Posted on February 26, 2012

'Leaders to ReBuild Detroit' Launches With $1 Million Gift

Habitat for Humanity Detroit has announced a $1 million gift from General Motors chairman and CEO Dan Akerson to help launch a three-year, $25 million initiative to engage Detroit business leaders in efforts to revitalize the city.

The lead gift in the Leaders to ReBuild Detroit initiative — a program of the $225 million Habitat for Humanity ReBuild Michigan campaign — will support house construction, rehabilitation, repairs, and energy-efficiency upgrades and weatherization projects in the Morningside Commons neighborhood.

The initiative seeks to assist at least five hundred families by 2014. In addition to home repairs and energy projects, participating families will engage in financial literacy training, homeownership workshops, and community security initiatives provided by partnering organizations, including the City of Detroit, Detroit Public Schools, the Michigan State Housing Development Agency, the Detroit Land Bank Authority, and the Detroit Local Initiative Support Corporation.

"A strong America is built on strong communities, and building them starts with one hammer, one nail, and one person who cares — from there, it's contagious," said Akerson. "My wife, Karin, and I want to see this effort to rebuild Detroit catch on, spread out, and draw scores more volunteers and millions more in contributions."