Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity

(MINNEAPOLIS - April 13, 2007)—Within walking distance of the planned Northstar Commuter Line terminal, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity (TCHFH) is busy at work on a three-year development that will add 24 affordable homes in the City of Ramsey. The project marks the first time TCHFH will build in Ramsey.

Gone are the days of commuting exclusively into the core cities for work.  The suburbs are home to several growing job centers. Between 2000 and 2004, Ramsey saw 25 percent job growth, making it a prime location for future TCHFH homes. As a result of Ramsey's projected growth, a report released last year from the Metropolitan Council estimates that Ramsey will need 1,421 new and/or additional units of affordable housing by 2020.

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is poised to provide affordable housing solutions for growing communities like Ramsey.  "We recently rolled out a new strategic plan that will focus 75 percent of our new house production in fast-growing suburbs," said Susan Haigh, president of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity.  "All families need access to jobs, safe neighborhoods and good schools.  By increasing our production in the suburbs, we are expanding opportunities for families to achieve these goals."

For the Ramsey development, Twin Cities Habitat will build and sell 24 townhomes in three phases of 8 each year in 2007, 2008, and 2009. The homes will be sold to working families who earn between 30% and 50% of the area median income as determined by HUD. Additionally, the families will have to contribute between 300 and 500 hours of sweat equity onsite helping to construct their future homes.

A project of this magnitude and complexity requires several supporters.  The two lead sponsors include Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity and Wells Fargo; both are long-time supporters of Habitat for Humanity locally and nationally.  A community coalition lead by local resident Larry Culp will provide volunteers and community-based fundraising efforts.  Culp is a member of the Lord of Life Lutheran congregation, a retired IBM manager, and long time TCHFH volunteer.

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity will host a kick-off celebration at the location of the development, just south of the intersection of 149th Ave NW and Ramsey Blvd NW, on Monday, April 16 at 9 a.m. Event speakers include: Susan Haigh, president of TCHFH; Thomas Gamec, Mayor of Ramsey; Mary Jo Olson, Ramsey HRA Chair; Gerry Stenson, Executive Vice President, Wells Fargo Minnesota; Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity spokesperson; and Ahmed Osman, future Ramsey TCHFH homeowner.

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 650 homes in the seven-county metro area and engages more than 20,000 volunteers a year.