Grand Traverse, Michigan, is working together to help people feel at home. James Hardie, creator of the siding that bears his name, has teamed up with the community to build Habitat for Humanity homes. There’s a YouTube video chronicling some of their work, which includes roof repairs and other upgrades, as well as information about how to get involved.
The video features Anthony Gleason and his young son, Michael. Anthony is a single father and US Army veteran.
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Both work alongside volunteers on their new home. James Hardie donated the siding. Habitat coordinators say that without the support of companies and organizations that provide home-building products and supplies, they wouldn’t be able to do what they do.
There’s so much more to Habitat for Humanity than just building or upgrading homes. It’s about building relationships with the community and giving people a sense of pride in homeownership.
Habitat Homes are meant to be more than starter homes or “entry-level homes” as the volunteers call them. They are designed to be beautiful and thoughtfully-designed.
Many families in Grand Rapids are in need of affordable housing, and Habitat teams are committed to meeting those needs. Out of that struggle came the idea to build net zero housing. Net zero homes produce as much energy as they use, making them environmentally-friendly, keeping utility costs down.
Anthony says he’s grateful for his energy-efficient home because saving money allows him to dedicate more of his resources toward pursuing his nursing degree and taking his son fishing.
The builders use James Hardie products because they’re known for their durability, which is especially important considering Michigan’s frigid winters. The Color Plus technology used to manufacture them provides a strong, long-lasting finish, improving the quality of roof repairs and other home improvements. The siding is low-maintenance, too. Plus, it comes in colors the homeowners really like.
Each home has its own color. Instead of taking a cookie-cutter approach to building projects, Habitat teams strive to make each home unique, and the recipients really appreciate their efforts. The video shows several of these homes on the same street, and it’s easy to see that a lot of thought and hard work has gone into each one.
Habitat for Humanity volunteers are passionate about what they do. Assisting veterans like Anthony Gleason gives them the opportunity to give back to others who have sacrificed so much.
The volunteers call their relationship with the Gleasons “a 50/50 partnership.” Working with the homeowners allows the volunteers to really get to know them, creating a sense of family. When people come together to achieve a common goal, there is no limit to what they can accomplish.
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