Thursday, August 7th, MBN was on the road for a UM Health-Sparrow hosted event.

Watch as UM Health-Sparrow’s donated Lansing homes are now renovated, ready for sale, and helping more families achieve affordable homeownership in the YouTube video shared below:

They were celebrating the grand opening of nine fully renovated homes on Jerome and Ferguson streets in Lansing. Originally purchased by the former Sparrow Health System and situated near the hospital, these houses were donated in 2024 to the Ingham County Land Bank and Habitat for Humanity Capital Region. The project reflects UM Health-Sparrow’s ongoing commitment to affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization.

Five of the homes, dating back to the early 1900s, were restored by the Ingham County Land Bank and are being sold through Rooted Real Estate for $180,000–$190,000. The remaining four are Habitat for Humanity projects, offered at prices that ensure mortgage payments remain at or below 30% of a buyer’s gross income. Renovations included full gutting and installation of new walls, floors, windows, and doors, creating safe and modern spaces for new families.

The effort not only meets critical local housing needs but also transforms the neighborhood’s appearance and safety. Community leaders like UM Health-Sparrow Lansing President Ann Marie Creed emphasize the importance of making homeownership achievable for those priced out of the market. Habitat CEO Brent Taylor and Ingham County Land Bank Construction Manager Tony Olivarez highlight the pride in handing over keys to first-time homeowners and seeing families settle into their new spaces.

The homes are now move-in ready, and with several already sold, the remaining listings offer an opportunity for more Lansing residents to join this revitalized community. The initiative also includes a partnership to reserve a two-unit home for a developmental disability housing project, reflecting the project’s broader inclusivity and social impact.