EMMET, CHARLEVOIX — Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity is addressing the housing affordability crisis in Emmet and Charlevoix counties by building affordable homes for professionals like teachers and nurses.
Home prices in these counties have soared, with Emmet County’s median home price reaching $897,000 in February 2025, a 54% increase from the previous year. Charlevoix County saw a 31% increase, with median prices at $539,000.
This surge has made housing unaffordable for many, including professionals who cannot compete with buyers seeking vacation homes.
“This is a resort community,” said Sarah Ulrich, Executive Director of Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity. “As a result, we have a significant seasonal population. People purchasing a second home can afford to buy and repair structures that first-time buyers cannot.”
Kendra Shaw, a teacher at Harbor Springs Public Schools, struggled to find affordable housing despite her full-time job.
“I found one home at the top of my budget, but was outbid by a family looking for a summer place,” Shaw said. “As a single woman who is not handy, I couldn’t look at fixer-uppers that were already overpriced.”
Shaw eventually turned to Habitat for Humanity, overcoming her initial doubts about eligibility.
“At first, I dismissed it. As someone with a full-time job, I figured I would not qualify,” she explained. However, Habitat partners with individuals who have stable, modest incomes but struggle in the high-demand market.
Shaw purchased a new Habitat home in Alanson, part of the Meadowlands project, which is designed to accelerate Habitat’s impact.
“I went from feeling hopeless to closing on a home in just three months,” Shaw said. “I have a high-quality, multi-bedroom new home on an acre of land.”
The Meadowlands project, supported by significant financial aid received in 2022, focuses on building high-quality modular homes efficiently. Habitat has completed 75% of the 32 homes planned for Meadowlands, with the remaining homes under construction in 2025.
By leveraging state aid with philanthropy, Habitat has kept costs approximately 20% lower than comparable homes, ensuring affordability for homeowners.
Habitat homes appraise for fair market value and appreciate over time, allowing homeowners to build equity.
“I wish more people understood that Habitat builds a great house and can offer options for a broad range of people,” Shaw said. “Living here allows me to dig into my community and put down roots.”