Ever since Millard and Linda Fuller founded Habitat for Humanity in 1976, the groundbreaking organization’s Michigan Affiliates have built over 1,500 homes. In Macomb County–home of the Big Nail–Macomb County Habitat for Humanity is drawing attention by using a new construction technique that calls for Styrofoam blocks to be used in the walls for added stability, insulation, and soundproofing.

From Charles E. Ramirez at The Detroit News:

The new ranch style house being built for Michael Alford and his family will look like a lot of other Habitat for Humanity houses in Macomb County, but it’s the first of its kind. That’s because Macomb County Habitat for Humanity is using a new technique to build it by putting Styrofoam blocks in the walls for added insulation.

“We originally planned a conventional construction of the (Alford) house,” said Daniel Wiiki, the nonprofit’s executive director. “But this opportunity came up, and we said, ‘Let’s see how it works.’”

The method makes houses more energy-efficient.

“The families we partner with for our houses are low-income,” said Wiiki. “They don’t have a lot of resources to work with, so we want to make sure our houses are affordable in the first place and they continue to be affordable.”

Michael Alford thinks the new technology should be a big benefit for his family. “Not only is it supposed to make the house 40 to 70 percent more energy efficient, it’s supposed to also soundproof it,” he said.

Click here for the rest of article, and here for more information about Macomb County Habitat for Humanity.

This Saturday, September 9, the Macomb County Food Program will host a fun-filled day of entertainment while promising hope and so much more for Macomb County families in need. For the 5th straight year, the L.E.T.S. E.A.T. (Leaders Emerging To Secure Emergency Aid Together) Food Drive–which takes place at Freedom Hill County Park in Sterling Heights–will feature live entertainment, a magic show, face painting, a petting zoo, moon walks, and lots of vendors with food and refreshments.

In 2005, the L.E.T.S. E.A.T. Food Drive raised $51,000 and 13,700 lbs. of non-perishable food items for families in need.

The schedule for this year’s event (Saturday, September 9, 2006) includes:

Noon - Opening Ceremonies with color guard and vocalist
12:30 pm - Entertainment: My Bedbugs
1:00 pm - Vocalist: Theresa Randazzo
1:15 pm - Starlight Dance Center & Dancers Only
1:30 pm - A Tribute to the King (Elvis, of course)
1:45 pm - STAND Strength Team
2:30 pm - Magic Show
2.45 pm - Andrea Redmond Dance Academy
3:15 pm - Entertainment: My Bedbugs (2nd Show)
4:00 pm - Lutheran High School North Dance Team
4:45 pm - Entertainment: Bluz Brothers
5:00 pm - Entertainment: My Bedbugs (3rd Show)
5:30 pm - Raffle Drawing
6:00 pm - Fade To Grey
7:45 pm - Closing Remarks and Thank You

Admission and parking are free with a donation. Visit the Food Drive website at www.letseat5.com for more information. Freedom Hill County Park is located at 15000 Metropolitan Parkway in Sterling Heights, Michigan, between Schoenherr and Utica Roads. For information on the Park, call (586) 979-7010 or visit www.freedomhillcountypark.com.