THE CHALLENGE

HomeStretch is continually faced with the daunting challenge of providing quality, attractive, low- cost housing for a growing population of low-income families. Area wages are not keeping pace with rapidly rising real estate costs, making it very difficult for the region’s working families to afford adequate housing.

A lack of low-cost housing in local communities results in negative economic and social impacts, including labor shortages, high absenteeism, urban sprawl, financial hardships for working families, and increased homelessness.

Recent reports released by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the Housing Assistance Council, and the Center for Housing Policy state that a strong economy has done little to meet the need for affordable housing - especially for working families

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

HomeStretch adopted seven Guiding Principles that are used in the planning and development of affordable housing projects.

• HomeStretch will focus on homeownership developments.

• HomeStretch will participate in rental developments with partners that can provide property management services.

• HomeStretch will focus on building housing that serves the needs of households at 80% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI.)

• Wherever possible, HomeStretch housing will be located on existing infrastructure and near work sites and essential services such as schools, medical facilities, public transportation, and retail areas.

• HomeStretch will collaborate with private, public, and nonprofit partners to fulfill its mission - Build Affordable Housing.

• HomeStretch is committed to the long-term affordability of its housing

• Whenever possible, HomeStretch will follow the planning and design principles contained in the New Designs for Growth guidebook.

MAIN STREET - HONOR

HomeStretch was awarded a $200,000 HOME Grant by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) to construct three single family homes on Main Street in Honor in Benzie County. The site of the new homes is property that had been occupied by a foreclosed and condemned home. HomeStretch also purchased an adjoining property to have enough room to build the three homes. 

The first of the three Honor homes rapidly takes shape

The three bedroom homes will be constructed one at a time, a change from the group construction of the past.  This will allow the Honor homes to be sold as they are completed, reducing the holding time and thus the cost of the home. This is particularly important in the current economy. Every attempt was made to keep the work local, with Honor Building Supply the main source of building materials. Other companies involved in the construction are Honor Excavating, Glen Lake Electric and Seguin Heating and Cooling.

With the approach of winter, the crew worked quickly to make the exterior tight to weather so construction could continue on the interior. The roof has been shingled, the walls insulated, and the garage and entrance doors installed. The interior framing, furnace and hot water heater are in place. The two bathtubs have even been installed.  The photos below will give you an idea of the layout of the first floor space.

The photo on the left shows the framing for the kitchen island/countertop located between the living room and the dining room. The photo on the right shows the generously sized living room.

Walls are up and the finishing has begun.  The linoleum is installed and the countertop and sink will be next.

Graceful curves are used in construction.  Note the curved entrance to the sunny dining area. The basement is fully insulated. The home has received a preliminary energy rating of Five Star Plus.

Construction of the Honor Main Street home is now complete with the exception of landscaping, which will be done as soon as weather permits. For  photos of the completed home and a floor plan, visit our Homes for Sale page.