Our Story

Breaking Ground on Our First House in 1996

Otsego-Antrim Habitat for Humanity has been operating since September 8th, 1993. Throughout the years the staff, volunteers, and our board of directors have built a strong foundation impacting affordable housing in our community. An exciting aspect of our community outreach is engaging and collaborating with other businesses and nonprofits to make a larger impact. Together we can do so much more!  Every so often, it is good to take a look back, while keeping an eye on the future to ensure growth and sustainability.  Otsego-Antrim Habitat has worked diligently to keep organizational operating costs, and program costs down while maintaining our mission and vision in a rural area. In 2004, the Gaylord ReStore was added and in 2020 we acquired the Mancelona ReStore as programs of the Habitat affiliate to provide our residents an area to donate items that would typically end up in a landfill. The ReStore allows us to direct 100% of our cash donations to Habitat’s mission of putting God's love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and extend hope.

“Habitat for Humanity is one of our key partners in strengthening the community.  As a grantee, they efficiently and effectively end the cycle of poverty one family at a time.  In addition, they engage volunteers to share their time and talents building not only homes but meaningful relationships.” - Dana Bensinger

Community We Serve

On November 12, 2020 we opened the doors to the Antrim ReStore location in Mancelona.  Our new entity is now called Otsego-Antrim Habitat for Humanity and we will be providing housing programs to both counties.  Contributions made to OAHFH stay in both area's to help our communities. This means anyone who is a full-time resident of Antrim or Otsego County, and falls within our income guidelines, may apply for any of our programs. All applicants are considered without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, height, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, veterans, weight nor as state or federal law otherwise prohibits.

House 26

Our Housing Selection Committee is composed of individuals from our community that are familiar with Habitat, and who are well acquainted with our process. We use three selection criteria to remain objective during the selection process:

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1. The need for adequate shelter

2. The ability to pay for a mortgage, insurance and taxes

3. The willingness to partner with Habitat to build (sweat-equity)