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Thanks to the volunteers from Energizer and Target who came together earlier this month to help Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity repair two homes in North Minneapolis. The morning was mostly a washout due to heavy rains, but the crews got a lot done in the afternoon. Energizer donated $12,000 to support Twin Cities Habitat's work. Thank you!

During the lunch gathering there were a couple special guests as on hand - the Energizer Bunny and former Indianapolis 500 winner Scott Dixon. This project was part of Energizer's nationwide initiative called "Now That's Positivenergy" aimed at improving communities through partnerships. Around the country, Energizer has given Habitat for Humanity donations totally more than $300,000 and 1,000 volunteer hours during this campaign. 

The first project for the Energizer volunteer crews was with the Habitat affiliate in Joplin, MO, where a tornado devastated the community a year ago.

Scott Dixon, who drives for the Target Racing Team, thanked the volunteers and said he was excited to do a little handy work. Earlier in the day Scott appeared on the local FOX 9 Morning News to talk about partnership and his preparation for this year's Indy 500 race.

Twin Cities Habitat is looking for more volunteers in Minneapolis to help repair homes damaged by the local tornado that was part of the massive storm system that also hit Joplin.

Your votes will help make three ideas a reality.

Join Minnesota Idea Open in deciding the three Challenge III Champions! We received more than 600 ideas in response to the question: What is your best idea to build bonds and work together across cultures and faiths in your community? The ideas have been narrowed to the top five finalists. Your votes will make three ideas a reality! Each winning idea will receive a $15,000 grant for implementation. Vote online for your favorite finalist May 15 – 25.

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is proud to have been an important partner in this initiative. Our special Building Together construction days focused on engaging volunteers from diverse backgrounds to build together – and served as the catalyst for 70 of the 600 ideas submitted.

Looking for more ways to build bonds and work together across cultures and faiths? On Thursday, May 17, the Idea Open and the YWCA of Minneapolis are offering a free facilitator training for entrants and friends of the Idea Open! Leading the conversation about race and racism in your community is difficult.  The YWCA’s facilitator program gives you the tools and opportunities you need to navigate through what are often challenging and emotional conversations to help bring people from understanding to action. Join us from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the YWCA of Minneapolis, 1130 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403. RSVP by Tuesday, May 15, to apatel@ywcampls.org. In-person voting will also take place at this event.

The Idea Open Challenge III: Working Together Across Cultures and Faiths is made possible by the One Nation Foundation and three affiliates of Minnesota Philanthropy Partners: Minnesota Community Foundation, Facing Race and the Multicultural Endowment.

Read more about the partnership between Twin Cities Habitat and the Minnesota Idea Open.

For years, Heather Brierly was on the move.

Apartment to apartment, even moving in with family and friends when the safety of her living situation was unsure.

“I was calling the property manager and the police to complain about crime that I was witnessing right outside my door,” said Heather. “I felt like I was in this never ending cycle of bouncing around from place to place.”

At the suggestion of a friend who had visited the apartment, she went through the application process in hopes of partnering with Twin Cities Habitat. Within a year, Heather received word she had been selected for a home in Woodbury.

“When we were first told that we were chosen for a home in Woodbury I was overjoyed,” said Heather. “I was very familiar with the wonderful reputation the city had and it seemed like a solid place to raise a child.”

Heather worked diligently to complete her sweat equity hours. She attended the required homeowner training classes and volunteered during the construction process.

“Working with volunteers was really fun,” said Heather. “We especially enjoyed their interest, motivation, dedication and willingness to teach.”

With an affordable mortgage payment Heather has been able to put herself through school. She earned a degree in Construction Management from the University of Minnesota last April and is currently taking classes toward a Master’s in Architecture.

“My ideal job after I’m done would be doing the exact kind of work Habitat is doing,” says Heather. “Whether it’s in the office drafting the plans or being out on site, I enjoy it all.”

Heather spent the majority of this past summer volunteering with Twin Cities Habitat in Woodbury. She especially enjoyed working alongside the 3M CARES retiree volunteer group. A long-lasting bond formed between Heather and the members of the crew. Heather not only started getting invited to the group’s functions, but actually went and spoke at 3M to encourage current employees to give of their time and resources.

“I felt honored that the crew invited me to speak and tell my Habitat story,” said Heather. “It’s just something little I can do to an organization that’s given me so much.”

By Patrick Dunn, excerpted from the Habitat Herald, Spring 2012

On May 22, 2011, North Minneapolis was struck by disaster. Three tornados touched down in the area, killing one person, injuring 30 and leaving thousands without electricity and with severe damage to their homes.

Following the storm, many homes were beyond repair and got abandoned. On top of this, foreclosures continue to be a major problem for the community. 

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity has been working with the North Side of Minneapolis for years, and in light of last year’s tornado, we have extended the amount that we are reaching out to the community. This year, Habitat is hosting a special event on NorthSide to kick off the our Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative (NRI) work in the area and celebrate the finished repairs to 30 homes in the area. The NRI project will focus on rebuilding an eight-block area in the community.

JACC (Jordan Area Community Council), Rebuilding It Right and the City of Minneapolis have joined Habitat in planning the event, which will include free food, live music and resources for the community. This has become THE event to celebrate the survivors of the North side tornado and all of their accomplishments.

Local Hip Hop artists Zac H-B, Irenic, Dj Episteme and Ackronem will be playing a free show during this event to support the community. There will be a free lunch including hot dogs and other food donated by local grocers.

Event Details:

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturday, May 19
30th Avenue North and Logan Avenue North, Minneapolis

Please join us as we celebrate rebuilding our community and come together for a great time with friends!

By Misha Hemmingson, Communications Intern, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity

Have you helped with the Disaster Recovery efforts in North Minneapolis? Tell us about it below!

Update: Advocacy Continues ...

In the Final speeches on the House Floor the Housing Advocates were recognized by Rep. Hausman for our continuous advocacy work to ensure that Housing was included in the final bill (View it here). Once the final vote Passed and Legislators left the House Chambers several more greeted us with gratitude as we were encouraged to continue being citizen advocates, to continue fighting to end poverty housing and making housing a priority. The $37.5 million will be spent quickly as it only meets a portion of the need in Minnesota and we were encouraged to come back again next session to request more funding to continue to do our great work.  We will heed this great advice and are already planning our work for the summer around educating candidates and voters alike about what the needs for housing in Minnesota are and how we all can be part of the solution.

Original post:

A big thank you goes out to housing advocates!  It is you who made the difference! Housing is in the bonding bill!

After weeks of the bonding bill being tossed around, both the House and the Senate passed the bill on Monday, but not without lengthy debate and numerous amendment proposals.  Members went back and forth about projects that should and should not be in the bill, but housing got a special mention. Representative Alice Hausman (DFL – 66B) acknowledged housing advocates during the floor debate, noting that their hard work has made an impact this session. “They have been here every day. I’m voting yes,” she said.  Representative Frank Hornstein (DFL – 60B) also said he was glad to see housing in the bill. See Alice Hausman’s thank you to housing advocates here

The Senate did end up passing the bill with two amendments ($500,000 to rebuild a flood wall in South St. Paul and $2 million for Tubman Center East). Since the House adjourned without taking action on the amended Senate version, a final vote was necessary on Tuesday afternoon. The House passed the amended version and now the bill heads to Gov. Dayton.

However, a Star Tribune article that ran Tuesday morning contained a myriad of inaccurate information, including stating that housing was left out. This is untrue and is based on an earlier version of the spreadsheet which only listed general obligation bonds (and did not include the housing infrastructure bonds). The current number for housing in the bonding bill stands at $35.5 million -- $37.5 million with the addition of Tubman Center East, an organization that helps provide shelter to families in need, including affordable transitional apartments. These numbers are great news for housing advocates and for those who need an affordable place to call home!

For a full recap of Monday’s activity with the bonding bill, go here.

Again, thank you to all who called or wrote your legislators, participated in Action Alerts, came to Habitat on the Hill and all who contributed to the housing discussion. Without your voices, this would not have been possible. 

Brittany Richardson, Advocacy Intern, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity

Were you involved in the affordable housing debate this year? Leave a comment below!

ReStore is pleased to announce that Professional Performance Exterior Painthas arrived just in time for the outdoor painting season. This quality product, created especially for Habitat for Humanity, is the newest addition to the Professional Performance line that includes interior paint.

The exterior paint, which is available in white, is formulated for aluminum and vinyl siding, as well as wood, stucco, primed metal, cement block and most other surfaces.  It is suitable for brush, roller or spray application.

Select Professional Performance Exterior Paint in the one -gallon or five-gallon size. Coverage is 400 sq. ft. per gallon and 2,000 sq. ft. for five gallons, depending on the porosity of the surface painted. Follow directions on the container for surface preparation and cleanup.

One gallon of Professional Performance Exterior Paint is $13 for flat, $15 for semi-gloss.  The five-gallon size is priced at $55 for flat, $65 for semi-gloss.

When you shop at ReStore, stock up on Professional Performance Interior Paint which comes in White, Dover White and Antique White, both flat and semi-gloss.  It is priced at $12 per gallon, $50 for five gallons.

When you choose this quality paint, your purchase supports decent, affordable housing in your community.

By Barb Machowski, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity ReStore

This spring, hundreds of women will come together in North Minneapolis to build a home and kick off another year of the Women Build Program. Women Build plans on constructing not one, but two homes this year and repairing another home through A Brush with Kindness.

Last year over 800 women of all skill levels volunteered with Women Build in one form or another, to complete projects that were led by female site supervisors.

“Women build gives women the opportunity to learn something they wouldn’t otherwise do in a safe and empowering environment,” said Sharon Pfeiffer, Co-Chair of the Women Build Committee. “I always say, there are no bad days at Habitat. I would do it full time if I could. You learn something new, give back to the community and make a difference no matter what the job.”

You can also join the regular crew and volunteer with women throughout the winter once or twice a month.A great way to get yourself and others involved is to sponsor a team leader day. Gather a group of women (think friends, family, and coworkers), raise $1,500 collectively, and volunteer on the construction site for a day. No construction experience necessary! If you have experience in construction and are comfortable leading others, make an ongoing commitment as a Women Build Crew Leader. Crew Leaders work with Site Supervisors to lead unskilled volunteers making sure projects run safely and correctly.

Those who want to contribute, but not do construction should consider volunteering to provide lunch on site, join the committee and help build the program by writing updates, planning events and assisting with recruitment or make a donation online. To learn more about Women Build call Heather Erickson at 612-305-7138 or send an email to heather.erickson@tchabitat.org.

Have you built with Women Build before? What was your experience?

By Betsy Sandberg, former Communications Intern, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity
Excerpted from the Habitat Herald | Spring 2012

A Brush with Kindness helps dozens of individuals and families struggling to overcome disabilities so they can continue to live in a safe, healthy home. ABWK assists these families with critical home improvement projects that include accessibility ramps, handrails and a variety of other home maintenance projects.

Carl and Lisa have lived in their home for six years with their two young children, Carly Anne and James. When they first saw the house, it seemed like just the right fit. They have worked to make some improvements, and it has been a slower process than they initially expected. They hope to live in their home for 25- plus years and, some day, pass it on to their children.

In 2010, Lisa lost most of her vision to a cornea eye disease, and their children also have been diagnosed with the same disease. Carl says, “We are so overwhelmed by doctor bills, prescription costs, et cetera, that I’m having to not fix up the house in a way my wife needs it to be to be safe.”

Carl and Lisa were referred to A Brush with Kindness by a vision loss organization. They were so overjoyed to be chosen for the program.

ABWK staff, with the help of some of our experienced regular volunteers, addressed safety needs by installing a handrail upstairs and installing a fence around the backyard.

“Your help will help my wife live a more productive life and keep my children safer. I won’t have to worry when I leave for work every day,” Carl said. Lisa said it is most difficult to see when she is outside. She would worry about the kids being in the yard without always knowing exactly where they were. Now she can let her children play freely outside and not worry about them getting into the street.

The family is vegetarian, and the garden is a big part of their lives. In the summer, they eat right out of the garden, and the kids are involved and enjoy learning about it. They enjoy eating outdoors as well, so the fenced-in backyard will provide a private environment for family time.

Lisa has a desire to travel. Since Lisa and the children have eye problems, they want to experience as much of the world as they can before their vision is totally gone. Lisa hopes to travel to Europe. The kids would like to go to Disney World. It is hard for her to get around because she is not able to drive. She is also looking forward to having the light rail come to her community so she can experience more of the Twin Cities.

All her neighbors have been asking about the work, and they are very happy for the family. Lisa plans to tell her neighbors about the program so they can apply.

If you or someone you know has a disability that makes it difficult for them to maintain or repair their home, contact A Brush with Kindness to apply for help: 612-788-8169; email abwk@tchabitat.org.