Adrian, MI — Habitat for Humanity of Lenawee County and the LISD TECH Center’s Residential Construction program are excited to reestablish their impactful partnership. This renewed collaboration is poised to tackle the ongoing need for local affordable housing while providing high school students with invaluable, hands-on training in the construction trades.
Originally established in 1995, the collaboration between Habitat Lenawee and the LISD TECH Center was temporarily paused in 2020 due to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, including rising and unpredictable material costs and frequent school closures. Now, with stabilized conditions, both organizations are recommitting to serve the community and build on their history of success.
“We are thrilled to reignite this partnership with the LISD TECH Center,” said Wendy Knox, Executive Director of Habitat Lenawee. “This collaboration represents a vital step toward addressing the pressing need for affordable housing in Lenawee County while equipping the next generation of construction professionals with practical skills and experience.”
LISD TECH Center students enrolled in the Residential Construction program will play a vital role in Habitat Lenawee’s efforts, helping to double home production in the 2025-2026 school year. Plans include the construction of two new homes—one completed by LISD TECH Center students—and approximately 30 critical home repairs for local families. These initiatives will provide safe, affordable housing while fostering community stability and growth.
The LISD TECH Center’s Residential Construction program empowers high school students to develop industry skills such as carpentry, framing, and roofing through real-world projects. By collaborating with Habitat Lenawee, students are positioned for long-term success in a career field facing a significant labor shortage.
“This collaboration allow our students to develop real-world skills while making a meaningful impact in their own community,” said Jenny Heath, LISD Executive Director of CTE and Secondary Programs. “We are grateful for local business partners and community organizations like Habitat Lenawee for creating these rewarding opportunities for our career and technical education students.”
The demand for affordable housing in Lenawee County has reached critical levels, with many families struggling to secure safe and stable homes. Habitat Lenawee’s initiatives, bolstered by partnerships like this one, aim to close that gap while strengthening the fabric of the community.
Both organizations invite the public to support this shared mission by raising awareness about the importance of affordable housing and workforce development in the Lenawee County.
About Habitat for Humanity of Lenawee County
Founded in 1989, Habitat for Humanity of Lenawee County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing by building, rehabbing, and repairing homes in partnership with families in need. Since its inception, Habitat Lenawee has served over 100 homeowners and continues to create opportunities for affordable homeownership in Lenawee County.
About LISD TECH Center
The Lenawee Intermediate School District (LISD) TECH Center is a countywide, collaborative facility that has provided career and technical education to Lenawee County high school students for more than 50 years. Residential Construction program is one of 29+ state-approved Career Technical Education programs that combine minds-on and hands-on learning to prepare students for high-wage, high-skill, in-demand careers. High school juniors and seniors may take LISD TECH Center programs free of charge as part of their regular high school schedule.