Guest blog by Adrienne Aarts,
Leadership Giving Officer
From June 17-20, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity's Builder’s Circle came out to St. Paul for our annual Builder’s Circle Build to see first-hand the direct impact of their generosity. Our Builder’s Circle members are individuals or families who donate $1,000 or more annually, already leading the way in philanthropy, and this week they got to take a hands-on approach to giving by volunteering on site.
photos by Dennis Chick Photography
Both regular and first-time volunteers came out to work alongside Site Supervisor, Bryn, and AmeriCorps member, Jake. The sun shone bright every day as our volunteers installed and sealed windows, framed a new garage, built the front porch and much more for a new Habitat home on Seminary Ave in St. Paul.
The home’s lead sponsor is one of our Builder’s Circle members, Corey Sauer, who also spends his time volunteering daily onsite to help with the construction of the home.
Corey was there each day to work with the other volunteers and share his story of what affordable housing means to him and, why he made the financial commitment to cover the cost of a new Habitat home. "After my first build with Habitat in 2014, I was hooked. As I became more involved as a volunteer, I saw how well-run the organization is and I knew I wanted to do something more. This sponsorship is the start of me being able to help just that much more."
Wednesday and Thursday volunteers were also lucky to meet and work alongside with Abdi, the matched homebuyer for the new house. Abdi is currently working to complete the homeowner training courses and sweat equity hours required to purchase the home.
He, his wife and three kids are looking forward to moving out of their apartment and moving into a place to call their own. "When I was 19, I could work overtime and save money, but never thought to buy a home because it was just me. Habitat was the only place that helped me go through the requirements for homeownership. Habitat made my dream work."
Our Multiply the Impact campaign is currently underway with the goal of raising $55 million in order to double the amount of homebuyers Twin Cities Habitat partners with each year.
Learn more about becoming a Builder’s Circle member and creating an impact that lasts generations.