Michigan: Lansing Family of 10 Thrilled over New Home

LANSING -- The new, two-story house with gray siding, black shutters and a basketball hoop in the driveway is a saving grace for a Lansing family of 10.

 

Lansing native Tonya Ellis, 40, on Wednesday relished in the four bedrooms, family room, dining room, kitchen and other space her family hasn’t had in years.

She had to share her bed with her two 6-year-old twin sons for years, she said.

“It’s been the first time in three years almost,” Ellis said. “It’s been a while.” 

Now they’ll have their own beds, along with her other seven children who range in age from 6 to 15. She has a 21-year-old son who doesn’t live with her.

The home was built with funding from a $587,000 grant from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority that was awarded to the city, said Joan Jackson Johnson, Lansing’s director of human relations and community services. This house was the first built with the funds, which also will be used to build several other homes for large, low-income families in Lansing, she said.

The house qualifies as Section 8 housing, and Ellis will be paying an affordable rent.

The new house, which replaces the oldest home tagged for demolition in Lansing, is also energy efficient, which will help with utility bills, Jackson Johnson said.