State Housing Authority will look to support other innovative public/private partnerships, lauds Covenant HealthCare’s leadership in helping solve the housing crisis
SAGINAW, Mich. – Today state and local leaders gathered in Saginaw’s Covenant neighborhood to celebrate newly constructed modular homes that will be available for sale soon, and encourage other employers to get involved in helping solve the housing crisis. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority also unveiled a new Employer-Assisted Housing Guide, providing employers with information and connections to help them take an active role in solving the state’s housing crisis.
Through their Walk to Work program, Covenant HealthCare is supporting employees with down payment assistance, renovation assistance, and engaging current residents in neighborhood revitalization. This work is being done in collaboration with Saginaw-Shiawassee Habitat for Humanity and the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.
“With partnerships like this one, we are taking steps to solve the housing crisis,” said Amy Hovey, CEO and Executive Director of MSHDA. “We need all hands on deck, so we’re inviting employers across the state to step up like Covenant has done. Through down payment assistance, land donation, and even active real estate development, employers across the state are getting on board. Let’s get it done!”
“Covenant is proud to be working hard to make our community better,” said Beth Charlton, President/CEO of Covenant HealthCare. “We know that the health of a community does not rest on medical care alone, it’s about the whole person having their basic needs met, and housing is foundational to all other needs and outcomes. That’s why we’re investing $500,000 each year for the next five years into neighborhood revitalization and are working with our partners on this mission.”
“Saginaw-Shiawassee Habitat for Humanity is committed to create, preserve and promote affordable, accessible homes and a region where all households, of all races have access to the transformational power of home ownership,” said Carmen Mora, Executive Director of Saginaw-Shiawassee Habitat for Humanity. “We are grateful to our funders, this community and volunteers who are coming forward to make this vision possible. Today is but a beginning, an inauguration that fuels our shared commitment.”
In addition to Covenant’s partnership with Saginaw-Shiawassee Habitat for Humanity, MSHDA’s Employer-Assisted Housing Guide highlights the housing work of the University of Michigan Health System, the Ingham County Land Bank, Short’s Brewery, Whirlpool, Cinnaire, and Mercantile Community Partners. Employers interested in taking an active role in helping solve the housing crisis can learn more at Michigan.gov/employerhousing.
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About MSHDA
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), established in 1966, provides financial and technical assistance through public and private partnerships to create and preserve safe and decent affordable housing, engage in community economic development activities, develop vibrant cities, towns and villages, and address homeless issues.
