 Blake just off 7 Mile Rd. in the immediate vicinity of the fairgrounds in Detroit.
Habitat for Humanity Detroit partnered with the Arab-American and Chaldean Council (ACC) to identify the house location and the homeowner family who will purchase the house. In accordance with Habitat programs, the State Fair house will be purchased by a qualified low-income family at zero interest and at no profit to Habitat. Visitors to the Fair will have the opportunity to view a Habitat for Humanity home under construction. Educational kiosks and recruitment booths staffed by volunteers will be positioned in the Habitat exhibit area adjacent to the build site to share information about Habitat for Humanity programs with the public. The onsite location of the Habitat State Fair Blitz Build is next to the World's Largest Stove and the Circus.
An estimated 50,000 visitors will pass by the site during the Fair.
Habitat Detroit Executive Director Rob Dewaelsche said, "This is a great opportunity for people from all over the Detroit area and from around the state to witness first-hand the construction of a Habitat home. We're pleased to be part of the Michigan State Fair in this 100th year on Woodward Avenue in Detroit."
Masco Corporation is providing many of the products in the home from its family of companies, including Merillat Cabinets, Milgard Windows, Delta Faucets, Behr Paint and an Aqua Glass Tub/Shower. Headquartered in Taylor, Mich., Masco Corporation is one of the world's leading manufacturers of home improvement and building products as well as a leading provider of services that include the installation of insulation and other building products. Centex Homes is providing and coordinating the volunteers, building supplies and skilled trades to build the home. Dallas-based Centex Homes is one of the nation's leading home builders, operating in more than 90 U.S. markets in 26 states. Its brands include Centex Homes, entry-level builder Fox & Jacobs Homes, on- your-lot builder Wayne Homes and resort/second home builder Centex Destination Properties. Since 1986, Habitat for Humanity Detroit has provided simple, decent housing to Detroit families in need.
Habitat Detroit has partnered with thousands of volunteers and contributors to revitalize three communities and provide 180 homes for purchase by low-income hardworking families through long-term, "zero interest" mortgages at no profit to Habitat. Habitat for Humanity provides the first step in a revitalization process that leads families, and ultimately entire neighborhoods, to dignity, self sufficiency and prosperity.