On March 23rd, CEDAM staff attended the annual Habitat for Humanity of Michigan Awards Banquet at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing. The banquet honored supporters of Habitat for Humanity and exceptional volunteers during the 2009 year. The awards ceremony was followed by speeches from Governor Granholm and Jonathan Reckford, the CEO for Habitat for Humanity International. Also in attendance were around 40 Michigan legislators. Overall, a great showing of support for community development in Michigan!

This month the Greater Lansing Housing Coalition launched its new Tuesday Toolmen program. On the first Tuesday of the program, volunteers got together to build a wheelchair ramp. The volunteers will continue meeting on Tuesdays until November to do free home repairs and small construction projects for seniors and people with disabilities.

ASTI Environmental is working with Michigan State University and the Greening of Detroit to prepare a new pilot urban farming project in Detroit. ASTI will measure the quality of the soil to determine how best to prepare it for planting. The farm is expected to be fully operational within a year.

Finally, as we near the end of March we get closer to tax day. With that in mind, the Accounting Aid Society is offering help with tax preparation at sites across Michigan for low income individuals. AAS also offers tax preparation for those unable to travel to a tax site through their Homebound Program. To see a list of the tax preparation sites currently open, visit this part of the AAS website.