IBEW NECA 665 recently teamed up with Habitat for Humanity Capital Region to provide both financial assistance and skilled volunteer labor, ensuring more families in mid-Michigan have a safe and affordable place to call home.
The union-and-contractors association offset the costs of electrical work completed by Leading Edge Electrical Technologies, an IBEW NECA 665 contractor, for a Habitat for Humanity home in Lansing’s Eastfield Neighborhood.
The house, donated by University of Michigan Health – Sparrow, is over 120 years old and needed all new electrical to ensure the future owner’s safety. The union and contractors’ support means the funds that would be put into this unexpected project can now be invested into helping additional families through Habitat Capital Region programs.
Beyond financial aid, the labor union and contractors also brought hands-on expertise to a second future Habitat home in the neighborhood. IBEW NECA 665 arranged for several of its apprentices to work alongside Habitat Capital Region’s volunteer electrician. Together, they replaced all the switches and outlets in just a single Saturday morning. This work, provided entirely free of charge, not only benefited the family who will soon move in but also served as a valuable training opportunity for the apprentices.
“This partnership is a win-win,” said Brent Taylor, Habitat Capital Region President & CEO. “IBEW NECA 665 is making an incredible impact—not just by ensuring these homes are safe and move-in ready, but also by helping us stretch our resources further. Thanks to their generosity, we can assist even more of our neighbors in achieving homeownership.”
From the union’s perspective, "We give back to the community that supports us,” said Aaron Pangborn, IBEW Local 665 Business Manager. “Having our apprentices volunteer their time to this project was a no-brainer—it's a chance to hone their skills while making a real difference."
"This project reflects our commitment to giving back, using our expertise to create lasting impact where it's needed most," added Bryan Benton, Assistant Manager, Michigan NECA.
Renovation at the two future Habitat homes is set to wrap up at the end of February 2025. The public is welcome to tour the second house at the Home Dedication ceremony on Saturday, March 1st at 12-1 P.M. For more information about the ceremony and tour, visit habitatcr.org/events.
###
About Habitat for Humanity Capital Region
Habitat for Humanity Capital Region repairs, builds, and rehabs homes to sell to people in need of decent and affordable housing in Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties. Habitat for Humanity Capital Region is part of a global nonprofit housing organization that seeks to put God’s love into action by building strength, stability, self-reliance, and shelter. Habitat was founded on the conviction that everyone deserves a simple, durable place to live in dignity and safety, and that decent shelter in decent communities should be a matter of conscience and action for all. Habitat for Humanity Capital Region has served more than 1,200 households in the Capital Region. For more information, visit habitatcr.org.
About IBEW NECA 665
IBEW NECA 665 is a partnership between NECA electrical contractors and IBEW Local 665 electricians. IBEW NECA 665’s mission is to provide the people of Michigan with the highest quality electrical service possible. For more information, visit ibewneca665.org.
Comments