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Helping military families with home repair

Posted at 2:01 PM, Apr 14, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-14 15:18:14-04

Caring people are reaching out to military families in need, helping them live in well-maintained homes.  It's all part of a program called: "Brush for Kindness," and organizers are looking for veterans and their families to apply to receive the benefits. CLICK THE VIDEO PLAYER for JoAnne Purtan's interview on 7 Action News at Noon.

Habitat for Humanity in Macomb County (MCHH) recently received a  20,000 grant from the Shelby Township Community Foundation. The money is meant to help up to 24 low income, disabled or military/veteran families from Shelby Township.

This money is going toward their "A Brush with Kindness" program. This grant allows all approved projects to be funded and underwrites any labor costs.

So right now Macomb County Habitat for Humanity is looking for people who qualify for this home repair The group is encouraging anyone who is eligible to apply by May 6th, although the deadline is "fluid."
 

The Brush for Kindness program not only helps people live in well-maintained homes, organizers say it also  "keeps homeowners in their present homes, protects homeowners' financial investments; restores the homeowners' pride of homeownership; and revitalizes the surrounding neighborhood."

"We are grateful and honored to be able to support this outstanding program in our community.  The generosity of Carol McLaughlin in honor of her husband Charles will help many seniors in Shelby Township," said Lynn Wilhelm, Executive Director of the Shelby Community Foundation.  

 

HERE'S HOW YOU CAN APPLY IF YOU LIVE IN SHELBY TOWNSHIP

Candidates should email Dave Tirsell at dtirsell@macombhabitat.org with "Brush with Kindness" in the subject line in order to receive an application. To request an application by phone, please call: 586.263.1540 X100. The deadline to request an application is May 6, 2016.

Work done through the A Brush with Kindness program includes (but is not limited to) repair of: broken windows, gutters, ramps, porches and light landscaping. All associated project costs should not exceed $2,000.

 Projects will be reviewed for income-eligibility and feasibility with candidates chosen by a five-person committee comprised of department heads.  A site visit will be required prior to final selection.

 Macomb County Habitat for Humanity President and CEO, Helen Hicks says, "We are genuinely excited to be partnering with the Shelby Township Community Foundation to provide this needed service to Shelby Township residents.  I can't wait to see the finished projects as they are completed."