Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity

The wall-raising symbolized the onset of construction for 10 such homes in this region: seven to be built by Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, one by Crow River Habitat for Humanity of Hutchinson and two homes by East Central Habitat for Humanity of Cambridge, all in partnership with local Thrivent Financial Chapters and Lutheran congregations.

Speaking to the crowd that had gathered on June 5 to celebrate the new program, St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman remarked that the partnership between Habitat for Humanity and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans to build these 10 homes was "critical."

"We can't meet all the needs of our city without partnerships like this one," Coleman said. "The work that you do here will make a huge difference not only to a family but also to the City of St. Paul."

U. S. Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D), also voiced her support of the work that was about to commence on Jackson St.

"Through the Thrivent Builds alliance they [the faith community] are contributing dollars, volunteer hours and advocacy," she added. "Together, we bring hope, opportunity, justice and peace."

Asherom Ghebrekrustos and his family will help build and then purchase a Thrivent Builds-sponsored home in Savage, Minn. They must invest hundreds of hours of "sweat equity" helping build their home or other Habitat homes.

"I've already put in more than 400 hours," said Ghebrekrustos at the celebration, "and I have learned so much. Thank you for this opportunity."

Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity, a 4-year $105 million alliance between Habitat for Humanity International and Minneapolis-based Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, was launched in September of 2005. The alliance will fund 70 percent of the cost of construction of 313 homes in 43 states in 2006 with plans to increase that number to 500 by 2008. Thrivent Chapters and Lutheran congregations will raise 10 percent of the cost with Habitat affiliates funding the final 20 percent.