First Gentleman Mulhern Joins AmeriCorps at Habitat Build

Port Huron, Michigan, May 21, 2005 – Today First Gentleman Mulhern joined more than 160 Michigan’s AmeriCorps members from across the state for the annual Russ Mawby Signature Service Project.  AmeriCorps members swung hammers, pounded nails, and laid cement to help support the Blue Water Habitat for Humanity’s Jimmy Carter Work Project.

“AmeriCorps members are committed individuals who give of themselves throughout the year to make our communities safer and stronger for children and families,” said First Gentleman Daniel Mulhern, Chair of the Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC).   “Today the AmeriCorps members visibly demonstrated the power of volunteer service.”  

The Signature Service Project is an annual event hosted by the Michigan Community Service Commission, a state agency that helps strengthen communities through volunteer activities.  Project partners are Habitat for Humanity of Michigan and the Blue Water Habitat for Humanity.  This year’s event is part of the Jimmy Carter Work Project 2005.  Former President Jimmy Carter will join an estimated 6,000 volunteers to build more than 200 homes throughout Michigan with families in need.  Ten of those homes will be built in the Port Huron community.  President Carter will be in Detroit and Benton Harbor June 19-24, 2005. 

“Today’s project made a huge difference in our community,” said Jim Faulkner, Executive Director of the Blue Water Habitat for Humanity.  “We’re amazed at the commitment of these volunteers and are thrilled that they are helping us make the Jimmy Carter Work Project a reality in Port Huron.”

Also on hand to serve with and thank the AmeriCorps members were State Representative John Espinoza (D – District #83) and Vicki Selva, U. S. Senator Carl Levin’s Regional Manager.

Background:

Michigan's AmeriCorps is similar to a domestic Peace Corps.  Programs are housed within nonprofit organizations, schools, and other agencies throughout the state.  Individuals, called members, serve in these organizations to meet community needs around education, public safety, the environment, and other human needs.  In an average year, AmeriCorps members help improve the lives of more than 115,000 people and recruit approximately 18,000 volunteers.

The Russ Mawby Service Project is an annual event.  Each year AmeriCorps members from all around the state join together for a day of service.  By the end of the day, projects are completed, showing members and the community the power of volunteers in action.

The Michigan Community Service Commission builds a culture of service by providing vision and resources to strengthen communities through volunteerism.  In 2004-05, the MCSC is granting more than $6.9 million in federal funds to local communities for volunteer programs and activities.

Blue Water Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit ecumenical Christian housing ministry that builds quality, low cost homes in partnership with low-income families and the St. Clair County community.  Since 1990, Habitat has built 46 homes located in St. Clair County.  At the end of 2004, 46 families – 178 people – are living in Habitat homes in St. Clair County.

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