[This post is part of the monthly CEDAM Member News Roundup series.  If you have news to share, send it our way or leave a message in the comments section at the bottom of this post.]

The Michigan Individual Development Account Partnership has been awarded $514,822 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families. MIDAP is a collaborative managed by CEDAM member, Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency (OLHSA), with funding support from MSHDA.  The funds will be used to create Individual Development Accounts (IDAs), which help low-income households build up savings for a home, small business, or education purchase. Read more.

During July, the Community Housing Network needs your votes to win $50,000 in the Pepsi Refresh Project (please vote every day). This grant will fill operational gaps and enable them to provide beds and basic household furnishings for the houses they build.  Vote Here. See photos here from CHN’s recent groundbreaking for a new supportive housing property.

Creekside Community Development Corporation was recently featured in Model D highlighting their work in Northeast Detroit.   In May and June, Creekside worked with the Greening of Detroit to beautify A.B. Ford Park in preparation for Pizazz in the Park on Saturday, August 23.  They also closed on 10 affordable, green homes.  Creekside is also hosting a kayaking demonstration on July 24^th and a kayak tour of the East Riverfront on August 12^th.

Detroit’s Community Legal Resources, through the Detroit Vacant Property Campaign, awarded $60,000 to 16 local community-based groups.  The funds will be used to reduce vacant properties in Detroit and turn these areas into neighborhood assets.  CEDAM members Creekside Community Development Corporation, St. Ignatius Nonprofit Housing Corporation, Prevailing Community Development Corporation, Nortown Community Development Corporation and Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation are among the organizations to receive the funds. Read more.

Recently, Witherbee’s Market & Deli opened in Downtown Flint.  The 8,000-square-foot full-service grocery story and deli is stocked with packaged sandwiches and salads for pickup and outside seating for downtown workers and college students.  The Neighborhood Improvement and Preservation Project secured the financing and rehabilitated the old tire shop.  The store provides new options and a closer facility for the downtown area residents. Read more.

Habitat for Humanity started their first family build in Detroit.  This is an initiative by Gov. Granholm and First Gentleman Dan Mulhern to rebuild and revitalize Michigan.  Members of Granholm family joined volunteers from Henry Ford Health System and Habitat for Humanity Detroit in the building. Read more or watch a video.