MyNorth News Service
(Press Release provided by Habitat for Humanity)
TRAVERSE CITY: If you have driven past the new housing development in Traverse City at 8th Street and Woodmere Avenue, and wondered about the new neighborhood springing up, now is your chance to learn more. On Friday, June 26, from 11 am to 8 pm, Habitat for Humanity GTR (HFH-GTR) is hosting a public Open House at their innovative new Depot Neighborhood development.
The Depot Neighborhood is an energy efficient affordable housing community. The Habitat homes within the development are net zero homes. These homes, powered in part by solar energy, provide virtually no energy bills for homeowners. In fact, residents of the neighborhood who took occupancy of the first phase of homes in November 2014 have already reported receiving energy credits from Traverse City Light & Power.
“Habitat, Grand Traverse Region’s housing model is designed in every aspect to provide families with a sustainable future – financially, socially, and environmentally. Qualified homeowners, living in one of Habitat’s ten new net zero homes, will experience the joy of affordable housing through energy conservation and renewable energy components,” explains Wendy Irvin, HFH-GTR Executive Director. “Nation-wide, we are one of only two Habitat affiliates constructing this type of development. We have a story to tell! We want the community to learn more and to get behind this amazing project,” she adds.
The Open House presents an opportunity for the public to tour the homes, learn more about net zero development and the future of the Depot Neighborhood, and meet members of the team behind the project. The event culminates with a home dedication ceremony at 5:30 pm, when two families will be given the keys to their new homes.
Habitat for Humanity – Grand Traverse Region, serving Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau counties, is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International – a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization. Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with people in need to build affordable housing. The homes are sold to qualified families at no profit and no interest.
For more information on Habitat for Humanity GTR, contact Michelle Reichert at 231-941-4663 or visit: www.habitatgtr.org.