Genesee County Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity’s definition of community development

Community development is both a process and the result of an organized and ongoing effort in a community. It is based on a shared vision for the quality of life that residents wish to achieve and sustain.

Habitat for Humanity’s mission and principles call us to participate in this work, and specifically to do so through partnerships and from a housing solutions perspective.

Core Tenets of community development

As Habitat applies this definition, we commit to use these core tenets in our community development efforts.

• We will work in a distinct, definable community
• We will assume as asset-based approach to working with the community
• We will adopt a humble, listening approach to the community
• We will identify, respect and honor those who speak on behalf of the community
• We will recognize that housing is one component of a community development strategy
• We will offer a range of housing products and services to contribute to the community’s aspirations
• We will make a multi-year commitment to the community in which we agreed to work
• We will commit to a process that holds the participants accountable to evaluating our work

Genesee County Habitat for Humanity and Grand Traverse Neighborhood Partnership

In 2007/2008 Habitat joined as a partner in the Grand Traverse Neighborhood. The neighborhood association was looking for a partner to help them rebuild their neighborhood. Habitat was able to fulfill the housing need in the neighborhood plan. From 2008 – the end of 2010 Genesee County Habitat has built 10 new homes, 2 full rehab homes, and 3 exterior repair A Brush With Kindness Projects. That marked a completion of the original commitment that the neighborhood asked for.

In order to insure sustainability Genesee County Habitat will continue to work, advocate, and promote the revitalization of Grand Traverse. Just as importantly Genesee County Habitat for Humanity has been able to act as a conduit to bring other partners and services to the neighborhood. We know that we cannot achieve ultimate success in this project on our own. The citizens of the neighborhood, other potential partners, donors, volunteers, and others must also take ownership of this great opportunity.

Click Here for a map of the Neighborhood New GTDN Habitat Map 2-15-11

Please join us in our efforts!

What Will You Build?