Habitat for Humanity Sells Fifth Home in Lansing's Northtown Neighborhood

Habitat for Humanity Lansing has just sold its fifth house in three years in Lansing’s Northtown neighborhood. Since 1987, the organization has rehabilitated or built 84 homes in the area.

The latest home, located at 1433 Massachusetts Ave., was donated to Habitat for Humanity by a private resident in 2008. It was in near-complete condition, which is rare for homes donated to Habitat for Humanity, says Executive Director Denise Paquette.

“This was a phenomenal donation,” says Paquette. “I hope people think positively about the person who donated this house.”

It is appraised at $97,000 after more than 200 Habitat for Humanity volunteers made renovations. Features include three bedrooms, two bathrooms, full kitchen amenities and a washer and dryer in the 1,100 square foot home.

The home is to be bought by Angel and Amanda Bonilla, high school sweethearts and first-time homebuyers with two children. Angel works in restaurants while Amanda does in-home healthcare, says Paquette. They are required to pay a maximum of 30 percent of their income toward the house, and will receive a $12,000 grant from the Michigan State Housing and Development Authority (MSHDA) to help cover costs.

“The Bonillas are thrilled beyond thrilled,” she says. “This is one of the biggest investments a family can make to move up and now they have that opportunity.”

Source: Denise Paquette, Habitat for Humanity Lansing

Writer: Andy Balaskovitz