PORT HURON, MI — A partnership between Southeast Michigan Nonprofit Housing Corp (SEMNPHC) and Blue Water Habitat for Humanity (BWHFH) is turning a small, aging house into an affordable homeownership opportunity in Port Huron.
The collaboration aims to expand access to affordable housing in St. Clair County by pairing property acquisition with volunteer-driven rehabilitation.
The home, located at 3118 Conner St. in Port Huron, sits at the corner of Conner and 32nd streets. It was purchased by SEMNPHC in late 2025 for $47,000, according to Blue Water Developmental Housing (BWDH) Executive Director Lisa Beedon. BWDH manages SEMNPHC in St. Clair County.
The 675-square-foot, two-bedroom, one-bath house is now undergoing a full interior renovation. Beedon said the previous owner had attempted to take the home “off the grid,” leaving the property in need of extensive repairs.
“We took this opportunity to grab this house when it was on the market and bring it back to life,” said Beedon, who also serves as a St. Clair County commissioner.
Beedon said the goal is to create a pathway to homeownership for residents who may be stuck renting.
“We think it will be a good fit for someone looking to get out of that rental cycle,” she said.
Under the partnership, SEMNPHC acquired the property while Habitat is leading the rehabilitation effort using its volunteer base and construction programs.
“Our volunteers are finishing the framing this week so licensed contractors can move into electrical, HVAC and plumbing,” said Kara Geib, interim executive director of Blue Water Habitat for Humanity.
Once that phase is complete, crews will move through inspections before installing insulation and drywall.
The total cost of the project is expected to be roughly $100,000, with rehabilitation estimated between $50,000 and $55,000. Beedon said the home will likely be sold for slightly more than the total investment to allow the organizations to sustain similar projects in the future.
“We’re hoping to sell it for a little more than that so we can do it again and cover admin costs,” she said.
The future homeowner may also qualify for assistance through the city’s Urban Pioneer Program and other down payment support options, helping keep the mortgage affordable.
Work on the home is expected to be completed by mid-June, with the property likely listed for sale shortly after.
Beedon said the project reflects a shared mission between the two organizations to expand access to stable housing.
“We bought the house, and Habitat is helping us rehab it using their volunteers and programs,” she said.
If successful, both organizations say the model could be repeated to bring more affordable housing opportunities to the area.
Contact reporter Andy Jeffrey at ajeffrey@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Port Huron nonprofits rehab home to help renters become owners
Reporting by Andy Jeffrey, Port Huron Times Herald / Port Huron Times Herald
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