News Summary

Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan is constructing three new homes on Bedford Street in Alpena to provide affordable housing for local families. The project, beginning with foundation work, aims for completion by October 2025. Funded by the State Land Bank, it replaces three abandoned structures and includes a unique ‘sweat equity’ program for future homeowners. With strong community ties and collaboration with local authorities, the initiative reflects a commitment to sustainable homeownership and community development.

Alpena

Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan is constructing three new homes on Bedford Street in Alpena, with plans for completion by October 2025. The site, located at 307, 317, and 321 Bedford St., is near Ella White Elementary School, and aims to provide affordable housing for local families.

Construction officially commenced on April 18, 2025, beginning with foundation work, targeting a move-in deadline later this fall. The three new homes replace three abandoned houses on the property, which dated back to the 1920s and 1930s and were recently demolished due to severe disrepair. Environmental studies conducted prior to the demolition detected contaminants in the original structures, prompting the need for their removal.

Funding and Support

The initiative received significant funding from the State Land Bank in Lansing, which allocated $500,000 to the Alpena County Land Bank for the acquisition of the properties and to conduct environmental assessments before demolition. Based on these assessments, residents looking to purchase the new homes will need to qualify for loans through a rigorous process aimed at ensuring sustainable homeownership.

Home Specifications

The two homes at 317 and 321 Bedford will each feature three bedrooms and one bathroom, along with a living room, kitchen, a one-car garage, and both front and back porches. The third home at 307 Bedford, designed specifically for a retired teacher who has never owned a home, will consist of two bedrooms.

Homeownership Program

In addition to meeting financial qualifications, families seeking to purchase one of the homes must also participate in a program known as “sweat equity,” where they contribute physical labor during various phases of the home construction. This model not only reduces costs but fosters a sense of community and connection among future neighbors.

Project Management and Construction

The excavation for the building sites is being handled by Dave Marchlewski, with the overall construction managed by Bryan DeCare Masonry. Homes at 317 and 321 Bedford will be modular units supplied by Ritz-Craft Corporation based in Jonesville, while the home at 307 Bedford is a stick-built structure.

Collaboration with Local Authorities

Throughout the project, Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan has maintained close collaboration with the city’s Planning, Development, and Zoning Director Montiel Birmingham and the Alpena County Land Bank. This partnership has aimed to ensure compliance with local regulations and support the community’s development goals.

Conclusion

As construction progresses on these three new homes, the project symbolizes a commitment to providing affordable housing options and fostering strong community ties in Alpena. For further information regarding Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan and its initiatives, interested parties can visit their official website or contact their office directly.

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Additional Resources

• The Alpena News: Construction Progressing on Three Habitat Homes
• WBKB 11: Habitat for Humanity to Build Fifty Affordable Houses
• The Alpena News: Habitat for Humanity Building Three New Homes
• Wikipedia: Habitat for Humanity
• The Alpena News: Hillman Family Moves into New Habitat Home
• Google Search: Habitat for Humanity construction 2025

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