Twin Cities Habitat has a core value of Equity and Inclusion which states: “We promote racial equity and strive to increase diversity, inclusion, and cultural competency in all aspects of our organization.” We believe it’s important to learn from our national and local history of racist housing policies as we build for the future. This blog series explores the past, offers solutions for the future, and highlights ways you can take action.

When you think about government-instituted racial segregation, you might think about the South. You might think about buses and water fountains, separate schools and restaurants. You might not think about places like the Twin Cities. But, according to Richard Rothstein, you should.

We recently held a Stories of Home Contest where we asked Twin Cities Habitat homeowners to share a story answering the question: "What does your home mean to you?" Here's one of the stories in the homeowner's own voice. Story and photos shared with their permission.

Written by Ana B., Habitat Homeowner since 2017.

First off, let me start by introducing myself and my family. My name is Ana. I work at Hennepin County Medical Center, and I am a mom to 3 beautiful kids. Eli is 15 and a sophomore in high school, loves to play the guitar and piano, and is an amazing older brother. Kenndra is 13 and in the 7th grade, and she loves to spend her free time with her baby brother and driving her older brother crazy! And when she is not doing that, she spends time in her room drawing and reading books. Myles is 1 and full of energy and keeps all of us on our feet, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

When people think of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, they think of building houses. But did you know Habitat also develops land?

Besides building, repairing, and selling homes to families with an affordable mortgage, Twin Cities Habitat also adapts land to be safe and ready for home construction. Depending on the property, the land development process could involve anything from building roads and walkways to constructing public alleys or installing sewer and water connections.

The 18th Annual CEO Build brought together more than 40 corporate leaders to volunteer on a Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity construction site alongside Governor Tim Walz and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter. The local leaders volunteered their time at a Habitat development along Maryland Avenue in St. Paul’s North End neighborhood.

Last year Legacy Restoration completed their second Roof Deployment Project for a deserving veteran, Steven Ripp. Steven is a Navy veteran (1971-1977) who has lived in Minneapolis since 1984 and had a roof in rough shape. That’s when Twin Cities Habitat’s A Brush with Kindness program and Legacy Restorations stepped in to help.

House Month Volunteers are individuals that choose to commit a significant portion of volunteer time to a single home's progress over the summer. They volunteer three days a week for a month, and get to see a house become a home for a family partnering with Twin Cities Habitat.

Guest blog written by House Month Volunteer, Mason

It takes a village to advance the mission of Habitat, and many partners come together to support this work including businesses, donors, local communities, and volunteers. Habitat also values the role of elected officials at all levels of government in advocating for and investing in public funding programs that make our work possible.

Guest blog by Polina Montes de Oca

Neighborhood Revitalization Program Manager

This past summer, Twin Cities Habitat was approached by the ITS (Intro to Success) Festival’s team to partner on their annual event that brings young artists and entrepreneurs of color to explore opportunities that will help them excel in their creative field.

Last week, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity hosted our annual Women of Habitat Hope Builders Luncheon. The highlight of the event was a panel discussion moderated by former Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton. The four panelists dug into the deep roots of Minnesota’s present-day housing disparities and offered tangible solutions to build a more equitable future.

As Sharon stated during the discussion, “If we understand the truth, then we’re in a better position to try to correct the wrongs.”

Guest blog by Laura Tanner, Major Gifts and Planned Giving Officer

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is committed to making affordable homeownership a reality for generations to come. Many Habitat supporters choose to include a donation in their estate plans as a way to create long-term impact. When you make a donation to Twin Cities Habitat in your will or trust, you make the transformative power of home part of your legacy.

Leaving a legacy is easier than ever before thanks to our FreeWill online tool. With this fast, convenient, and secure platform, you can create a will, advance care directive, and more. There is no cost – we offer this tool as a gift to you.