By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-904319.mp3
LANSING, MI –
Governor Granholm says there's a deal between the state and Habitat for Humanity that will allow 61 low-income families across Michigan to move into new or rehabilitated homes. Habitat for Humanity put those plans on hold in January after the state's housing agency cut its money.
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The Michigan State Housing Development Authority - or MSHDA - reduced the money Habitat for Humanity uses to help families with down payments. The amount is relatively small, about $2.5 million altogether, and Governor Granholm ordered the agency to come up with the money.
"Because I think Habitat does great work and, of course, we know MSHDA is struggling with funding, we wanted to make sure that Habitat was able to provide help to people who are struggling," she said.
But the governor warns the state has less money now for housing programs and Habitat for Humanity should not expect the same amount in the future. She says the same is true for other not-for-profit organizations that are all competing for a smaller pot of housing funds.
Habitat did not return a phone call seeking comment.