FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Zakiyyah Wade
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Detroit, Mich. — Michigan Saves today announced a new partnership with One Detroit Credit Union to expand access to affordable clean energy, energy efficiency, and healthy home financing for Detroit residents. Through the partnership, One Detroit Credit Union becomes the first Detroit-based credit union to join Michigan Saves’ residential lending network—bringing financing options closer to the people and communities they are designed to serve.
For more than 90 years, One Detroit Credit Union has been part of Detroit’s financial fabric, serving members through four neighborhood branches across the city. That long-standing, local presence positions One Detroit Credit Union to help address one of Detroit homeowners’ most persistent challenges: the upfront cost of home improvements that can lower monthly bills, improve comfort, and support long-term housing stability.
“Detroit is a city of strong homes, strong neighborhoods, and strong people—but too many households still face real barriers when it comes to financing home improvements,” said Sally Talberg, CEO of Michigan Saves. “Partnering with One Detroit Credit Union means Detroiters can access clean energy and healthy home financing through a lender that knows the city, understands its history, and is committed to helping residents make choices that work for their lives and budgets.”
Detroit homeowners—particularly in neighborhoods that have experienced decades of underinvestment—often live in older housing stock and face higher-than-average energy costs. Many Detroit households spend a larger share of their income on energy than the statewide average, leaving less room in monthly budgets for needed upgrades. By pairing Michigan Saves’ financing programs with a trusted Detroit-based lender, the partnership is designed to reduce confusion, build confidence, and expand access to improvements that deliver real household savings.
The partnership launches as One Detroit Credit Union enters a historic new chapter. Last year, Portia Powell became the credit union’s CEO—the first woman and African American leader in the institution’s more than 90-year history—marking a continued commitment to inclusive leadership and community-centered growth.
“At One Detroit Credit Union, our mission has always been rooted in serving Detroiters,” said Portia Powell, CEO of One Detroit Credit Union. “This partnership allows us to offer our members more ways to invest in their homes—lowering energy costs, improving comfort, and strengthening neighborhoods—while working with a partner that shares our commitment to access, equity, and long-term impact.”
Through Michigan Saves—now offered as part of One Detroit Credit Union’s Motor City Green Lending program—eligible Detroit homeowners can access financing for projects such as insulation, heating and cooling upgrades, solar, and other energy-saving and healthy home improvements like lead abatement and septic system replacement. Motor City Green Lending was created to help Detroiters make eco-friendly choices more accessible, supporting both household affordability and long-term environmental sustainability.
“This is about meeting people where they are—financially and geographically,” Talberg added. “When local institutions are part of the solution, residents have more options, more trust, and more control over how they invest in their homes.”
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ABOUT MICHIGAN SAVES
Michigan Saves, the nation’s first nonprofit green bank, is dedicated to making clean energy and health and safety improvements easier for all Michigan consumers. Through affordable financing and other incentives, Michigan Saves connects borrowers to a network of skilled contractors for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The organization also administers specialized programs like the Lead Poisoning Prevention Fund and the Septic Replacement Loan Program, which provide critical support to improve public health and environmental outcomes in Michigan communities. Through consistent outreach, quality workmanship and affordable funding, Michigan Saves promotes accessible, equitable, and just investments to support healthy and thriving communities. For more information, visit MichiganSaves.org and follow us on Facebook @michigansaves and LinkedIn @michigan-saves.
ABOUT ONE DETROIT CREDIT UNION
Founded in 1935, One Detroit Credit Union is a non-profit, member-owned financial institution dedicated to the economic empowerment of the Detroit community.
With a rich history spanning more than 90 years, One Detroit Credit Union offers a wide range of financial products and services designed to help members achieve their financial goals. Their mission is to impact and change lives, with a special concern for those who have been overlooked by the mainstream banking system.
Membership is open to all who live, work, worship or volunteer in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and Washtenaw Counties. For more information, visit OneDetroitCU.org.
