Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County to Host Fourth Neighborhood Revitalization Event of the Year in Hazel Park
September 18, 2025
Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County to Host Fourth Neighborhood Revitalization Event of the Year in Hazel Park
Volunteers will unite to complete neighborhood revitalization projects, bringing beautification and community connection to Hazel Park residents.
HAZEL PARK, MI — Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County will bring its community-driven revitalization initiative, Rock the Block, to Hazel Park on Thursday, September 18th, and Friday, September 19th. Over two days, corporate partners, community organizations, and volunteers will join forces to complete 24 projects across the neighborhood, fostering pride, stability, and connection.
The event will begin each day with a morning kick-off ceremony before teams disperse to complete beautification and clean-up projects. Activities will include yard clean-up, trash removal, branch and hedge trimming, lawn mowing, and lawn edging. Volunteers will work across 12 worksites each day, dedicating their time and care to ensuring Hazel Park residents can thrive in safe, vibrant, and welcoming neighborhoods.
“Rock the Block in Hazel Park is especially meaningful as we join forces with MiGen to create spaces that reflect dignity, inclusion, and pride,” said Michele Hodges, Executive Director and CEO of Habitat Oakland. “Together, we’re not only improving curb appeal – we’re strengthening the bonds that make neighborhoods thrive. This collaboration highlights the value of working side by side to ensure every member of our community feels supported.”
Habitat Oakland is proud to co-host this Rock the Block with MiGen, Michigan’s LGBTQ+ Elders Network, a leading voice for LGBTQ+ older adults. Guided by a mission to connect and empower, MiGen works to build inclusive communities that honor dignity, equity, and belonging for LGBTQ+ people as they age. Their partnership has been instrumental in bringing Rock the Block Hazel Park to life, creating opportunities for meaningful intergenerational connection and demonstrating the impact of collaboration.
WHEN: September 18th & 19th, 2025
8:30 am: Kick-off and opening remarks
9:00 am - 3:00 pm: Revitalization projects
WHERE: Kick-off: Martin Road Park
Address: 1615 E Lewiston Ave, Ferndale, MI 48220
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MEDIA:
· Interviews with Habitat leaders
· Interviews with MiGen representatives
· Video and still photos of volunteers performing neighborhood clean-up
Rock the Block would not be possible without the financial support and volunteerism of corporate and community partners. For the September 18th & 19th event, Habitat staff and CORE volunteers will be joined by volunteers and participating organizations including MiGen, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Ally, Vibe Credit Union, DuPont, Bosch, MSUFCU, and Lake Michigan Credit Union.
About MiGen
MiGen provides services, advocacy, fun, and connection to LGBTQ+ folks ages 45+ and those who care for them MiGen believes we have all earned the right to Age Out Loud and offers an array of programs and services intended to make the lives of our community members safer, more connected, more vibrant and more FUN. For more information, visit www.migenconnect.org.
About Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County
In 1995, the Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County affiliate was established and has since helped over 2,000 individuals and families access safe and affordable housing. Habitat Oakland provides a variety of housing programs across the county, focusing primarily in Pontiac, Southfield and Madison Heights. These include homeownership opportunities for families making 50-80% of the area median income, financial coaching, critical home repairs, and neighborhood revitalization initiatives. Driven by the vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live, the housing organization has championed its mission to put God’s love into action and bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope. For more information about the affiliate and how to get involved, visit Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County's website.
