---
title: "Affordable Housing Advocates: Q & A with Jim and Sarah"
description: Jim and Sarah have raised two daughters in their East St . Paul neighborhood, living there for the past 32 years . affordable housing advocates
---

[Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity Blog ](https://www.tchabitat.org/blog)

# [Affordable Housing Advocates: Q & A with Jim and Sarah](https://www.tchabitat.org/blog/bid/83300/affordable-housing-advocates-q-a-with-jim-and-sarah)

 Written by [Laura Grevas](https://www.tchabitat.org/blog/author/laura-grevas) | 1:00 PM on May 26, 2012

*Jim and Sarah have raised two daughters in their East St . Paul neighborhood, living there for the past 32 years . They became Neighborhood Family Partners (NFPs) for Twin Cities Habitat in 2009 and have helped support five Habitat families as they [experience first-time homeownership](https://www.tchabitat.org/homeownership) in the East side community .*

**Why did you decide to become NFPs?**

We were looking for a volunteer opportunity that had flexibility to fit our schedules and we were very interested in helping families moving into the East Side of Saint Paul . 

**What do you view as the most rewarding part of being a NFP?**

We’ve enjoyed learning about other cultures from our family partners, all of whom have emigrated from African countries . We help families connect with and use community resources: libraries, early childhood programs and more . We especially love seeing the smiling faces of the children when they get their first chance to go sledding on a local hill, swimming in a neighborhood pool or do a scavenger hunt in a new backyard .

**What challenges have you faced?**

The biggest challenge has been figuring out the best way to relate to and support each family. Each family has very different expectations, needs and cultural and language background . Some families are very open and friendly and want to connect with their NFP often, while others are more reserved and appreciative of help but less interested in frequent contact .

**What advice would you give to someone considering an NFP volunteer role with Habitat?**

Focus on what the family is comfortable accepting . Offer your ideas and assistance, but pay attention to the family’s response and interest . Enjoy each family – they all have lots to offer and much to teach.

[View full post](https://www.tchabitat.org/blog/bid/83300/affordable-housing-advocates-q-a-with-jim-and-sarah)

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