Joe Felion is one of several AmeriCorps members that have transitioned to a Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity employee. He currently is a Site Supervisor for the A Brush with Kindness program, which is a home repair program focusing on keeping aging homeowners in their homes. Joe lives life in the moment, but looking back at his work and life experiences, it all makes perfect sense.

Betsy describes herself as being able to communicate better with numbers, so when it began time to find a career path, she chose Accounting. After completing her Accounting degree, she became a bank teller and moved into different roles such as personal banking, commercial loans, home equity loans, and lending. While this provided great work experience, she felt as if her job was creating more wealth for people who already had it. One day, she volunteered for Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity on a homebuilding project in Shakopee, Minnesota. That’s when things changed.

Have you ever heard someone say, “I love that place,” or “I love that person?” We use the word “love” to describe our devotion, or affection towards someone or something. You might also think of love as something we crave, something that makes us feel good, and always wanting more. Whether it’s a good cup of coffee, activity, place, thing, or a loved one—love is what we need!

Zach started working for Twin Cities Habitat as a Financial Empowerment Coach in June 2017. Zach earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Resource Development from Metropolitan State University and a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certificate from Hamline University. Zach brings over a decade of valuable experience around financial literacy.

Among the many reasons why people give to organizations like Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, there is a bonus by means of a tax deduction. By far the main reason why people give is to make the world a better place. At Twin Cities Habitat, our mission to eliminate poverty housing is close to many hearts. Creating a solid foundation through homeownership has a multi-generational impact for families in the Twin Cities. But don’t forget, your generous gift can give back when tax time comes around.

One out of four homebuyers that partner with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity are single women raising children, and nearly all Habitat homebuyers families include mothers and children. It’s data points like these that fuel the fight for affordable housing with groups like Women of Habitat. Raising over $135,000 during the 2017 annual luncheon this past October, the annual Hope Builders Luncheon brings women together to fundraise, but also puts the spotlight on issues and facts that cannot be ignored. The statistics below demonstrate the wide disparity between renters and homeowners.

Long-time volunteer, Bruce Moulton and the “EpiscoBuilders” have been volunteering with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity for over twenty years. Not only do they help build homes to support affordable housing, but Bruce also builds tiny homes… for the birds! Each home that the EpiscoBuilders help build, the Habitat homeowners also receive a birdhouse built by Bruce.