Michigan State Rep. Jim Tedder of the 43rd District welcomed My Habitat Clarkston representatives to the State Capitol to showcase their community service model that is driving community volunteerism, neighborhood revitalization and economic development throughout north Oakland County.
Rep. Tedder hosted the group in the Speaker’s Conference Room in the Capitol with invited representatives from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Michigan Association of Counties, Michigan Township Association, and Michigan Municipal League. Advocates for My Habitat Clarkston were invited to discuss their model which includes a community-wide volunteer database, Community Impact Weekends, critical home repairs, home refurbishments and ground-up builds – all working under the auspices of Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County. A model that Rep. Tedder and My Habitat Clarkston representatives know is easily replicated in other communities.
“Creating a sustainable network of individuals, businesses and public service organizations is imperative to building unified communities,” Rep. Tedder said. “My Habitat Clarkston serves as a highly efficient and effective template for affiliate organizations and volunteers to follow. I’ve never seen a proven model this extensive.”
My Habitat Clarkston aims to inspire neighboring communities to implement similar strategies and create a widespread culture of volunteerism. The group successfully hosts bi-annual community impact weekends, where 600-1,100 volunteers participate in community-based service projects.
My Habitat Clarkston is a grassroots movement of Clarkston area residents, community organizations, churches, businesses, chambers of commerce and other organizations that ensure that no member in their community is without resources to serve or be served.