Habitat's First Family

“I don’t have to sleep at night with one eye open. The kids have more room to play. It’s a lot cleaner. I don’t know what to say. I’ve never had a real house before.” -Ralph Neelis

In 1994, Cheboygan County Habitat for Humanity started raising funds for our first home build project in Cheboygan County. In July of 1995, Ralph, Debra, Bekka and Willie turned the first shovel of dirt at their new home location. In 1996, the home was completed and sold to the Neelis Family. 

Over the last 30 years the family has been able to thrive in their safe, decent and affordable home and when they needed a hand up for a home repair, the Neelis family was also our first ever Home Repair Program Partners. Ralph, Debra, Bekka and Willie will always hold a special place in our  Habitat Hearts. We have loved getting to watch the impact that an affordable home has had on this family and are so grateful that Ralph no longer has to sleep with one eye open or carry the burden that an unsafe home could bring to his family. 

While big things happened for our First Habitat Family over the last 30 years, big things have also been happening here at Habitat. As we reflect on the last 30 years and celebrate all that we have accomplished, we’d love to have you in attendance as we celebrate:

• 60 Families Served To Date!
  • 25 via Homeownership;
  • 31 via Home Repair;
  • 4 via Other Housing Programs;
• Establishment of an Endowment Fund;
• $2.5 Million + in ReStore Sales;
• Over 1,600 tons of materials diverted from local landfills;
• First Federal Grant Secured!
• The significant growth over the last 5 years:
  • Grant support increasing from $11,000 to $270,000;
  • Contributions increasing by $100,000;
  • Gift-in-Kind support from local vendors increased by $50,000;
  • Increased the number of completed projects annually;

The success of Cheboygan County Habitat for Humanity is indebted to each and every one of you. Your unwavering dedication and support for affordable housing in Cheboygan County has not only allowed our organization to expand and introduce new housing programs but has also positioned us as a leading non-profit in our community. We cannot express enough how immensely grateful we are for your contributions and unwavering support.

​Since our establishment in 1994, we have successfully completed 25 homeownership projects. Two homes are ready to be sold, and our 28th project is underway. However, our work doesn't stop there. The demand for affordable housing in our community is ongoing, and there is still so much more to accomplish in order to assist families who dream of owning a home. Your continued support is absolutely vital in our mission to make affordable housing a reality for more families.

- Mandy Martin, Executive Director