Home to stay awarded new grant

Midland Area Homes, Inc. d.b.a Home To Stay Housing Assistance Center has been awarded a grant in the total amount of $50,000 from The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation. The grant award was given to support the purchase of a new vehicle for the Home To Stay Furniture Redistribution program. ​

Home To Stay Housing Assistance Center promotes self-sufficiency to Midland County residents in need of stable housing and support services. Home To Stay opened its doors to safe, affordable housing in 1969 when 10 local churches formed the organization to improve housing conditions of low-income residents.  A team of dedicated volunteers, board of directors and staff have a collective vision of a community with safe, stable housing for all. 

Home To Stay is designated by the State of Michigan as the Housing Assessment and Resource Agency (HARA) for Midland County, making the agency a recognized central point of intake for high-need individuals and families facing eviction or homelessness.

Home To Stay works towards its mission through the implementation of key programs like the Furniture Redistribution program.  The Furniture Redistribution program recognizes that furniture needs can arise at any time. Things like house fires, evictions, or a fixed income can all be factors.  With this program, Home To Stay accepts new and gently used furniture from the community, then can provide those items to Midland County residents who are in need. 

Another program at Home To Stay is the Homeless Prevention program which includes case management, rental assistance, advocacy, housing resource information and referrals.

A third critical support program is the Home Repair Program, which helps low-income residents and seniors with repairs or replacements to keep them safely housed.

“The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation supports programs and projects that add an important dimension to community life, like our Furniture Redistribution Program,” said Joe Coffey, Executive Director at Home To Stay.  “It really is community partners, like The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, that allow Home To Stay to continue our work toward safe, stable and affordable housing for all.  We are truly grateful,” Coffey added.