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.
This spring, Twin Cities Habitat will kick off two projects with groups from the University of Minnesota using new technologies and solutions to improve home efficiency and durability.
Consumers will demand homes that are efficient, built to last, and attractive—three qualities that are already true of Twin Cities Habitat homes.
Nyakade is open about being an emotional person who is easily brought to tears, but she is also quick to smile and has an inner strength that shines through. When you know her story, you understand why she is so grateful to be where she is today.
Last week, more than 50 volunteers, sponsors, and staff gathered in St. Paul to celebrate Huda, Shamis and Aligele's new home.
Huda, Shamis and Aligele, along with her brothers Abdulrakib, Abdulrhman and Ahmed, are excited about moving into their new home. After growing up in Somalia, and having to move frequently in Minnesota, they are looking forward to having a safe home to live in. Huda’s brothers are most excited about having their own rooms and a quiet space for studying.
Huda shared her gratitude for everyone who helped to make his family's home a reality.
“Our futures have already changed educationally, financially, and morally. With a home of our own there will be no more moving from country to country or city to city. We will finally have a stable, constant home that will be ours forever.”
“Yaa mana ofii.” This Oromo language phrase is very common in Ethiopia. It means, “home is everything.” Yemane and Bizunesh, who bought their new Habitat home in West St. Paul in July, say the phrase comes from living desperate lives in Ethiopia. "It means home is where hunger and pain reside. But it also means home is where joy and love live.” Yemane says, “Everything in your life is sheltered by home. It can mask your need, but it also protects everything you have, especially your family.”
Generally, on the 2nd Monday of the month the Women Build steering committee gets together to plan and discuss Women Build. The steering committee is made up of women from all walks of life who all come together to with one common goal – to empower women!