News & Events

First State Bank Employee Volunteers Join Macomb Habitat for Humanity Home Build

Jul 24, 2018

St. Clair Shores, MI July 24, 2018 – First State Bank’s recent check presentation to Macomb Habitat for Humanity has evolved to a donation of another kind. In support of First State Bank employees will be volunteering their time and sweat equity for the construction of a home site in Eastpointe in support of the work Habitat is doing to improve the community.

Earlier this month, First State Bank presented Macomb Habitat for Humanity with a check for $5,000 to support the organization’s vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. The bank’s donation will help the non-profit’s efforts locally as they refurbish a home in Eastpointe for a local family in need. 

“As a community financial institution, First State Bank works every day to help families realize their dreams of home ownership through traditional mortgage or special programs. However, programs like Habitat for Humanity create a pathway for those unable to take a more traditional approach to home ownership,” explains Gene Lovell, President and CEO at First State Bank. “Home ownership can make a world of difference – and we are excited to partner with Macomb Habitat to build this home and to build a brighter future for the receiving family.”

In addition to financial support, First State Bank also offers a volunteer program which provides First State Bank employees eight hours of paid time to volunteer for community-based organizations such as Montcalm Habitat for Humanity. “We look forward to putting in some time helping the family actually build this home,” states John Guarini, First State Bank lender.

Macomb Habitat for Humanity’s reach extends far beyond brick and mortar. “It’s more than home construction,” says Helen Hicks, Executive Director of Macomb Habitat, “we’re building a way of life.” A commitment is required from all families entering the program. In addition to demonstrating both a need for shelter and an ability to make payments on their home, each receiving family must commit to a specified amount of sweat equity, putting in time on the construction of their home.

“We also aim to make home ownership affordable with no more than 30% of a homeowner’s monthly income going towards the monthly payment,” added Hicks. “When families aren’t paying staggering rental rates, they are able to find room in their budgets to better nourish their families, save for emergencies, and provide supplies and support for the education of their children.”

Construction on the Eastpointe project is in full swing and expected to be completed within the next three months. For further details about how you can donate time or funds to Macomb Habitat for Humanity, visit http://macombhabitat.org/

To learn more about Macomb Habitat for Humanity or to donate to the organization, please visit www.macombhabitat.org.

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First State Bank is headquartered in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. With 101 years of service and $692 million in assets, First State Bank serves Macomb County with 11 branch offices located in Chesterfield Township, Clinton Township, Eastpointe, Macomb Township, Richmond, St. Clair Shores, Sterling Heights, Washington Township, and a Loan Center in Clinton Township. For more information, please visit www.fsb.bank or call 866-372-1275.