ISHPEMING, Mich – In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the need for affordable housing remains urgent — but thanks to Habitat for Humanity, solutions are being built one home at a time.

Since its founding, Habitat for Humanity has made a profound impact, helping over 8,000 families nationwide achieve homeownership. In Marquette County alone, 114 families have been able to call a house their home through the organization’s efforts. Now, another family’s dream is taking shape in Ishpeming, as the Marquette County Habitat for Humanity works diligently on a new home slated for completion this fall.

“It takes a village to create a village.” That was the message at the construction site, where Upper Michigan Today visited to learn firsthand how volunteers and community contributions are bringing this home to life. The program went live from the site, highlighting the dedicated volunteers putting in the hard work to ensure the project’s success.

Habitat for Humanity depends heavily on donations and volunteer labor to carry out its mission. Executive Director Deanna Johnson praised the community’s generosity, noting how vital local support has been. “With volunteer labor and donated materials, a family will never pay more than 30% of its annual income to purchase its Habitat for Humanity home,” Johnson explained.

But Habitat’s work goes beyond just building homes. The organization also provides ADA-compliant ramp construction and offers home repair services, addressing accessibility needs and improving safety for residents across the region.

During the visit, Deanna Johnson also shared insights into the organization’s history and how families in need can apply for assistance through its various housing programs.

“There are multiple ways you can support Habitat for Humanity, whether you’re looking to help construct or support the volunteers who do,” Johnson emphasized.

Volunteer Coordinator Joan Nystrom joined the broadcast to express gratitude to those lending their time and skills. She gave a special shoutout to Border Grill Marquette for generously providing meals to keep the volunteers fueled. “Volunteers are truly the heart of Habitat for Humanity’s mission,” Nystrom said.

A group of students from Superior Central School added youthful energy to the site as they helped build the Birch Lane home. Teacher Jake Cogger and MARESA Director of Career and Technical Education Erich Ziegler accompanied the students, highlighting the valuable lessons being learned beyond the classroom. “This experience has a twofold mission — we’re building homes, but we’re also building skills,” Cogger shared.

Ziegler agreed, noting that the hands-on experience offers students an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world projects while giving back to their community.

Construction Director Andy Engstrom shared how each Habitat home is customized to meet the specific needs of the family moving in. “While most of the construction is done by volunteers, Habitat for Humanity hires workers for electrical and plumbing,” Engstrom explained, ensuring the home meets safety and quality standards.

Upper Michigan Today’s Tia Trudgeon and John Redfield even rolled up their sleeves, donning hard hats to help install drywall alongside volunteers. “We’re excited to pitch in and be part of this incredible effort,” Trudgeon said as she worked.

As the project nears completion, student volunteers reflected on what the experience taught them — from practical construction techniques to the deeper value of community service. “We’ve learned so many skills that we can carry forward,” one student shared proudly.

For those inspired by the work being done, Habitat for Humanity welcomes more helping hands. Community members can learn more about the organization’s programs and find opportunities to volunteer by visiting mqthabitat.org.

This build in Ishpeming is more than just a construction project — it’s a testament to what can be accomplished when a community comes together to support one another, building not just houses, but hope.

Originally reported by Tia Trudgeon in Upper Michigan Source.