Habitat Detroit and Gesher Human Services to Celebrate Home Dedication in Detroit for Single Mother-of-Five Who Has Transformed Her Family’s Life

Photo courtesy of Gesher Human Services | Molisia Young and 5 young children

Habitat for Humanity Detroit and Gesher Human Services will be celebrating a Detroit family’s journey towards homeownership with a home dedication ceremony on Tuesday, March 10, at 4 p.m. The event will acknowledge the perseverance and hard work of Molisia Young, a mother of five children between the ages of 8 and 18, who has achieved her dream of homeownership through extended financial education and hard physical work.

Three years ago, Young, 36, an employee of Gesher Human Services,

one of the largest human service agencies in metro Detroit, was struggling financially. She was living in a one-bedroom apartment with her five children when she heard about Gesher’s financial education programs open to employees along with the wider community. Young was connected to financial coach Emily Bergt and for one and half years Young took many financial literacy classes including a program called HarMoney which provides a grant for participants. “I started getting a better perspective on my finances and talking about my goals, the most important one being to become a homeowner,” said Young, who was then connected to Habitat for Humanity in Detroit.

Young was invited to a Home Dedication for another family, which inspired her to join the Habitat family. Now, almost a year and a half after joining the Homeownership Program, her goal to own her own home has become a reality for Molisia and her five children.

 “This home represents stability, safety, and a place where my children can grow without the fear of constant change,” said Young. “What was once a broken structure is now a beautiful home because of the generosity and dedication of sponsors and volunteers who gave their time, skills, and hearts and the support of Gesher Human Service and Habitat Detroit staff who believed in me and made this possible.”

Young works at Gesher’s Clubhouse for the Common Good,

a day center for people living with serious mental illnesses. She also graduated from college last year, gaining an associate’s degree in applied science with a major in Mental health and pre-social work, and plans to continue her studies at Wayne State University. Young is the first in her family of eight siblings to attain this level of education and is also the first in her family to become a homeowner.

While the Habitat Detroit Homeownership Program builds and rehabs homes, it also prepares individuals and families for the entire homeownership journey. Young worked diligently to become financially prepared and played an active role in the construction of her home through “sweat equity”, 144 hours of renovation which included demolishing the ceilings in her home and removing all the electricals working alongside volunteers from companies such as Ford and Rubicon. Now Young continues to educate herself through housing counseling, webinars and one-on-one sessions.

Gesher’s Financial Education Manager Latsha Cunningham said Young was an inspiration.

“She took advantage of all the financial education resources we have to offer the metro Detroit community and, like so many of our participants in financial programming, she used them to transform her life,” said Cunningham. “Now she will not have to worry about rent increases, or a landlord evicting her, which will provide long term security to her and her family.”

Habitat Detroit’s CEO, Stephanie Osterland said Young’s perseverance and deep commitment to creating a stable future for her children reflected the very purpose of the Homeownership Program and the transformative power of strong service partnerships.  “Our program aims to help build wealth, assets, and opportunities for the next generation of Detroit citizens,” said Osterland. “Molisia’s story shows what’s possible when homebuyers are supported every step of the way. Our collaboration with Gesher Human Services ensures that families like Molisia’s receive the guidance, resources, and encouragement needed to achieve the dream of homeownership.”

About Gesher Human Services

Gesher Human Services is a non-profit organization providing a bridge to hope and opportunity for people at work, at home, and in the community. It is dedicated to helping people across metro Detroit lead more stable and fulfilling lives through workforce development, career mobility, behavioral health, inclusion programming, and residential services that serve all metro Detroiters while meeting the needs of the Jewish community. The organization works with job seekers, individuals with disabilities, older adults, and the broader community to provide the skills, support, and equitable opportunities necessary for people to succeed. Gesher draws on over 110 years of combined experience to facilitate equitable employment opportunities and enhance mental health outcomes for Metro Detroiters. With a network of almost 500 employees and volunteers across more than 25 locations in southeast Michigan, Gesher delivers a continuum of services and support that directly impacts the lives of nearly 34,000 individuals and families annually. More information at www.geshermi.org.