Guest Blog by Tom Prittinen
Twin Cities Habitat Summer AmeriCorps Member

Hey folks!  As a guest writer for this blog, let me introduce myself: 

My name is Tom Prittinen, and I had the opportunity to be one half of the AmeriCorps presence on the Maple Grove build site this summer.  I am a political science major at Saint John’s University, and plan to graduate in the spring. 

The basic philosophy of Habitat for Humanity is simple: neighbors working alongside neighbors to create safe, stable homes and strong communities. But the story of each house has unique characters—homebuyers, volunteers, sponsors, donors, site supervisors, neighbors—who fill the home with energy and love.

Last week, we wrapped up our two-week Rainbow Build in St. Paul. On Monday, August 20 we kicked off the Rainbow Build to carry on the torch that Women Build started on the same home.

With my magical luck within my AmeriCorps summer position, I got the opportunity to volunteer on a build for the first time while also learning more about how I (and other individuals) can support the LGBTQIA+ community. Please take a walk with me through the two weeks of Rainbow Build:

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity recently received our latest ENERGY STAR certificate, highlighting the 51 ENERGY STAR certified homes we built in 2017. To date with these new homes, we have built 472 Energy Star homes in our region and continue to be the largest ENERGY STAR builder in the state!

You might hear the term “affordable housing” used often, whether in the news or by someone you know. Sometimes misconceptions around affordable housing cause the term to take on a negative connotation. But a home that’s considered affordable – meaning the resident is paying no more than 30% of their income on housing – is a win for everyone.

Here’s some facts about affordable housing to set the record straight.

Guest blogger Ashley Rose, Site Supervisor
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity

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.

Last week and this week, more than 60 volunteers are participating in the 4th annual Rainbow Build, which aims to raise awareness for issues involving affordable housing in the LGBTQ community. It’s an opportunity for LGBTQ volunteers and allies to spend a day building with us and learning about the unique housing challenges that impact this community.

Guest Blog by Diane Blake
Member of Women Build Steering Committee

Meet Rhonda Thorson who has been a site supervisor at Twin Cities Habitat for 17 years.  

Guest Blog by Amanda Meemken
Women Build Volunteer

When your group arrives at the Women Build site, you’ll be greeted by a Habitat Site Supervisor. For the past month, that has been Ashley Rose. I recently had the opportunity to meet this awesome woman, and I want you all to as well.