Pre-Conference Sessions (see tabs above for session descriptions)
Lunch
Pre-Conference Sessions (see tabs above for session descriptions)
HFHM Board Meeting (Board Members and Executive Directors)
HFHM Board Dinner (Board Members and Executive Directors)
Networking Breakfast
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Keynote: Nick Lavery | Resilience in Action: Overcoming Adversity and Inspiring Change
Join us for an inspiring keynote address by Nick Lavery, a highly decorated Army Green Beret and combat veteran who exemplifies resilience and determination. Nick's extraordinary journey of overcoming severe combat injuries to return to active duty as the first above-the-knee amputee to complete the Special Forces Qualification Course is a testament to the power of the human spirit. In this powerful session, Nick will share his extraordinary story of overcoming adversity, including his recovery and return to active duty after sustaining life-threatening injuries in combat. He will share insights on:
• Developing mental toughness in the face of extreme challenges • The importance of adaptability and perseverance in achieving goals • Building and leading high-performance teams in demanding environments • Translating military leadership principles to civilian and professional life
Nick's message of hope, courage, and unwavering commitment will inspire attendees to push beyond perceived limitations and strive for excellence in their personal and professional lives. His unique perspective on leadership, teamwork, and resilience is sure to resonate with audience members from all backgrounds.
Prepare to be moved, motivated, and equipped with strategies to face your own challenges head-on.
Nick Lavery
Chief Warrant Officer Two (CW2)
Meet & Greet with Nick Lavery
Book signing and network with exhibitors
Breakout Sessions (see tabs above for session descriptions)
Refreshment Break with Exhibitors
Networking Lunch with Exhibitors
Refreshment Break with Exhibitors
Breakout Sessions (see tabs above for session descriptions)
Refreshment Break with Exhibitors
Breakout Sessions (see tabs above for session descriptions)
Refreshment Break with Exhibitors
Leadership Council Meetings Additional Activity
Local vendors shopping (Home Depot?) Activity
Fun Night with Exhibitors
Join us in the lower level of the hotel for a fun filled evening including a pizza bar and beverages, karaoke, mini golf, laser tag, arcade games and more.
Networking Breakfast & Topic Council Breakfast Meeting
Topics: Services, Fund Development, Volunteer
Transition Break
Worship Service
Transition Break
Breakout Sessions (see tabs above for session descriptions)
Transition Break
Meager Meal Luncheon
Transition Break
Breakout Sessions (see tabs above for session descriptions)
Transition break
Breakout Sessions (see tabs above for session descriptions)
Transition Break
Breakout Sessions (see tabs above for session descriptions)
Transition Break
Leadership (continued) OR NW DEI Training
Awards Ceremony, Welcome Reception & Banquet
Networking Breakfast
Transition Break
Breakout Sessions
Topic Councils (Construction, ReStore)
Affiliate Self-Assessment for Organizational Health In this session for Habitat for Humanity affiliate leaders, board members, and key staff, we'll dive deep into the process of conducting a comprehensive self-assessment to ensure your organization's long-term health and success. Learn how to identify strengths, uncover areas for improvement, and develop actionable plans for growth.
Breakout Sessions
CDFI Panel Join us for an enlightening panel discussion featuring representatives from leading Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) operating in Michigan. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the diverse financing options available for community development and housing projects across the state.
Safeguarding All affiliated staff, board members and volunteers in leadership positions are invited to join this session to gain training in safeguarding while attending the affiliate support organization conference. This is a live and interactive workshop of the online safeguarding training. This course will be most beneficial for those staff members who facilitate the group safeguarding training at their affiliates and for those staff/board members who need to take safeguarding training. Attendance and participation in this workshop will provide you with the U.S. safeguarding training requirement (Policy 34, “Affiliates must provide regular safeguarding training for all of their board members, staff members, and volunteers in leadership positions.”)
Breakout Sessions (Plan to join one of the following)
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. Shared Equity | Community Land Trust Discover Shared Equity and Community Land Trusts (CLTs) as sustainable housing solutions. Learn the fundamentals, explore successful examples, and understand the legal and financial frameworks. Engage in a Q&A with experts to tackle your questions.
4. Homes: TBD
Networking Lunch
Breakout Sessions (Plan to join one of the following)
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. Affiliate Leader Support from Your Peers Engage in a collaborative session for affiliate leaders to connect and share experiences. This is a chance to learn from peers, strengthen community ties, and gain valuable support in your leadership journey.
5. Homes: TBD
Navigating the Municipal Gateway: Securing Federal and State Appropriations Funding
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.
Intentional Marketing to reach donors, volunteers, ReStore customers and clients
"When communication follows a comprehensive plan, it will create a flow of successful contacts with your constituents. Your entire community is your audience, and to keep them engaged messaging needs to be regular and varied.
Your only communication with donors cannot be the day or week before you want them to donate. When you want an action in April, you need to lay the groundwork starting in January and have the action steps in motion by March . The work of communication is significantly easier and cheaper when intentional and preplanned.
Board members and fundraising
Unlock the potential of technology to streamline your fund development and volunteer management processes. This session will introduce you to essential software platforms that can revolutionize your affiliate's operations and boost efficiency.
Navigating the Funding Landscape: Maximizing Resources for Housing Production
Discover funding opportunities to boost your affiliate's housing production capacity. This comprehensive session will explore diverse funding sources and strategies to support your construction and renovation projects.
Crafting Your Roadmap to Success: Creating an Effective Fund Development Plan
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.
Tech Essentials: Empowering Fund Development and Volunteer Management
"Unlock the potential of technology to streamline your fund development and volunteer management processes. This session will introduce you to essential software platforms that can revolutionize your affiliate's operations and boost efficiency.
• Overview of popular Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems for nonprofits • Donor management software: features, benefits, and top options • Volunteer management platforms: tracking, scheduling, and engagement tools • Integration capabilities between fund development and volunteer software • Basic data management and reporting features for decision-making • Email marketing and communication tools for donor and volunteer outreach • Online giving platforms and their integration with other systems • Cost considerations and ROI for small to medium-sized affiliates
Learn how to select the right tools for your affiliate's needs and budget. Gain practical tips for implementation, data migration, and staff training. Discover how these technologies can save time, improve donor and volunteer relationships, and provide valuable insights for strategic planning.
This session is ideal for fund development professionals, volunteer coordinators, and affiliate leaders who want to harness the power of technology but aren't sure where to start.
From Hands-On to Hands-In: Transforming Volunteers to Committed Donors
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.
Managing the Habitat ReStore Donor Experience
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.
Driving Habitat ReStore Business Decisions with Data
Store and affiliate leadership involved in decision-making for their Habitat ReStores are invited to join this session for an overview of national Habitat ReStore performance and thrift industry trends to help in making data-driven decisions. From the data and information presented, attendees will begin to develop a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, or SWOT, analysis specific to their Habitat ReStore and join in focused discussions with peer affiliates on leveraging emerging Habitat ReStore and thrift trends. This is a great opportunity for executive directors and store managers and directors to attend together to strengthen the budget development process.
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.
ReStore Reinvention: The Art of Regular Refresh
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.
Synergy in Action: Leveraging Fund Development, Marketing, and Mission for ReStore Success
Discover innovative strategies to boost your ReStore's performance through collaboration with fund development and marketing teams, while strengthening its connection to Habitat's core mission. This session will provide practical insights and creative solutions to elevate your ReStore's impact and visibility.
ReStore Safety
TBA
Powering Your ReStore: Strategies for Targeted Volunteer Recruitment
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.
Homeowner and Mortgage introductory Workshop • Pt. 1
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.
Homeowner and Mortgage Introductory Workshop • Pt. 2
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.
Empowering Home Repair: Advocacy, Funding, and Community Partnerships
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.
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.
Powering Home Repairs and Efficiency: Consumers Energy Programs and Partnerships
"Join us for an informative session with a representative from Consumers Energy to explore valuable programs and partnership opportunities that can enhance your affiliate's home repair and construction efforts.
• Available funding for home repair projects • Energy efficiency construction incentives • How to access and leverage these programs for Habitat projects • Qualification criteria for homeowners and construction projects • Application processes and timelines • Success stories and best practices from other affiliates
Discover how partnering with Consumers Energy can help stretch your budget, improve energy efficiency in Habitat homes, and provide additional support to homeowners in need of repairs.
This session is essential for construction managers, family services staff, and executive directors looking to expand their resources and improve the energy efficiency of their projects.
Empowering Futures: An In-Depth Look at HFHM's Housing & Financial Education Programs
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.
Serving Those Who Served: Veteran Funding Opportunities and Inspiring Success Stories
Join us for an impactful session that explores the vital intersection of veteran support, housing initiatives, and funding opportunities. This comprehensive presentation will showcase how Habitat for Humanity affiliates can effectively serve veteran communities while leveraging available resources.
Inclusive Sweat Equity: Innovative Volunteer Opportunities for All
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.
Navigating the Line: Volunteer Roles and IRS Compliance
Explore the crucial balance between maximizing volunteer engagement and maintaining compliance with IRS regulations. This informative session will help you understand the boundaries of appropriate volunteer roles within your Habitat affiliate.
Building Safely: Ensuring Volunteer Safety on Habitat Construction Sites
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.
Cultivating Inclusion: Strategies for Volunteer Work
This session focuses on creating and maintaining inclusive environments within volunteer programs. Participants will learn the importance of fostering a culture where everyone feels valued, heard and included, regardless of their background. We will explore best practices for promoting inclusivity through case studies and group activities, such as implementing equitable recruitment processes; providing ongoing diversity, equity and inclusion training; and ensuring diverse representation in decision-making roles. Attendees will leave with a comprehensive understanding of creating an inclusive volunteer program that reflects and serves the community.
Powering Your ReStore: Strategies for Targeted Volunteer Recruitment
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.
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
Learn how to implement programs that provide stability and support for families while they work towards Habitat homeownership. Gain insights into creating a pipeline of well-prepared homebuyers and increasing your affiliate's impact in the community.
This session is ideal for executive directors, program managers, and board members looking to expand their affiliate's housing solutions and better serve families in their homeownership journey.
Empowering Home Repair: Advocacy, Funding, and Community Partnerships
An insightful session on strengthening your affiliate's home repair program through advocacy, innovative funding strategies, and strategic partnerships.
Navigating Financial Uncertainty: Strategic Planning for Funding Gaps
In this leadership session, learn how to steer your affiliate through periods of financial uncertainty and funding gaps. Develop strategic planning skills to maintain operations, meet community needs, and emerge stronger from challenging financial times.
Building and Retaining a High-Performing Team: Strategies for Habitat Affiliates
In this leadership session, explore effective strategies for attracting top talent, making smart hiring decisions, and fostering a work environment that promotes long-term staff retention. Learn how to build a resilient and motivated team that will drive your affiliate's success.
Safeguarding Your Nonprofit: Essential Financial Controls to Prevent and Detect Fraud
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.
CEDAM Programs Info Session
Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM), join CEDAM's Real Estate Program Manager, Sandy Pearson, to learn about CEDAM and ways to partner with them. Sandy is past president & CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Michigan. CEDAM is a nonprofit membership association building vibrant communities across Michigan. CEDAM's capacity building programs, policy advocacy, and training events emphasize supporting communities in the areas of affordable housing, economic growth, and wealth-building at both the federal and state levels. Through engagement and collaboration with CEDAM members, policymakers, state departments, and other partners, we sustain a thriving and equitable community economic development sector across the state.
"101" How-To Guide and Kick-Off an Office Hours/Open Call Time
Innovative building ideas: all-electric, modular, offsite for all-electric
