A Message from

Wilce L. Cooke

Mayor, City of Benton Harbor

April 22, 2004

April 20 was a historical momentous occasion for the city of Benton Harbor with the visit of our 39^th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter. President Carter came to our city to promote Habitat for Humanity and the Jimmy Carter Work Project of 2005, which is designed to help the city eliminate substandard housing and to provide new affordable housing for city residents.

Harbor Habitat has a great team and I am especially pleased that Mike Green, Executive Director, is part of it. I have been acquainted with Mike for many years and I find him to be compassionate, concerned, experienced and eager to work towards improving the lives and conditions of Benton Harbor. This project, along with others, is empowering the residents of the city of Benton Harbor with homeownership. Individuals who own their home have a sense of pride and have a feeling of community, which is very important.

I have toured many neighborhoods in the city and have determined that the housing stock is in deplorable conditions. I personally believe that city residents deserve better housing and better living standards and now that I have returned as the Mayor of this great city, the Commissioners and I will make housing one of our top priorities. The city is already in the process of hosting a Housing Forum, spearheaded by Commissioner-at-Large Etta Harper. This forum will be the first of many in addressing homeownership, clearing your credit record, health-related housing issues, tenant and landlord rights, inspection and safety concerns, foreclosure and tax concerns, and much more, as well as keeping residents abreast of new housing developments in the city.

I always say, we can be poor, but we do not have to be dirty. I truly believe this and will assure you that we will clean up this city, block by block, neighborhood by neighborhood. When I became the Mayor this year, I talked about a ‘new’ Benton Harbor – and believe me it will be, with housing on the top of the list. When I spoke with President Carter I stated to him that when he returns to Benton Harbor in 2005, he will see a new Benton Harbor – a cleaner Benton Harbor. In order to make this city the best I know that it can become, it must start with the residents of the city. I have been meeting with the residents, block clubs, business leaders, tenants and landlords, and we are ready to reclaim our city and make it ‘Home Sweet Home.’

I would encourage people in Benton Harbor to volunteer, support and be part of this wonderful project.