At Habitat Kent, we believe sustainability must incorporate every facet of an organization. From recycling bins in our workspace to building energy efficient homes, when holistic practices are in place we are building better future for our homeowners, neighborhoods, city, and planet.
PHASE 1: Apply
Call the Habitat Kent Repair Line at 616-588-5258 or email gmallory@habitatkent.org. You will be screened by Habitat Kent that includes a home assessment to see if you qualify for the program. Once screened you will then fill out the full application.
PHASE 2: Sign Off For Work
Working with Habitat Kent staff, you will sign off on the work to be done on your home. Volunteers will be guided by Habitat Kent to complete repair and improvement tasks on your home.
PHASE 3: Repayment Plan
After the work is completed you will work with Habitat Kent staff to complete a repayment plan for the work.
Homeowners save money
Our advanced framing technique allows for more insulation in fact, we exceed the insulation building code.
We airseal the home by caulking every place 2 pieces of wood touch to minimize air loss.
Each home is Energy-Star certified to reduce utility costs, making homebuyers eligible for down payment assistance.
Building safe homes for families.
We install an Energy Recovery Ventilation Unit that recycles the home with fresh air, improving many cases of asthma and allergies.
We use low VOC drywall adhesive to minimize fumes.
Our community works together
Our cabinetry is assembled by members workers in Michigan’s prison-employment program.
Master Gardeners work with homebuyers to design landscape plans using native plants.
Resources are conserved.
We divert 90% of waste materials from landfills to protect Earth’s natural resources.
We sort and recycle all wood, cardboard and concrete materials to reduce waste and minimize sorting costs.
We install recycled carpeting.
of families report an increase in their income
What we do today impacts our future. As stewards of God’s earth, we are committed to making a social, economic and environmental difference in everything we do.
of Grand Rapids children live in poverty; of those, 79% live in substandard housing
of families report better grades in school for their children
of four-person families making $31,250 or less cannot find affordable housing
Need for Affordable Housing
Our hearts break at the thought of a family having to choose between paying rent or buying food. Consider this:
58% of four-person families making $31,250 or less cannot find affordable housing
Nearly 900 four-person families in Grand Rapids live with another family to make ends meet
35% of Grand Rapids children live in poverty; of those, 79% live in substandard housing
There’s a huge need for affordable housing, and we’re working hard to make that happen. Why? Because we realize the benefits homeownership has on children, families and communities.
How Homeownership Makes A Difference
A Davenport University study shows more ways homeownership is making a difference in the lives of Habitat families:
68% of families report an increase in their income
25% of families report better grades in school for their children
23% of families report less sickness
58% of families report less family conflict
40% of families report obtaining additional education
Homeownership Builds Stronger Families
Children of homeowners:
Are 25% more likely to graduate from high school
Are 116% more likely to graduate from college
Are 20% less likely to become teenage mothers
Are 59% more likely to own a home within 10 years of moving from parent’s household
Save taxpayers an estimated $34,000 in public expenditures
Homeowners:
Are 10% more likely to attend church
Are 16% more likely to join parent-teacher organizations, block clubs, etc.
Read newspapers 1.3 times more often
Are less likely to have alcohol and substance-abuse problems