Sault Ste. Marie –Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) Interim Executive Director Keith Molin presented an oversized check for $45,000 to Ron Calery, executive director of the Chippewa Luce Mackinaw Community for Housing First Initiative. The funds are being awarded to communities and local recipient organizations as part of an estimated $7.8 million in federal grants to be allocated this fiscal year across the state.

“This is an important part of helping Michigan residents as they work toward economic recovery, housing stability and self-sufficiency” said Molin. “I am pleased that we are able to remain committed to those with the most urgent housing needs through programs like these.”

Director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG) Keith W. Cooley accompanied Molin as a MSHDA board member and applauded the great strides already made in Gladstone.

“No family or child should be left homeless. MSHDA and DLEG are working with several partners to find affordable, safe and clean housing for all Michigan families. Homelessness must end now,” said DLEG Director Keith W. Cooley.

The Housing First Initiative Program offers financial assistance to public and nonprofit organizations that are responding to the needs of homeless populations through a comprehensive community-wide planning process and implementation strategy known as the Continuum of Care Plan. A total of 234 organizations representing 60 Continuum of Care areas serving all 83 counties in Michigan will share the estimated $7.8 million in combined MSHDA and federal ESG funding to help serve the more than 79,000 homeless Michigan residents.

This grant presentation is part of a tour of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula intended to reaffirm MSHDA’s commitment to address homelessness, affordable housing, and homeownership needs for residents throughout the state.

MSHDA is a quasi-state agency that provides financial and technical assistance through public and private partnerships to create and preserve safe and decent affordable housing, engage in community economic development activities, and address homeless issues. MSHDA’s loans and operating expenses are financed through the sale of tax-exempt and taxable bonds and notes to private investors, not from state tax revenues. For more information on MSHDA programs and initiatives, visit the Web site at www.michigan.gov/mshda.