1. Habitat 101/HFHM Orientation
Aimed at new Habitat members, this session covers Habitat’s mission, homeownership model, and available resources. Understand operational pillars like homeowner services and volunteer engagement, and find essential resources for your work.

2. Level Up Your Advocacy with Creative and Tangible Tactics
Description: The Cost of Home campaign demonstrated the power of Habitat’s unified voice in creating change. Building on the network’s success, Habitat for Humanity is increasing its commitment to policy and systems change through our advocacy initiative, Habitat Voices in Action. Habitat Voices in Action will empower network advocacy efforts by embedding and integrating advocacy as a fundamental and dynamic part of our collective work. In addition to driving more policy and systems change, integrating advocacy can strengthen community engagement, attract new supporters and engage more partners. In this session, we will delve into the tactical elements of integrating advocacy and the wealth of tools, resources and guidance that has been designed to support and enhance these efforts. This session will also showcase innovative and effective advocacy tactics, from community mobilization to policymaker engagement and beyond. Participants will leave this session equipped with the knowledge and strategies to build and embed a robust advocacy plan within their existing organizational frameworks.

3. Homes: Code Changes - Kevin McNeely
This session provides a comprehensive overview of the recent changes to Michigan's residential building codes. Attendees will gain insight into the latest updates affecting home construction, renovation, and safety standards across the state. The session can count toward continuing education credits.

1. Board Training
Join us for essential Board Training, covering effective governance, meeting practices, and the roles of board vs. staff. Perfect for both new and seasoned members, this session builds your confidence to contribute successfully.

2. MyHabitat Training
Maximize your use of Habitat for Humanity's intranet with MyHabitat Training. This session helps you navigate resources effectively, ideal for anyone seeking to enhance their skills with the platform.

3. HR Updates
Stay informed with this vital session on HR topics. Led by an experienced HR expert, you'll learn about current and upcoming laws affecting your affiliate—essential for HR professionals and affiliate leaders.

4. Homes: Structure Reinforcing in Home Building - Kevin McNeeley

Unlock new funding opportunities for your Habitat affiliate by learning how to effectively pursue federal and state appropriations through local municipalities. This informative session will guide you through the often-complex process of accessing these valuable resources.

• Understanding the flow of federal and state funds to local governments
• Identifying relevant appropriations programs for affordable housing initiatives
• Building strategic partnerships with municipal leaders and departments
• Crafting compelling proposals that align with local priorities
• Navigating the application and approval processes
• Compliance and reporting requirements for appropriated funds

Learn from experienced fund development professionals who have successfully tapped into these funding streams. Gain practical strategies to diversify your affiliate's funding sources and amplify your impact in the community.

This session is ideal for fund development staff, executive directors, and board members looking to expand their organization's financial resources.

Board members and affiliate leaders, come get a crash course on engaging your board in fundraising. This session will equip attendees with the tools necessary to lead board members in your affiliate’s fundraising efforts.

Learn how to design and implement a comprehensive fund development plan that will drive your affiliate's financial growth and sustainability. This strategic session will guide you through the process of creating a tailored plan that aligns with your organization's mission, goals, and capacity.

Discover the untapped potential within your volunteer base! This strategic session explores effective methods to cultivate your dedicated volunteers into passionate donors, creating a powerful synergy between service and financial support.

Store leadership may be hesitant to dedicate more resources to proactive procurement when they are struggling with operational capacity and managing their current donor volume. Take a deep dive into managing the donor experience at every point, including how a donor hears about the Habitat ReStore; calling or scheduling a donation online; how the store handles screening and tactfully declining donations; optimization of routing, zoning and scheduling trucks; managing frustrated donors; whether donors should submit pictures of items; online booking; managing drivers and accountability; and follow-up and effective thank-you practices.

Explore innovative ways to boost your ReStore's financial contribution to your affiliate beyond traditional sales. This creative session will introduce you to out-of-the-box fundraising ideas that can generate additional revenue streams and engage your community in new ways.

Discover the power of constant evolution in your ReStore to captivate both new and returning customers. This dynamic session will explore strategies and techniques for keeping your store fresh, exciting, and shopper friendly.

This session will cover essential safety practices and standards for ReStore retail establishments. Topics include:

Overview of key safety regulations for retail environments
ReStore-specific safety considerations
Identifying and mitigating common workplace hazards
Proper handling and storage of donated items
Emergency preparedness and response
Resources for staying current with safety compliance requirements

Attendees will gain practical knowledge to enhance safety protocols and maintain regulatory compliance in their ReStore operations.

Overview of the multistep homeowner selection process that is regulated by federal and state laws and the two phases of the mortgage origination process: (1) Homeowner assessment phase, also known as the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) phase and (2) Final loan assessment phase, also known as the Real Estate and
Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) phase.

Join Freyja Harris, Executive Director of the Coalition for Home Repair, for an insightful session on strengthening your affiliate's home repair program through advocacy, innovative funding strategies, and strategic partnerships.

• Current landscape of home repair needs and policy trends
• Effective advocacy strategies for home repair at local and state levels
• Identifying and securing diverse funding sources for repair programs
• Building collaborative relationships with municipal code enforcers
• Developing proactive solutions to prevent code violations and foreclosures
• Case studies of successful home repair initiatives and their community impact

Learn how to work effectively with local government officials, including code enforcers, to create win-win solutions that address code violations while avoiding fees and foreclosures. Discover innovative approaches to fund and implement home repair projects that preserve affordable housing and revitalize communities.

This session will equip affiliate leaders, program managers, and advocacy staff with the tools and knowledge to expand their home repair efforts and make a lasting impact on housing stability in their communities.

Navigating Mortgage Solutions: Empowering Habitat Homebuyers
Join us for an informative panel discussion on diverse mortgage options available to Habitat homebuyers. This session brings together experts from Lake Trust Credit Union, Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (FHLBI), and other key players in the affordable housing finance sector.

Join us for an exploration of Habitat for Humanity Michigan's (HFHM) Housing & Financial Education programs. This comprehensive session offers a behind-the-scenes look at how these initiatives are changing lives and building stronger communities.

Discover fresh and inclusive approaches to sweat equity in this session. Learn how to create meaningful volunteer experiences for diverse groups, including youth under 18, individuals with disabilities, and those with time constraints. Expand your affiliate's volunteer base while ensuring everyone can contribute to Habitat's mission.

• Age-appropriate volunteer activities for children and teens
• Adaptive tasks for volunteers with various abilities and mobility levels
• Micro-volunteering opportunities for time-strapped supporters
• Virtual and remote volunteer options
• Non-construction sweat equity ideas (e.g., administrative, fundraising, advocacy)
• Balancing safety considerations with inclusivity

Gain practical ideas to diversify your volunteer opportunities and make your affiliate more accessible to a wider range of community members. Learn how to create a more inclusive volunteering environment that values all forms of contribution.

This session is perfect for volunteer coordinators, program managers, and family services staff looking to expand their sweat equity options and create a more inclusive volunteer program.

• 

  Britney Johnson

  Programs Director of Habitat for Humanity Detroit
• 

  Shannon Bonesteel

  Homeownership and Education Manager at Habitat for Humanity Detroit

Safety is paramount in Habitat's mission to build homes and hope. This session will provide comprehensive guidance on creating and maintaining safe construction environments for volunteers, staff, and partner families.

Safety Fundamentals:
• OSHA requirements and how they apply to Habitat worksites
• Essential personal protective equipment (PPE) for different tasks
• Proper tool usage and maintenance
• Identifying and mitigating common construction site hazards

Volunteer-Specific Safety Considerations:
• Tailoring safety briefings for volunteers of varying experience levels
• Assigning appropriate tasks based on skill and comfort levels
• Managing groups with diverse ages and abilities safely

Emergency Preparedness:
• Developing and communicating emergency action plans
• First aid and injury response protocols
• Documentation and reporting procedures for incidents

Creating a Culture of Safety:
• Incorporating safety into volunteer orientation and training
• Empowering volunteers to speak up about safety concerns
• Recognizing and rewarding safe practices

Weather and Environmental Safety:
• Managing heat stress and cold weather risks
• Adapting to challenging weather conditions
• Environmental hazards awareness (e.g., asbestos, lead paint)

Special Considerations:
• Safety protocols for youth volunteers and school groups
• Adapting safety measures for home repair and renovation projects
• Balancing productivity with safety priorities
This session is essential for construction managers, volunteer coordinators, site supervisors, and anyone responsible for overseeing Habitat build sites. Gain the knowledge and tools to create a safe working environment that protects your volunteers, staff, and the reputation of your affiliate.

Unlock the full potential of your ReStore by mastering the art of volunteer recruitment! This dynamic session focuses on innovative strategies to attract, engage, and retain volunteers specifically for the unique environment of your affiliate’s ReStores.

1. Understanding ReStore Volunteer Needs: Identifying key roles and skills required in ReStore operations • Creating compelling volunteer position descriptions
2. Targeting the Right Audience: Profiling ideal ReStore volunteers • Leveraging community partnerships for recruitment (e.g., retirement communities, schools, corporate partners)
3. Crafting Your Message: Developing a ReStore-specific volunteer value proposition • Creating engaging recruitment materials and campaigns
4. Innovative Recruitment Channels: Utilizing social media and digital platforms for volunteer outreach • Implementing peer-to-peer recruitment strategies
5. ReStore-Specific Onboarding: Designing orientation programs tailored to ReStore operations • Creating engaging training materials for different ReStore roles

This session is ideal for ReStore managers, volunteer coordinators, and Habitat affiliate leaders looking to build a strong, dedicated volunteer base for their ReStore operations. Come prepared to share your experiences and learn from peers as we explore innovative ways to attract and retain the volunteers who keep our ReStores thriving!

Join Michelle Pittel and Yvonne Lewis in exploring new programs aimed at assisting the ALICE population with opportunities that lend a hand up toward realizing their financial goals.

1) Leadership: Step-up into homeownership/transitional housing solutions
Explore creative strategies to support future Habitat homebuyers on their journey to homeownership. This forward-thinking session will delve into transitional housing solutions and step-up programs designed to help families overcome barriers and successfully prepare for Habitat homeownership.

• Lease-to-purchase models: structuring agreements and managing transitions
• Short-term rental programs for families completing Habitat requirements
• Collaborative partnerships with local agencies for wraparound services
• Balancing affiliate financial sustainability with family support
• Legal and regulatory considerations for transitional housing programs
• Success metrics and outcome tracking for step-up initiatives

2) Leadership: One Habitat: Bringing Affiliates Together for Collective Impact in Michigan
As Michigan’s Habitat affiliates continue their vital work of building homes, communities, and hope, the need for stronger collaboration has never been more urgent. This session explores how affiliates can come together to amplify their efforts, share resources, and leverage each other's strengths.

2) Leadership: Navigating Financial Uncertainty: Strategic Planning for Funding Gaps
In this session, Habitat for Humanity affiliate leaders will explore strategies to secure vital funding for capacity building and unrestricted operational needs. We'll discuss innovative approaches to diversify funding sources, build resilient financial models, and effectively communicate your organization's impact to potential donors. Participants will learn practical techniques for identifying and pursuing grants, fostering corporate partnerships, and engaging individual donors for long-term support. Join us to develop a robust financial strategy that ensures your affiliate's sustainability and growth in uncertain times.
Key Topics:
Identifying diverse funding sources for capacity building
Strategies for securing unrestricted operational funding
Building compelling narratives to attract donors
Leveraging data and impact stories in grant applications
Cultivating relationships with corporate sponsors
Implementing effective individual giving programs

In this session for nonprofit leaders, financial managers, and board members, expert auditors will provide a comprehensive overview of financial controls vital to protecting your organization from fraudulent activity. Attendees will gain in-depth knowledge of:

• Risk Assessment: Identifying vulnerable areas in your nonprofit's financial processes
• Internal Control Systems: Implementing robust checks and balances
• Segregation of Duties: Strategies to prevent concentration of financial responsibilities
• Documentation and Reporting: Best practices for maintaining transparent financial records
• Technology Solutions: Leveraging software and digital tools for enhanced oversight
• Red Flags: Recognizing early warning signs of potentially fraudulent activity
• Response Protocols: Developing action plans for addressing suspected fraud

This session, presented by experienced auditing professionals, will equip nonprofit leaders with the knowledge and tools to protect their organizations' financial integrity and maintain donor trust.