$195K Home Repair Grants Secured for Midland and Saginaw Residents

Collaborative Effort Secures Critical Home Repair Funding

A recent collaboration between Dow Credit Union and local Habitat for Humanity chapters has successfully secured nearly $195,000 in home repair funding for 15 homeowners across Midland and Saginaw counties. This initiative is part of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis Revive Home Repair Program, which provides up to $15,000 per household for essential repairs for low- to moderate-income homeowners.

The program, previously known as the Neighborhood Impact Program, aims to address deteriorating conditions in homes to ensure they remain safe and livable. For over five years, Dow Credit Union has been actively involved in this program, and its continued participation has led to significant results.

Michael Goad, chief executive officer of Midland-based Dow Credit Union, highlighted the importance of collaboration in achieving positive outcomes. "We’re especially proud to see the program grow — securing nearly $200,000 this year — and expanding support from just Midland County to include both Midland and Saginaw counties," he said in a statement.

This marks the first year that Saginaw-Shiawassee Habitat for Humanity has partnered with Dow Credit Union on the initiative. Abbegail Stemple, executive director of Saginaw-Shiawassee Habitat for Humanity, emphasized the impact of shared values and community investment. "This partnership demonstrates the powerful impact that shared values and community investment can make," she said.

With support from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis Revive Home Repair Program, the partnership allowed the initiative to serve four additional families with critical home repair projects that would not have been possible otherwise. The scope of work includes essential repairs such as roofs, insulation, gutters, doors, water heaters, furnaces, and windows.

"These improvements directly address health, safety, and livability concerns," Stemple said, "allowing families to remain in the homes they love, in a safer and more stable environment."

Under the Federal Home Loan Bank Act, institutions like the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis Revive Home Repair Program are required to help "meet the credit needs of communities in which they do business." The program works through local member institutions, such as Dow Credit Union, to identify qualified homeowners and coordinate support within communities.

Kris Brozzo, mortgage sales manager at Dow Credit Union, emphasized the role of the credit union in connecting qualified homeowners with essential grants. "In every county and community, there are homeowners with tight household budgets doing their best to hold things together. It is an honor to give our time and talent to support such a wonderful cause," he said.

For many recipients, the grant funding makes the difference between living in a home that’s safe and functional or one that poses daily challenges. Critical repairs restore structural integrity and extend the life of homes, preserving equity for families who might not otherwise have access to affordable financing.

"Through ongoing collaboration with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, the credit union is helping create stronger foundations — literally and figuratively — for the people it serves," Goad said.

This collaborative effort highlights the importance of community partnerships in addressing housing needs and improving the quality of life for residents. By working together, organizations like Dow Credit Union and Habitat for Humanity can make a lasting impact on the lives of homeowners in Midland and Saginaw counties.