The beautiful new building will be an iconic community landmark on the new Central Corridor Green Line when it opens in 2014.

Details: Thursday, May 9 at 11am at 1954 University Ave. in St. Paul 55104 (intersection of Prior Ave. and University Ave.) 

Background: Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman will join Twin Cities Habitat CEO and President Susan Haigh and other dignitaries in a groundbreaking ceremony for Habitat’s highly-visible New Home. The building, which will be just steps from a stop on the new Green Line, will allow Twin Cities Habitat to serve tens of thousands of local families with its programs and services in the coming decades.

Media contact:  Matt Haugen, Communications Manager for Twin Cities Habitat matt.haugen@tchabitat.org    612-305-7126 (office)

Speakers at the ceremony will include:

• Susan Haigh, President and CEO of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity
• Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman
• Mary Lynn Staley, Member of the Habitat for Humanity International Board of Directors
• Rick Beeson, Executive Vice President for Corporate Development and Government Relations at Sunrise Banks
• Norm Baer, Chairman of the Twin Cities Habitat Board of Directors

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity Facts:

• Twin Cities Habitat was established in 1985 and finished its first home in 1986.
• More than 950 families have purchased Twin Cities Habitat homes built by volunteers.
• Homebuyers mortgage payments to Twin Cities Habitat help fund more homes.
• Habitat homebuyers must do 300-500 hours of “sweat equity” before buying their home.
• Habitat homebuyers complete courses on things like budgeting and home maintenance. This thorough training has helped bring Twin Cities Habitat’s foreclosure rate below 1%.
• Twin Cities Habitat volunteers build or rehab between 50 and 60 homes each year.
• More than 1,500 low-income families have been served by volunteers through Twin Cities Habitat’s A Brush with Kindness home repair program since it was started in 1998.
• Twin Cities Habitat’s Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program has served more than 5,000 homeowners since it was started in 1993.
• The Habitat ReStore in New Brighton sells donated building materials and home improvement supplies to the public at deep discounts. Sales help fund Habitat projects and keep usable items out of landfills.
• More than 17,000 people volunteer with Twin Cities Habitat each year.
• More than 7,000 individuals, congregations, corporations and foundations donate to Twin Cities Habitat’s mission each year.

About Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity

Our mission is to eliminate poverty housing from the Twin Cities and to make decent, affordable shelter for all people a matter of conscience.  An award-winning nonprofit housing developer, Twin Cities Habitat is committed to building the quality of life, health and economic prosperity of the region by producing, preserving and advocating for affordable homeownership – because homes and families are the foundation of successful communities.  www.tchabitat.org

On Wednesday, May 8, volunteers from the Twin Cities, including Lowe’s Heroes and the Minnesota Lynx, will work on a home repair project for a senior citizen.

WHAT: Local Women Build day in recognition of National Women Build Week

WHO:
• Lindsay Whalen, Janel McCarville, Devereaux Peters from the Minnesota Lynx
• Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, Mary Schumacher – COO
• Ora Lee Law (Homeowner)
• Mary Kay Valento of Lowe’s of West St. Paul

WHERE: The 1500 block of Thomas Ave N Minneapolis, MN 55411

WHY: Habitat’s National Women Build program recruits, educates and inspires women to build and advocate for simple, decent and affordable houses in their communities. Lowe’s, the underwriter of Habitat’s Women Build program donated more than $1.75 million to 300 Habitat affiliates across the United States during National Women Build Week.

About Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity
Our mission is to eliminate poverty housing from the Twin Cities and to make decent, affordable shelter for all people a matter of conscience. An award-winning nonprofit housing developer, Twin Cities Habitat is committed to building the quality of life, health and economic prosperity of the region by producing, preserving and advocating for affordable homeownership – because homes and families are the foundation of successful communities.

About Lowe’s
Lowe’s supports the communities it serves through programs that focus on K-12 public education and community improvement projects. The company’s signature education grant program, Lowe’s Toolbox for Education®, has donated more than $34 million to 7,500 K-12 public schools, benefiting more than 4 million schoolchildren. Lowe’s Heroes employee volunteers support local community projects and our national nonprofit partners such as Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together and the American Red Cross. In 2012, Lowe’s and the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation together contributed more than $30 million to support communities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. To learn more, visit Lowes.com/SocialResponsibility.

Rylee Meek, Innovative Energy Solutions CEO, stated “Our continuing support for Habitat for Humanity is simple: to help families focus on enjoying their new homes. We understand that when a family doesn’t have to worry about continuously rising energy bills, that kind of peace of mind and sense of security goes a long way.”

About Twin Cities Habitat: Twin Cities Habitat is committed to building homes that are both affordable and environmentally responsible. We’ve built 268 ENERGY STAR qualified homes and we’ve completed 12 LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) homes.

About Innovative Energy Solutions: Edina-based Innovative Energy Solutions provides resources for customers energy solution needs. We provide resources for those who are interested in lowering their energy costs, preserving the planet and for those who are looking to for tips to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

Media contact:
Matt Haugen
Communications Manager for Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity
matt.haugen@tchabitat.org 612-305-7126

Responsibilities include:

• Perform Project Management on projects, including scope of work, budget, scheduling in applicable scheduling software, resource management, job-cost oversight, interfacing with departments and external agencies, attendance and participation at organization   meetings, project-problem resolution, implementation of project goals and post project analysis
• In coordination with applicable departments, committees and staff, lead and participate in joint decision-making regarding the scheduling software tool, Accounting/budget/job-cost reporting, In-kind/materials and services integration, family selection, matching and special needs, volunteer coordination and scheduling, construction office and field resources and warehouse/ purchasing and packaging, including all essential information communications to applicable staff

Requirements:

Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent; a Bachelor’s degree in Construction or Project Management is preferred. At least three years of experience in residential building construction is required; five or more years preferred. At least one year applicable Project Management experience or Project Management degree required. Supervisory experience is preferred. Experience using Microsoft Office, including MS Project and MS Dynamics is also preferred. Project Management Professional certification desired. Candidates must have a valid driver’s license and good driving record.

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to read technical reports, engineering & construction documents and technical knowledge of building components & function
• Knowledge of contract documents and specifications
• Knowledge of budgeting, cost estimating, and fiscal management principles and procedures
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite , MS Project helpful
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports

Competencies

• Prioritization Skills: Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities
• Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written) and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies
• Decision Making: Ability to make complex operating, administrative, and procedural decisions
• Teamwork: Ability to foster a cooperative business environment
• Results Orientation: drives for successful results, moves tasks and assignments towards closure
• Customer Service: Responsively addresses the needs of the customer; accurately diagnoses customer needs; communicates effectively with customers; establishes customer rapport
• Leading, Modeling & Visioning: Provides leadership by example
• Coaching, Developing & Mentoring: Provides challenging assignments with clear constructive feedback, acts as a positive mentor
• Project Management: Plan, prioritize, coordinate and manage work.  Workflow analysis and management skills. Ability to maintain accurate and complete project records. Ability to juggle multiple projects, multi-task, meet deadlines.
• Initiative: Self-motived; able to work independently and capable of proactively and creatively initiating and completing tasks
• Continuous Learning: actively works to continuously gain understanding and knowledge to improve approaches, technologies, solutions, market conditions and customer needs

Application deadline:  May 7, 2013.

Please submit cover letter, resume, and references to Human Resources via one of the following methods:

Fax:  612-305-7210

Online at: https://home.eease.adp.com/recruit/?id=5026511

Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Veterans encouraged to apply.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Support the customer’s utilization of the ReStore.

• Greet customers immediately and offer to assist them in a prompt, courteous manner
• Answer questions regarding products, including availability
• Work in a retail setting using a Point Of Sale (POS) system
• Oversee display and organization of showroom sales areas to ensure all items are properly priced and ticketed for sale.
• Work closely with the Volunteer Coordinator to attract and retain volunteers.
• Develop a daily and weekly schedule of volunteer tasks. Train volunteers and track hours.
• Assist with loading and unloading vehicles
• Assist in answering all in-coming telephone calls

Inventory control

• Label incoming purchased or acquired items, using volunteers when necessary
• Maintain forward stock
• Use computerized POS to process all customer transactions

Work with co-workers to maintain, clean and restock the ReStore

• Organize the inventory and shelving to continually improve ReStore efficiency

QUALIFICATIONS

 Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent

Experience:

• One year of experience with construction tools, methods, and materials
• One year of experience with retail sales
• One year of experience with (POS) or related computers and software
• OSHA compliance training and forklift training and experience or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Current CPR and First Aid certificate or ability to obtain within 6 months.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Accurate data entry skills
• Good mathematical skills
• Computer knowledge; including Microsoft Word & Excel
• Demonstrated willingness to learn other computer programs as needed.

Competencies

• Customer Focus – Ability to interact with a variety of people and provide quality customer service. Ability to understand the different facets of a customer (internal and external)
• Self-motivated reliable and enthusiastic
• Interpersonal Skills – Enjoy working with people from diverse backgrounds
• Professionalism, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution – Ability to handle and successfully defuse challenging situations with tact. Ability to negotiate win-win situations
• Excellent communication skills- delivers clear communication to others and takes responsibility for understanding others
• Attention to detail – makes sure information is accurate and complete
• Collaboration/Teamwork – works well with others and is supportive of the team and other co-workers
• Business Acumen – understands and supports the goal of the organization; learns and knows how the job affects others and the organization as a whole 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Label, sort and stock items up to 70 pounds
• Lift 50 to 70 pounds regularly, without assistance
• Stand on concrete flooring for prolonged time periods
• Bend, lift, grasp, reach, push and pull materials and tools in and out of vehicles
• Walk and climb on uneven surfaces, ladders and stairs

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The majority of the work is performed in a retail store environment with occasional outside exposure loading and unloading vehicles.

Application Instructions:

Please submit cover letter, resume and references to Human Resources by 5:00 p.m. CDT May 10, 2013 via one of the following methods:

Online: https://home.eease.adp.com/recruit/?id=4930941  (combine application materials into one attachment)

Mail: 3001 4th St. SE, Minneapolis, MN  55414

Fax:  612-305-7210

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Women, minorities and veterans highly encouraged to apply.

If your legislator is a Homes for All co-author, please take a few minutes to say THANK YOU.   See the list of authors below.

Senate Authors (SF797 & HF811)
Chief Authors: Greg Clausen  and  Scott Dibble
Authors: David Senjem, Tom Saxhaug, Foung Hawj, Jim Carlson, Kathy Sheran, Kent Eken, Julie Rosen

House Authors (HF1194 & HF797)
Chief Authors: Jason Isaacson and Carolyn Laine 
Authors: Jim Abeler, Mary Sawatzky, Peter Fischer, David Bly, Karen Clark, Melissa Hortman, Tom Huntley, Kim Norton, Raymond Dehn, Hornstein, Jason Metsa, John Ward, Lyndon Carlson, Dan Schoen, Jerry Newton, Jerry McNamar, Mike Sundin, Nick Zerwas, Tom Anzelc, Tim Faust, Sheldon Johnson, Clark Johnson,  Leon Lillie, Susan Allen, Rena Moran, Joe Radinovich, Tina Liebling, John Benson, Ben Lien, Connie Bernardy, Phyllis Kahn, Mike Freiberg, and Zachary Dorholt,

What to include in your e-mail or letter: Thank your legislator for signing on to the Homes for All package. Let them know why addressing housing and affordable housing matters to you. Don’t forget to include your address so they know you’re a constituent. You can even include news links like the new video from Minnesota Public Radio, “Life in a homeless shelter through the eyes of an 8-year old”.

This Housing Empowerment Expo is a chance for people to learn about all the programs Habitat offers – and get other housing-related resources from community organizations. Hundreds of families are expected to attend. This event is completely FREE and is sponsored by the Northside Pastor’s Collaborative. There will be free legal aide provided by U of M law students. People struggling to pay their mortgage or going through foreclosure can explore their options with help from Habitat’s Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention counselors. There will information on what it takes to become a Habitat homebuyer. Plus, details on Habitat’s home repair program known as A Brush with Kindness. KMOJ radio will be broadcasting live from the expo for part of the day.

About Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity
Our mission is to eliminate poverty housing from the Twin Cities and to make decent, affordable shelter for all people a matter of conscience. An award-winning nonprofit housing developer, Twin Cities Habitat is committed to building the quality of life, health and economic prosperity of the region by producing, preserving and advocating for affordable homeownership – because homes and families are the foundation of successful communities.

Recent Dedications

January 28 – New Hope

A group of Habitat staff, volunteers, and community members gathered at a neighborhood park in Cottage Park to dedicate the homes of three families. An opening prayer was given by Reverend Cooper of the nearby Church of Gethsemane. The three families spoke and thanked the volunteers and Habitat staff that they had worked alongside. Andy Barnett spoke of the strong support and emergence of the neighborhood community and large presence of Habitat families in the neighborhood. After the dedication, the children played in the nearby playground as the parents and volunteers enjoyed the refreshments.

View more images from the day here.

January 28 – New Hope
Five homebuyer families from the northwest suburbs gathered at a home in New Hope for the first dedication of the new year. They were joined by neighbors, volunteers, staff, sponsors and city officials. Speakers included homeowners Gashaw and Tangut, site supervisor McKinsie Clyde, John Swanson from UnitedHealth Group and Kirk McDonald, New Hope City Manager. TCHFH Board member Tom Naughtin also presented each family with a Bible and framed “Golden Rule” plaque. Everyone at the event enjoyed the plethora of food and the children playing in the new home. View more images from the day here.

February 25 – St. Paul
New Habitat homeowner Fatuma and her two daughters opened their home in St. Paul to volunteers, sponsors and Habitat staff on Saturday. Kris Taylor, Vice President of the EcoLab Foundation spoke on behalf of the longtime home sponsor. TCHFH President Susan Haigh and Board member Cindy Gehrig presented the family with a Bible and interfaith Golden Rule. They were also joined by State Senator Mary Jo Maguire and St. Paul City Councilmember Dan Bostrom. The officials welcomed the family to the neighborhood, and Bostrom reminisced about he and his wife’s first home just one block down the street. View more images from the event.

February 25 – West St. Paul
It was an emotional morning in West St. Paul at the new home of Ko Main and Mai. Their large family will soon move into a home built in memory of Jim Baller, a longtime Habitat volunteer. Jim’s family sponsored the home and came from as far away as Alaska to work on site last summer. Jim’s son spoke about his father’s life of service and presented a stained glass window to the family. Also present to welcome Ko Main and Mai’s family were Pastor Mark Aune from Augustana Lutheran Church, TCHFH C.O.O. Mary Schumacher and Board member Nancy Merritt.See more pictures from the dedication.

March 17 – Crystal
On a sunny Saturday morning, volunteers, sponsors and neighbors gathered to welcome Abdirahman and Halimo and their family to their beautiful new home in Crystal. Adirahman spoke about his family’s journey from Somalia to refugee camps and then to the U.S. Site supervisor Floyd Hansen explained the benefits of the home’s LEED Silver certification, including saving the family money on energy costs. He and Mike Lilly from Cargill Cares thanked volunteers and neighbors. TCHFH CEO Susan Haigh and board member Rich Gammill also welcomed the family to their new home. Click here to see more images from the event.

March 24 – Woodbury – 900th Home!
More than 900 hardworking, low-income families have now purchased Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity homes. The organization honored its seven newest homeowner families with a home dedication at Woodbury’s Garden Gate community on Saturday, March 24. U.S. Senator Al Franken joined other community leaders in the ceremony. It was appropriate that Twin Cities Habitat surpassed the 900 milestone in Woodbury since the city has been home to 56 Habitat families, the third highest total for our  affiliate behind only Minneapolis and St. Paul. See more images from the event.

May 12 – St. Paul
Habitat families, staff, volunteers and neighborhood partners gathered at the Northwest Area Foundation in St. Paul to celebrate the dedication of nine Habitat homes in St. Paul, Newport and White Bear Lake. Speakers included homebuyers Anisa and Ahmed and site supervisor Anna Morrison; Ron Kuhn,  Bud’s Bunch regular crew; Joanne and Stephen Sylvander from Cherokee Park United Church; John Slade of Habitat’s St. Paul Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative; and Habitat president Susan Haigh. Lastly, the families walked down a “red carpet” to receive a presentation of a “Golden Rule” plaque from TCHFH board member Erin Dady.

May 31 – Bloomington
A group of staff and sponsors gathered together Thursday morning to dedicate the beautiful new home of Mohamed and Fatouma in Bloomington. The family will be moving into the fourth home completed and donated by longtime Habitat supporter and volunteer Larry Hossfeld. During the program, Mohamed thanked Larry and the Habitat staff for giving his family the opportunity to own a home. Betsy Reller, a former site supervisor, and Sharon Mason, shared stories about working with Larry onsite. Afterwards, everyone at the dedication had a great time eating and socializing, touring the home and watching Mohamed and Fatouma’s young son play in his new yard.

June 9 – Minneapolis
On a sunny Saturday afternoon, the community came together to celebrate the completion of the Old Third townhomes in northeast Minneapolis and the eight homebuyers families who will soon move in. After a moving opening prayer from Taqee Khaled on behalf of the MN Idea Open, homebuyer Ahmed spoke about his family’s long search for a home and thanked the Habitat donors, volunteers and staff who helped make it happen. City Councilwoman Diane Hofstede welcomed the families to the neighborhood, and Alan Arthur from Aeon spoke about the organization’s partnership with Habitat. Speakers from Wells Fargo, Builder’s Circle, and Entrepreneur’s House said they enjoyed seeing the homes completed and anticipated the start of their new summer builds. After a closing prayer by Rev. Justin Schroeder of First Universalist Church, guests toured the homes and enjoyed cake and food brought by the families. View more images from the event

June 21 – Brooklyn Park
Four homebuyer families gathered in Brooklyn Park to celebrate the closings of their homes with staff, sponsors, volunteers and community members. Homebuyer Abdulkadir thanked Habitat staff and the volunteers for giving his family the opportunity to own a home. Jay Porter from Great River Energy, who volunteered on site, spoke about his company’s commitment to volunteering with Habitat. Habitat president Susan Haigh congratulated the homebuyers on accomplishing their goals. State Representative Mike Nelson for Brooklyn Park also attended. After the program, guests mingled and all of the children at had a great time playing in the home’s large backyard. View more photos from the day.

August 25 – N Minneapolis
A group of Habitat staff, volunteers, and community members gathered at a neighborhood park in Cottage Park to dedicate the homes of three families. An opening prayer was given by Reverend Cooper of the nearby Church of Gethsemane. The three families spoke and thanked the volunteers and Habitat staff that they had worked alongside. Andy Barnett spoke of the strong support and emergence of the neighborhood community and large presence of Habitat families in the neighborhood. After the dedication, the children played in the nearby playground as the parents and volunteers enjoyed refreshments.

What: The Housing Finance and Policy Committee will be playing Twin Cities Habitat’s “Return on Investment” game during their meeting on Monday, January 14. The game is similar to The Price is Right (but without Drew Carey).

When: During the last half hour of the 12:30-2:00pm meeting on Monday, Jan. 14.
Where: The Basement Hearing Room of the State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, St. Paul (next to the State Capitol)

Background: The “Return on Investment” game is used by Twin Cities Habitat to engage volunteers and the public in a conversation about the importance of targeted investment in housing. During the meeting Habitat advocates will join the lawmakers in this interactive activity. The goal is to change the conversation around housing at the Capitol and bring different political factions together to look for common ground that solutions can be built upon during this session. The game will be led by Trista Matascastillo and Jill Kilibarda, staff members of Twin Cities Habitat. This promises to be a truly unique committee meeting.

About Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity

Our mission is to eliminate poverty housing from the Twin Cities and to make decent, affordable shelter for all people a matter of conscience. An award-winning nonprofit housing developer, Twin Cities Habitat is committed to building the quality of life, health and economic prosperity of the region by producing, preserving and advocating for affordable homeownership – because homes and families are the foundation of successful communities.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

We hope you will join us as we head back to the Capitol to ask State Legislators to help us build homes for all! NO EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY! Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the state are making a difference by revitalizing neighborhoods and creating home ownership opportunities for those who have too often been overlooked. Our work can go farther if our elected officials understand how Habitat affiliates build homes and community.

Habitat on the Hill Minnesota is your opportunity to meet your State Representative and Senator and share with him or her the good work we are doing and how much more still needs to be done. We hope you will join us for this exciting opportunity to ask legislators for their support as we strive to create homes for all! 

All Habitat affiliates and supporters are encouraged to join us. Please also consider bringing board and staff members, standout advocates, volunteers, and homeowners to share in this important work.

The day begins at the Minnesota History Center with 9 am check-in/breakfast and 10 am training (345 Kellogg Blvd W, St. Paul, MN 55102) and we will end at the Capitol. There is no registration fee, lunch is provided and all day parking for only $5! All parking and directions information can be found here: http://www.minnesotahistorycenter.org/directions

Dress code: Feel free to wear your favorite Habitat t-shirt or dress business casual. Wear comfortable walking shoes.