Marathon Petroleum Supports Habitat for Humanity to Preserve Historic Detroit Home

Funding from Marathon Petroleum helps Habitat for Humanity Detroit make critical repairs to 59-year-old family home

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Annette Wornum has lived in her 100-year-old family home in Southwest Detroit for her entire 59 years. But time and aging infrastructure had taken a toll, leaving her in need of major repairs she couldn't afford on her own. That's when Habitat for Humanity Detroit stepped in with support from Marathon Petroleum to make critical updates like new energy-efficient windows, lighting, and a basement drainage solution to prevent flooding. The repairs mean Wornum can remain rooted in her family's legacy and continue living in the home she was born in.

Why it matters

This story highlights how corporate partnerships can help preserve historic homes and community legacies, especially in neighborhoods facing economic challenges. Marathon Petroleum's support for Habitat for Humanity's critical home repair program in Detroit demonstrates a commitment to strengthening communities and improving quality of life for long-time residents like Annette Wornum.

The details

Through Habitat for Humanity Detroit's Critical Home Repair program, Wornum received eight new energy-efficient windows, updated lighting on the stairwell and front porch, and a new basement drainage solution to prevent flooding. The work was made possible through funding support from Marathon Petroleum, which aims to improve housing stability and quality of life in the communities it serves.

  • Annette Wornum has lived in her home for 59 years, since she was born there.
  • The nearly 100-year-old home has sheltered generations of Wornums.

The players

Annette Wornum

A 59-year-old resident of Southwest Detroit who has lived in her family's 100-year-old home her entire life.

Habitat for Humanity Detroit

A nonprofit organization that provides home repair assistance and other housing support to low-income families in the Detroit area.

Marathon Petroleum

An American petroleum refining, marketing, and transportation company that provided funding support for Habitat for Humanity Detroit's critical home repair program.

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What they’re saying

“I'm 59 years old, and I've lived here 59 years. I was born in this house. All eight of us were.”

— Annette Wornum (marketscreener.com)

“At MPC, our community investment strategy is centered around strengthening communities and helping make people's lives better. We are committed to making our communities stronger, safer and thriving places to live and work.”

— BreAnna Lockhart, Community Relations Representative, Marathon Petroleum (marketscreener.com)

What’s next

Habitat for Humanity Detroit plans to continue its critical home repair work in the Southwest Detroit neighborhood, helping other long-time residents like Annette Wornum preserve their family legacies and remain in their homes.

The takeaway

This story demonstrates how corporate partnerships can help community organizations like Habitat for Humanity make a meaningful impact on the lives of long-time residents, preserving historic homes and supporting neighborhood stability even as economic challenges arise.