Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County

Volunteers raise the walls for a Habitat for Humanity house in Brandon. It was partly supported by the Habitat 500, a group of bicyclists who raise money for Habitat and pause to help build. Echo Press file photo

1211 N. NOKOMIS ST. NE ALEXANDRIA, MN 320-762-4255 hfhdouglascounty.org

Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County has been an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International since 1997.

It has served 118 local families by building or renovating 79 houses and completing 39 Aging in Place projects. Habitat has built or repaired homes in nine Douglas County communities, serving 341 individuals.

In Douglas County, 1 in 4 households spend more than they can afford on housing, according to information from Sara Gronholz, community engagement coordinator for Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County.

“This forces them to make impossible choices between safe homes, nutritious food on the table, health care, or reliable transportation,” she said.

At Habitat for Humanity, the belief is that everyone deserves to build the foundation for a stable, healthy future for themselves and their families – no matter who they are, where they live or how much money they earn.

“When the cost of a home is your family’s future, the cost is too high. And when the cost of a home is any family’s future, that’s something none of us can afford,” said Gronholz. “That’s why Habitat for Humanity is working to ensure that no family has to pay more than half of their paycheck to cover the cost of home.”

Stable, affordable homeownership creates the conditions that free families from instability, stress, and

OUR HOME IS OUR FOREVER HOME. I DON’T HAVE TO WORRY IF I WILL BE ABLE TO AFFORD A RENT PAYMENT. OWNING THIS HOME HAS ENDED A LOT OF THE STRESS WE WERE FACING, LETTING US RELAX AND ENJOY ONE ANOTHER.

Habitat for Humanity homeowner

Habitat for Humanity construction manager Randy Hanson shows Brenton employees the blueprints for a home that they helped build. Echo Press file photo

Brenton employees Sam Holen, left, and Mike Haburn nail together a section of wall framing for a Habitat for Humanity home, while Habitat crew leader Eric Stenborg, center, watches. Echo Press file photo

fear while encouraging self-reliance in nearly every aspect of their lives, including improving health and academic outcomes, building personal and economic resiliency, increasing confidence, and stabilizing the family. Wilder Research completed a study of Habitat homeowners to understand the impact of its work which quantifies these outcomes.

Locally, Habitat homeowners have shared these sentiments:

“Our home is our forever home. I don’t have to worry if I will be able to afford a rent payment. Owning this home has ended a lot of the stress we were facing, letting us relax and enjoy one another.”

“My kids have both improved in schooling, behavior, and even get along better because we have a good routine and our own space.”

“This is my forever home. A place where I can teach my kids how to be successful, and give them the stability they need for the rest of their lives.”

“Having my own home means I get to make my own choices and I’m responsible for those choices. My kids love the fact that we have our own home. Just knowing they have a safe, permanent, love, enduring, and consistent place to call home makes them feel at peace.”

“Now that I know my monthly payments, and they are consistent, I can budget better and save money. I’ve even been able to pay off a student loan early!”

Habitat’s Aging in Place program, which began in 2017, provides affordable repairs for seniors. The work focuses on improving the safety and accessibility in homes. Aging in Place homeowner surveys consistently demonstrate that homeowners feel more safe in their home, more connected to services that can help them stay in their home longer and experience improved independence due to the work.

Last fiscal year – July 2020 through June 2021 – volunteers shared 9,929 hours helping build four new affordable homes and completing 15 Aging in Place projects, according to Gronholz. She added that volunteers frequently share that not only did they enjoy the time on the build site but they leave knowing they are making a positive impact on someone’s life.

The Habitat for Humanity ReStore accepts donations and sells a constantly changing inventory of gently used building materials, furniture and appliances to the public while diverting reusable materials from area landfills. Profits support the construction of affordable housing in Douglas County. When people support the local ReStore by shopping, donating or volunteering, they are supporting their local community, said Gronholz.

“Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope,” she said. “Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves.”

To learn more, visit hfhdouglascounty.org. Lisa Peterson of Kensington Bank worked to add siding to a Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County home, located at 1900 Timber Lane Northeast in Alexandria. Echo Press file photo

NOW THAT I KNOW MY MONTHLY PAYMENTS, AND THEY ARE CONSISTENT, I CAN BUDGET BETTER AND SAVE MONEY. I’VE EVEN BEEN ABLE TO PAY OFF A STUDENT LOAN EARLY! Habitat for Humanity homeowner

Volunteers spent time installing siding, insulation and poly at a Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County home. Echo Press file photo.

Zabel from Page 6

QWhy do you volunteer for Habitat for Humanity? What drew you to that organization?

AThe mission is so strong and so needed. Affordable housing is a big issue locally and on a national scale. The research shows so many positive outcomes when a family has a safe place to call home. Home and hope has a transformational effect on the kids especially and that is my reason why. Lori Anderson and her team drew me to the organization. They are top notch, values aligned and dedicated to bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope.

QWhat impact has volunteering made on you?

AWorking in healthcare, I have gotten the opportunity to learn a whole new industry in housing and the great need for it. I have also formed meaningful relationships with the team, our homeowners and other local leaders.

QWhat advice would you have for someone who is thinking about becoming a volunteer?

ADo it! Find your passion, get out there and start having conversations. We all have something to offer – I guarantee that you will be amazed at what you gain in the process. Mona Strege and Randy Hansen pick up foam board insulation that was used to keep the ground from freezing on the foundation of a Habitat for Humanity home that was built on Woodland Park Drive in Alexandria. Echo Press file photo

WE ALL HAVE SOMETHING TO OFFER – I GUARANTEE THAT YOU WILL BE AMAZED AT WHAT YOU GAIN IN THE PROCESS.

BROOKE ZABEL

Habitat for Humanity volunteer

610FillmoreStreet | Alexandria MN | 320.762.8149 | alexandria@widseth.com | Widseth.com