Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity was just one of the US Habitat for Humanity affiliates who joined forces with building-industry professionals to construct more than 400 houses in 130 communities across the United States during Home Builders Blitz 2006. From May 22 to June 16, more than 100 volunteers from the Twin Cities built a four-unit, cottage row townhome building in the Bailey’s Arbor development in Woodbury.

TCHFH got involved in the local blitz at the request of Centex Homes-Minnesota. Andersen Corporation volunteers did the framing with the assistance of Centex and Schwieters Companies at the Woodbury site. The four-plex was largely completed by June 9 and participants held a celebration on June 16.

“We could not have done this project without the dedication and commitment of the Centex and Andersen corporations, including Scott Richter of Centex and Susan Roeder of Andersen,” said Al Raymond, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity senior vice president. “They made this project a personal commitment.”
The Minnesota Division of Centex Homes is in the middle of a local three-year, 30-home commitment with TCHFH in Woodbury. The 2006 Builders Blitz was seen as an opportunity to build on the commitment through the completion of four homes.

“Building communities requires more than hammers and nails,” said Scott Richter, division president of Centex Homes Minnesota. “It requires giving. As a Cornerstone contributor to Habitat for Humanity since 1995, Centex Homes shares Habitat for Humanity’s philosophy that providing decent and affordable housing for families revitalizes neighborhoods and creates strong communities where everyone has a chance to achieve their hopes and dreams.”

Homeowners have been selected for the units and completed their “sweat equity,” said Raymond. They should be moved into their new homes by the start of the school year in the fall.

Contributed by Jan Zitnick