Let homebuilding be our legacy

Recently I had the honor of being named Public Official of the Year by Habitat for Humanity. Everyone likes awards and recognition, but ultimately they are not what we are remembered for. The legacy we leave behind depends on our actions, not the trophies, plaques, and certificates we accumulate. I have worked with Habitat for Humanity for a number of years now, and I plan to keep doing so, to help put hardworking families into good homes. What I hope comes from my work with Habitat, and from any awards I receive, is more people joining with Habitat to build more homes across Michigan and our country.

Habitat for Humanity of Michigan works with more than 75 affiliates in Michigan to build simple, decent homes for people in need. Over the years, Michigan affiliates have built more than 3,500 homes for more than 15,000 people. By 2010, Habitat affiliates will do their part to preserve our natural resources and the environment by building more “green” homes and using sustainable building techniques.

In 2008, Habitat for Humanity organized the Michigan Legislative Build, inviting legislators from across the state to work on housing or community development projects in their districts. As co-chair, I helped enlist 90 percent of my Senate colleagues to join me in taking part in this most worthy venture. Legislators from across our state went back to their districts last summer and volunteered their time and put their skills to work on local housing and economic development efforts. Together we helped make many Michigan communities safer, healthier and more welcoming places to live and raise families.

In early February of this year, the founder of Habitat for Humanity International, Mr. Millard Fuller, passed away. Millard Fuller made his millions as an entrepreneur and attorney. But he realized that there was more to life than personal success, and so he and his wife looked for something that would bring more meaning to their lives. From that quest, Habitat for Humanity International was eventually born in 1976. At the organization’s 25th anniversary Habitat had tens of thousands of volunteers, and more than 500,000 people were living in Habitat homes.

Millard Fuller has left a great legacy in Habitat for Humanity. Now it is up to us to keep his legacy alive.

We all know that people from all walks of life deserve affordable housing in safe, stable and thriving communities. Neighborhood cleanups and fix-ups foster pride, cultivate dignity and create community spirit. When neighborhoods are improved they become more desirable and make us proud to live there. Habitat is leading the way in these efforts, and I plan to follow along with my hammer and paintbrush for many years to come. I encourage you to join me.

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