Local Financial Institution Backed Community-Led Initiative Highlighting Pontiac Neighborhoods and Resident Voices
ST. CLAIR SHORES, MI. July 2026
First State Bank recently concluded its partnership as an official sponsor of Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County’s inaugural Building Block Tour 2026 (BBT26). Held across multiple locations in Pontiac from July 7 through July 18, the six-stop community conversation series brought together residents, neighborhood leaders, local businesses, and public partners to listen, learn, and celebrate the people shaping Pontiac's future.
Unlike traditional outreach initiatives, the Building Block Tour was intentionally designed as a community-led experience. Rather than arriving with predetermined solutions, organizers and sponsors engaged directly with community members to discuss neighborhood strengths, local assets, and opportunities for long-term growth. First State Bank provided sponsorship support, assisted with digital and community outreach, and engaged team members throughout the tour stops, culminating in local neighborhood celebrations including Habitat Oakland's Rock the Block initiative and the Elam Family & Friends Block Party.
“Investing in our local communities goes far beyond traditional banking. It is about listening to the neighbors who make these communities strong,” said Amy Persyn, Chief Marketing Officer of First State Bank. “Habitat for Humanity’s Building Block Tour created an authentic platform to center resident voices, and we were thrilled to support an initiative that highlights the incredible pride, leadership, and momentum throughout Pontiac.”
The tour featured stops at key community institutions, including Lighthouse, Webster Community Center, Elam Barber Shop, and Kingdom of God Outreach Ministries. At each location, participants discussed the interconnected roles of housing, economic opportunity, and neighborhood development.
“Community transformation doesn't happen through one organization alone; it happens when businesses, residents, and civic partners work together toward a shared future,” said Michele Hodges, Executive Director and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County. “First State Bank’s support helped us create space for meaningful dialogue, relationship-building, and solidarity across Pontiac.”
About First State Bank
First State Bank is headquartered in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. With over 100 years of service
and $1.2 billion in assets, First State Bank serves Macomb County and Oakland Counties
with 11 branch offices located in Chesterfield Township, Clinton Township, Eastpointe, Macomb
Township, Richmond, Rochester, St. Clair Shores, Sterling Heights, Washington Township, and
a Loan Center in Clinton Township.
To learn more about First State Bank's community initiatives and local engagement, visit www.fsb.bank.
About Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County
In 1995, the Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County was established and has since helped over 2,200 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. For more information, visit www.habitatoakland.org.