Habitat for Humanity HiawathaLand Expands Opportunities for Affordable Housing in Schoolcraft County

Manistique, MI – September 2025– Schoolcraft Tourism & Commerce (STC) is proud to

highlight the important work of Habitat for Humanity HiawathaLand, a nonprofit

organization dedicated to building and repairing homes, communities, and hope across

the Upper Peninsula.

Through collaborative partnerships and the generosity of volunteers and donors, Habitat

HiawathaLand has been creating meaningful housing opportunities for local residents.

This year, the organization is moving forward with two exciting renovation projects in

Schoolcraft County that will expand access to safe, affordable housing for families in

need.

“Affordable housing is a critical piece of our community’s growth and economic vitality,”

said Victoria George, Executive Director of Schoolcraft Tourism & Commerce. “We are so grateful for Habitat HiawathaLand’s investment in Schoolcraft County and the

opportunities they provide for families to thrive here. Their work not only supports

residents directly, but also strengthens our workforce, schools, and overall quality of

life.”

Habitat HiawathaLand’s Executive Director, Ann MacGregor, shared her excitement for

the projects underway. “Our mission has always been to bring people together to build

homes, communities, and hope. The upcoming projects in Schoolcraft County give local

families the chance to build stability and create a brighter future. Every nail, every wall,

every hour of volunteer time represents hope for a family who needs it most.”

Call For Families

Habitat for Humanity HiawathaLand is currently seeking two families to partner on these

renovation projects and make them their homes:

• A 2-bedroom, 1-bath home on 2 acres in Cooks: This house would be well suited

  as a starter home, a retirement home, or for a small family with only one child. It

  doesn't have a garage but has space to add one. It includes two nice outbuildings

  and sits on a quiet country road.

  
  

• A 4-bedroom, 2-bath home on a quiet street in Manistique: Located on a quiet

  dead-end street with a nice yard and a garage, this home is ideal for a family of

  at least three people and can accommodate up to six.

Both homes will have updated plumbing and electrical systems, new paint, new flooring,

and modernized kitchens and bathrooms.

Sweat Equity Requirement: Each family member over the age of 18 is required to

contribute 200 sweat equity hours to the home. Friends and family may assist with a

portion of these hours. Homeowners can choose which tasks match their skills, and

Habitat will provide training in construction and home maintenance. If hours cannot be

completed on their own home, families may participate in other Habitat projects.

To qualify, applicants must have an annual household income less than 120% of the

Area Median Income (AMI):

• Household of 1: $68,880

• Household of 2: $78,720

• Household of 3: $88,560

• Household of 4: $98,280

Interested families are encouraged to contact Ann MacGregor at 906.341.7437 or visit

Habitat for Humanity HiawathaLand, 401 Deer Street, Manistique, MI 49854 to learn

more and begin the application process.

About Habitat HiawathaLand

In addition to building new homes and renovating existing ones, Habitat HiawathaLand

also provides exterior home repairs for income-qualified families and builds accessibility

ramps for the elderly and disabled.

There are many opportunities to get involved as a volunteer, from working on

construction sites to assisting in the Habitat ReStore, serving on committees or the

board of directors, providing office support, or helping with grounds work. Habitat also

welcomes volunteer groups from across the U.S. who travel to the Upper Peninsula to

work on local construction projects.

George added, “Schoolcraft County is fortunate to have an organization like Habitat

HiawathaLand stepping up to help address our housing needs. These projects are a

shining example of what can be accomplished when communities work together.”

For those interested in volunteering, donating, or learning more about Habitat for

Humanity HiawathaLand’s current projects, or to apply for a future home, please visit

https://hiawathalandhabitat.com/ or call 906.341.7437.