Building Together, Evolving Together

When Jackson Habitat for Humanity began our partnership with a local housing developer to build our next several homes, we heard your questions. Some of you wondered if we're moving away from our roots, if we're becoming just another housing developer instead of the community-driven organization you've known and supported.

We hear you, and we want to address these concerns directly while sharing why we're excited about this evolution in our work.

Our Mission Hasn't Changed

For decades, Jackson Habitat has built affordable homes alongside volunteers, future homeowners, and community partners. That mission—creating strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter—remains exactly the same. What's changing is how we accomplish that mission in 2026.

The housing affordability crisis in Jackson County has intensified. Families are waiting longer for safe, decent housing. Construction costs have risen dramatically. And like many Habitat affiliates across Michigan and nationwide, we're facing a significant challenge: our dedicated base of regular volunteers is aging, and fewer new volunteers are stepping forward to swing hammers on build sites.

These aren't problems unique to Jackson. They're challenges facing Habitat affiliates everywhere, and they've pushed us to ask an important question: How can we serve more families while being good stewards of every dollar donated?

Building Smarter, Not Differently

Our partnership with a housing developer allows us to build homes faster and more cost-effectively than we could with our traditional all-volunteer build model. This means we can help more families achieve homeownership sooner, and we can stretch your donations further.

But here's what hasn't changed: We still need you.

Volunteers: More Important Than Ever

Habitat has always evolved to meet the needs of our community. In the 1980s and 90s, weekend build days were the primary way people got involved. Today, volunteerism looks different, and that's okay.

We need volunteers now more than ever, just in different ways:

At the ReStore - Our ReStore depends on volunteers to help process donations, assist customers, and keep operations running smoothly. Every item sold helps fund more homes.

Building Awareness and Funds - Organizing fundraising events, spreading the word on social media, hosting drives, and rallying your networks are all critical volunteer roles that directly impact how many families we can serve.

Supporting New Homeowners - Future homeowners need mentors as they navigate the journey to homeownership and beyond. Your experience and guidance can make all the difference.

Serving on Committees - From our board to family selection to special projects, committees help shape the direction of our work and ensure we're serving our community well.

Adding the Finishing Touches - Even with professional builders handling construction, there's still hands-on work to be done. Volunteers help with landscaping and putting final touches on homes before families move in.

This Is What Evolution Looks Like

Jackson Habitat has always adapted to serve our community better. When we opened the ReStore, that was evolution. When we started our homebuyer education programs, that was evolution. When we launched the "20 by 28" campaign to build 20 affordable homes by 2028, that was evolution.

This partnership is simply the latest chapter in our ongoing commitment to meet families where they are and build the affordable housing our community desperately needs.

We're not abandoning our roots—we're honoring them by staying focused on what matters most: creating safe, affordable homes and bringing our community together to make it happen.

Stay Connected, Stay Involved

We invite you to be part of this evolution. Whether you can volunteer a few hours at the ReStore, mentor a future homeowner, help plan a fundraiser, or simply spread the word about our work, there's a place for you at Jackson Habitat.

Because at the end of the day, we're still building together. We're still a community-driven organization. And we still can't do this work without you.

Ready to get involved? Contact us at sheilae@jacksonhabitat.org or 517-784-620 to learn about current volunteer opportunities.