Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity

It will be a few months before central air gets installed in the new twin home on 124th Street, which is expected to be completed in January. The home is the first Habitat for Humanity project in Scott County and there are more than 150 volunteer workers from the Dan Patch Coalition who signed up to help with the construction for a two-week period that ends Aug. 11.

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity relies on volunteer labor, tax-deductible contributions of cash, materials, professional services and property to build simple, decent homes for low-income families. The organization has built more than 600 homes since 1985.

"To me this is a great way to volunteer your time to help your community," said Eitreim, who volunteered through Bridgewood Church. "It's something positive and we hope it benefits a family in need of some help."

Savage City Administrator Barry Stock volunteered his time to coordinate finding volunteers for the two-week period. The land where the house is being built was purchased by the Scott County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) and donated to Habitat for Humanity as part of the Hamilton's Edge townhome project.

"The city is happy to be involved with this," said Stock. "It's a good way to build a sense of community. We'll always keep our eyes open for available land for more projects like this one."

The duplex is one of seven being built this year through grants from Thrivent Financial.

Savage resident Brian Hermann has no problem giving up some of his time to help out. Hermann didn't have to endure the 100-degree heat like Eitreim did, as his shift was later in the week when the weather was back in the 80s. He's a mechanic by day, so he's good with his hands and more than willing to use them any way he can.

"For me, and for anyone, this is a good way to donate your time," said Hermann. "It's for a good cause. I've always wanted to help on a project like this. It's a great way to help some other family out."

Brian Broadwell of Savage felt the same way. "This creates a coalition of togetherness to help people," said Broadwell, who was helping out with his daughter, Katie. "It builds equity in the house, so the new owners are already off to a good start."

Broadwell said he has no particular construction expertise. "I can paint, stain or tape," he said. "I'll do anything they ask me."

Eitreim said volunteering on projects like this is not only beneficial to the new homeowners, but also a way to bring more camaraderie among his peers. "It feels good to do things for other people," said Eitreim. "That's what this is all about. People are fortunate these days because so often they don't have to look too far for help. And that's what it takes to build a better community."

Organizations have gotten involved in the Dan Patch Coalition either by creating a work crew or donating food, money or materials. The groups include: Bridgewood Church, Nextel Partners, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Dufferin Park Homeowners Association, Savage Rotary, Cardinal Realty, First Community Bank, Mom's Club South, Mom's Club North, Carbone's Pizza, Primrose School, Famous Dave's, St. James Lutheran Church, Mosiac Co., Glendale United Methodist Church, D. Fong's Chinese Cuisine, Spectator's Grille & Bar, Culver's, Outback Steakhouse, Suburban Home-based Business Association, city of Savage and Scott County.

Tom Schardin can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .