Old National Bank Foundation 20 for 20 Grantee Profiles: Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley
As part of its 20th anniversary celebration, and two decades of helping build stronger, more vibrant and prosperous communities, the Old National Bank Foundation in 2026 is donating a total of $20,000 to 20 nonprofit organizations throughout its nine-state footprint, including Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley in Ann Arbor, Mich.
For more than three decades, Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley has partnered with families, volunteers, donors, businesses and communities to create and preserve affordable homeownership throughout Washtenaw County. Its work extends far beyond home construction, helping families build equity, achieve financial stability and invest in brighter futures.
Access to safe housing
Founded in 1989, Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley addresses one of the most fundamental needs facing many families and individuals: access to safe, affordable housing. Through its Home Ownership Program, Home Improvement Program and Community Development Program, the organization helps create and sustain affordable homeownership opportunities for households earning between 30% and 80% of the area's median income.
Since its inception, Habitat has:
- Built or renovated more than 295 homes
- Completed more than 10,750 home improvement projects
- Participated in more than 260 neighborhood beautification and community events
Along the way, it has helped strengthen neighborhoods, improve housing stability and expand economic opportunity for families throughout the region.
“Affordable homeownership creates opportunities that extend well beyond housing,” said Leah Tessman, Director of Grants, Corporate & Faith Giving. “When families have a stable place to live, they are better positioned to build financial security, invest in their children's futures and contribute to stronger communities.”
Success story: Afua Stingley
One of those families is headed by Afua Stingley, who purchased her Habitat home in 2016 after experiencing significant financial hardship, including losing a home to foreclosure during the 2008 housing crisis. Through Habitat's homeownership program, she gained not only an affordable mortgage but also valuable financial education and budgeting skills that helped her establish a stronger financial foundation.
Since becoming a homeowner, Afua has experienced remarkable changes in her life. She reports less stress, greater financial security, improved physical and mental well-being, and stronger stability for her family. The security of affordable homeownership enabled her to continue her education, obtain a higher-paying job and begin saving for the future while setting a positive example for her children.
“Habitat was one of the best decisions I ever made in my life,” Afua said. “It taught valuable world lessons.”
Habitat's impact extends beyond helping families achieve homeownership. In response to growing community needs, the organization launched its Home Improvement Program to help homeowners remain safely in their homes through critical repairs, accessibility modifications and energy-efficiency improvements. It later expanded those efforts to include aging-in-place services for older adults, serving hundreds of households and helping residents maintain independence while avoiding costly housing-related challenges.
A shared commitment
The partnership between the Old National Bank Foundation and Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley reflects a shared commitment to creating stronger neighborhoods and expanding access to affordable housing. Through funding, volunteerism and leadership support, Old National has helped Habitat continue its mission of creating lasting housing stability throughout Washtenaw County.
“Old National Bank's commitment to Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley has helped strengthen neighborhoods and create lasting housing stability for families and individuals throughout our community,” said Tessman. “Because of Old National's support, more homeowners are remaining safely in their homes, more families are building stability and wealth through homeownership, and more neighborhoods are thriving.”
Together, the Old National Bank Foundation and Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley are helping ensure that more families have access to the stability, opportunity and sense of belonging that accompany homeownership, creating benefits that will be felt for generations to come.
“Our ‘20 for 20’ campaign recognizes 20 organizations that have helped strengthen communities and expand opportunity through their partnership with the Old National Bank Foundation,” said Old National Bank Foundation President Joe Kiser. “Their leadership, innovation, and commitment to serving others reflect the very best of what can happen when communities come together around a shared purpose. As we celebrate the Foundation’s 20th anniversary, these organizations represent the many communities, causes, and partnerships that have shaped the Foundation’s work over the past two decades.”
To learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley, visit its website.
Each year, the Old National Bank Foundation endeavors to fund as many initiatives that meet our funding priorities as possible across our footprint. For more information on grants or the Old National Bank Foundation, click here.
