CIS Director Announces Local Detroit Area Residents Volunteer to Help Build "Governor's State of Michigan House"

Contact: Maura Campbell 517-373-9280

Agency: Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

             Over the course of the Blitz Build week, a total of 120 state employees, 20 per day, will volunteer.   The "Governor's State of Michigan House" is being built for Winifred Jones and his three children.  He is the first single father selected to be a recipient of a Habitat for Humanity Detroit house.

             The local residents on the department team and their CIS bureau are listed below.

WAYNE COUNTY:

·         Kimberly Taylor, of Detroit, Bureau of Hearings

·         Ann Marie Cardenas, of Canton, Bureau of Workers' & Unemployment Compensation

·         Michele Whitmore, of Detroit, Michigan State Housing Development Authority

OAKLAND COUNTY:

·         Deborah Hughes, of Troy, Michigan Department of Career Development

·         Tamika Hale, of Novi, Michigan State Housing Development Authority

·         Tony Kairis, of Rochester Hills, Bureau of Safety & Regulation

·         Sharman Cross, of Waterford, Bureau of Safety & Regulation

·         Edward Ewell, of Southfield, Bureau of Family Services

             "When we asked for volunteers we were literally overwhelmed by hundreds of employees stepping up to the challenge. We narrowed the list down to 20 in order to create the most efficient and effective team since time is of the essence in the Blitz Build," Hollister said. "I am proud to say our state employees' philosophy is that serving the citizens of Michigan goes far beyond the workplace - it's a 24 hour a day job. We are thrilled to be a part of this project to help Mr. Jones and his family make a dream of homeownership become a reality."

             Masco Corporation has partnered with Habitat for Humanity to sponsor the "Governor's House."   Gov. Granholm will, in turn, rename it the "Governor's State of Michigan House" and dedicate the building of the house to the State of Michigan and the employee volunteers. First Gentleman Daniel G. Mulhern, who is also working on the construction, will participate in the house blessing ceremony with the homeowner and Habitat for Humanity representatives.

"This is such a great opportunity for me and other state employees to give back to the community and to make a difference in the life of a Michigan family," Granholm said.  "Habitat for Humanity brings the community together to revitalize neighborhoods and also provides decent, affordable homes for those who are in need of a secure roof over their head."

During the week, families, sponsors, and volunteers will help build 16 houses on one city block.  The families who qualified for houses will work along side volunteers to witness and participate in the building of their homes.  The families purchase the homes through zero percent-interest mortgages to help provide better lives for themselves and their families.

Read more Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services news releases.