Dear Friends,

As we have learned over our 40 years as a Habitat for Humanity affiliate, the work of Habitat Grand Traverse Region is not just building structures, but developing communities. It is well documented that neighborhoods with homeowners are more stable and safer. Neighbors support each other, kids play together, and families share resources and common experiences that stem from a vibrant sense of community.

In 2025, our New Waves Community evolved from a few neighbors getting to know each other into a thriving neighborhood where kids play soccer at the center of the development, families walk dogs, and children on scooters coast around the quiet private road.

As I write this in summer of 2026, I am reminded of something that happened in late May. On a particularly warm weekend afternoon, a homeowner’s grown child filled a laundry basket with water balloons and carried them out to the center open space at New Waves. In just a few minutes every child in the development gathered. For hours, they were all engaged in simple neighborhood fun.

The impact of homeownership lasts longer than a season or a year. Habitat’s mission helps people change their lives by providing safe, healthy and affordable homes, which result in economic stability and generational change.

Each year we have been able to serve more families and change more lives because of your generosity. On behalf of all the Habitat staff, volunteers, and every Habitat homeowner, I want to extend our most sincere thanks.

Wendy Irvin
Chief Executive Officer
Habitat for Humanity Grand Traverse Region