The new house at 447 Michigan Ave., Monroe, which was celebrated today, is the 10th house built by the Construction Technology Class of Monroe High School. It is believed that Monroe High School has built more Habitat houses than any other high school in Michigan.
“This partnership between Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County and Monroe Public Schools has been successful for a decade,” said M. David Graves, interim President/CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Monroe. “Not only has it provided solid affordable housing for local families but it also has meant real-world, hands on experience for well over 200 students in the last 10 years.”
“Our construction students and Mr. Nathan Nestor, their teacher, are extremely thankful for the opportunities to build these homes but they also are very proud of the work they have done over the years. I speak for our Board of Education and administration of Monroe Public Schools in saying congratulations to our students and to Habitat for Humanity in forging a partnership where so many people in our community have benefitted,” said Dr. Barry Martin, superintendent of Monroe Public Schools.
This partnership is made possible through the financial support of several prominent business and community partners, including the United Way of Monroe County, State Farm Insurance, and the La-Z-Boy Foundation.
A family to live in the house has not yet been selected since the home is partially completed. It is expected to be finished this summer.
The costs for this 5-Star Energy Plus Habitat home are kept to a minimum because the Construction Technology class provided so much of the labor required. This home will be sold at no profit with affordable monthly mortgage payments. These payments are placed in a revolving account and used to build Habitat homes for more local, hard-working families. Thus, the labor of the students and the support of the community partners keeps on giving, said Mr. Graves.