Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity celebrates the development of 8 new homes at Ripley Gardens with a Wall Raising, Monday, June 19, from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m.
Contact: Sharon Rolenc
612-331-4090 ext. 626
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(MINNEAPOLIS, MN – June 12, 2006) – Home of the historic Ripley Maternity Hospital, Ripley Gardens is now the site of a historic partnership that addresses the affordable housing crisis. The Central Community Housing Trust (CCHT) will redevelop the buildings on the site, creating 52 affordable rental units, alongside Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity who will build 8 affordable homes. Located at Penn Avenue North and Queen Avenue, the site is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Driven by rising land and construction costs, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is turning with increased frequency to multi-unit structures. This type of development often brings complexities, but also offers an opportunity to unite the community for the common goal of providing decent affordable housing.
Ripley Gardens is a prime example of this new building model – one that requires significant community and financial support. In addition to CCHT, several partners have come together to make this development possible, including Wells Fargo as lead development sponsor; ResCap (formerly GMAC-RFC), Ryland Homes, Andersen Windows, the Hugh J. Andersen Foundation and Lowe’s are also sponsors. Notably, two mortgage lender competitors, Wells Fargo and ResCap, will have volunteers on site the week of June 19, working side by side in support of Habitat’s mission to eliminate poverty housing in the Twin Cities.
“The diverse partnerships that have made this project a reality are a vivid example of what it takes to create new affordable housing opportunities for the thousands of hard-working families in need,” explains Susan Haigh, President of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. “Partnerships like this make our work possible and provide the opportunity to transform families, neighborhoods and communities one house at a time.”
As a designated 2006 WomenBuild site, one of the homes at Ripley Gardens will provide women from all backgrounds an opportunity to join together and actively work to solve the affordable housing crisis. WomenBuild 2006 is a project of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, in partnership with WomenVenture, a St. Paul nonprofit economic development agency that helps women start and grow their own businesses, make successful career changes and gain financial literacy skills. Lowe’s is the national sponsor of WomenBuild, a nationwide initiative of Habitat for Humanity International.
A celebratory Wall-Raising in honor of the Ripley Gardens partners and supporters is scheduled for Monday, June 19, from 9-9:30 a.m. City Councilmember Don Samuels who represents the neighborhood ward will emcee the event.
Ripley Gardens is a featured development this year on HGTV’s Restore America.
About Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity:
The mission of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is to eliminate poverty housing from the Twin Cities and to make decent, affordable shelter for all people a matter of conscience. Volunteer labor, donated materials and contributed funds are used to build and renovate homes in the Twin Cities area. Working under the faith-based principle that no profit should be gained from assisting those in need, Habitat for Humanity charges no interest on the mortgages that it issues to homebuyers. Families who purchase Habitat homes are selected based on need, ability to repay the zero percent mortgage, and willingness to partner. Families put in 300-500 hours of "sweat equity" helping to build Habitat homes. Since 1985, TCHFH has built more than 600 homes in the seven-county metro area and engages more than 20,000 volunteers a year.
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