Rachel Blachura works on the exterior of a new home being built on Westhaven Avenue in Southfield on Aug. 18.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

SOUTHFIELD — Michigan elected officials joined community volunteers at a build day with Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County to construct a new duplex in Southfield.


Southfield Mayor Kenson Siver poses with a sign at the build site for a new Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County duplex.
Photo by McKenna Golat

The build day took place Aug. 18 at 20850 Westhaven Ave. in Southfield, near Eight Mile and Evergreen roads, as part of the statewide Legislative Habitat Build Day coordinated by Habitat for Humanity Michigan. Joining Habitat volunteers were state and city leaders, including Southfield Mayor Kenson Siver, a Democrat, and state Rep. Ann Bollin, R-Brighton Township, whose district includes part of Novi.

This particular build marked the fifth affordable housing duplex in Southfield that Oakland County Habitat for Humanity built. Siver said that providing affordable housing to the residents of Southfield has always been a goal for himself.

He said that the city has the goal to build another 2,000 affordable housing units before 2030.

“We’re in a housing crisis in this country,” Siver said. “A lot of people have been priced out of buying a home — it’s out of reach. We’ve been working with Habitat for over 10 years to build people affordable housing.”

According to Siver, the city of Southfield has around 1,000 affordable housing projects that are either in development or awaiting approval, including single-family homes, two-family homes and apartments.


State Rep. Ann Bollin, whose district includes part of Novi, speaks with Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County Grants and Advocacy Officer Cassandra Summers-Corp.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Bollin said affordable housing, education and the economy are all key things she is ‘laser-focused’ on. She said the goal is to do the best for the most people.

“Affordability matters everywhere,” she said. “Housing has been a big priority for us in the Michigan House.”

Bollin said that in addition to Habitat for Humanity, there are other resources that can help Michigan residents find affordable housing, such as the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.

The duplex built on Westhaven Avenue is expected to have three bedrooms and 1 1/2 bathrooms with an attached garage. The groundbreaking took place in the spring, and it is anticipated to be completed before Christmas.