Great Lakes Wire

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently announced a program to help cities and nonprofits enhance area housing, reduce energy costs and lower their carbon.

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) joined Whitmer in announcing the funding of $10 million for cities across Michigan through the Michigan Housing Opportunities Promoting Energy Efficiency (MI-HOPE) program, according to an Oct. 31 news release.

"The MI-HOPE program will invoke positive change and improve living conditions for Michiganders across the state," Tonya Joy, Neighborhood Housing Initiatives Division director, said in the release. “Making energy-efficient home repairs will help people save money on costs like heating and cooling, giving them more breathing room to put food on the table, purchase school supplies for their kids and many other necessary home and lifestyle purchases.”

Cities interested in housing renovations with an energy-efficiency focus can apply for the program, the release stated.

"We are taking action to lower energy costs for Michiganders by funding $10 million of home repairs and energy-efficiency upgrades," Whitmer said. "The MI-HOPE program puts more money in Michiganders’ pockets, revitalizes housing, and helps our state meet its clean energy goals. The repairs and upgrades funded by this program can be used on a wide range of home changes, including roof repair, insulation, or heating/cooling system installation. Let’s keep working together to lower costs and make our homes more comfortable and efficient.”

The MI-HOPE program will award $28.5 million in grants through competitive funding rounds by utilizing money from the American Rescue Plan to aid homeowners make their homes more energy efficient, according to the release.

A second round of funding for the program is scheduled to be announced in spring 2023 with award determinations based on competitive funding rounds, the release stated.