We recently held a Stories of Home Contest where we asked Twin Cities Habitat homeowners to share a story answering the question: "What does your home mean to you?" Here's one of the stories in the homeowner's own voice. Story and photos shared with their permission.

Written by Ana B., Habitat Homeowner since 2017.

First off, let me start by introducing myself and my family. My name is Ana. I work at Hennepin County Medical Center, and I am a mom to 3 beautiful kids. Eli is 15 and a sophomore in high school, loves to play the guitar and piano, and is an amazing older brother. Kenndra is 13 and in the 7th grade, and she loves to spend her free time with her baby brother and driving her older brother crazy! And when she is not doing that, she spends time in her room drawing and reading books. Myles is 1 and full of energy and keeps all of us on our feet, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Last year Legacy Restoration completed their second Roof Deployment Project for a deserving veteran, Steven Ripp. Steven is a Navy veteran (1971-1977) who has lived in Minneapolis since 1984 and had a roof in rough shape. That’s when Twin Cities Habitat’s A Brush with Kindness program and Legacy Restorations stepped in to help.

U.S. Bank is pledging $500,000 over five years to Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity’s critical home repair program, A Brush with Kindness. U.S. Bank has been the Program Sponsor for A Brush with Kindness since 2010.

U.S. Bank’s commitment translates into more families being prepared to succeed as homeowners and more families being stable in their homes long term. The company joins Twin Cities Habitat’s efforts to rally the community through its Multiplying the Impact campaign, a five-year $55 million fundraising campaign to double Habitat homeownership opportunities for Twin Cities families.

Guest Blog by Laura Oyen
Grants & Compliance Assistant at Twin Cities Habitat

Many of us take different journeys to arrive at Habitat. Prior to my working at Habitat I was a Contract Analyst in the Group Contracts department of Securian Financial. Insurance might not be the most exciting of industries to work in, but there are several similarities between building homes and life insurance.

To celebrate National Homeownership Month, we're sharing educational resources for homebuyers and homeowners written by some of our closest partners. This post was provided by Bremer Bank, our major mortgage partner. Bremer has committed to buying nearly $100 million in mortgages, unlocking opportunities for hundreds of local families.

Guest blog written by Meredith Winegar, Mortgage President, Bremer Bank

To celebrate National Homeownership Month, we're sharing educational resources for homebuyers and homeowners written by some of our closest partners. This post was provided by Andersen Corporation, which has contributed more than $2.3 million in donations and materials to Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity since 1989.

General Window & Door Safety

Window safety is one of the key things to keep in mind as a homeowner. Everyone in a home can be affected by issues that could easily be prevented with our helpful tips, so read through our tips and make sure you are prepared!

To celebrate National Homeownership Month, we're sharing educational resources for homebuyers and homeowners written by some of our closest partners. This post was provided by Sunrise Banks. In addition to sponsoring homebuilding projects, Sunrise Banks currently provides underwriting and origination services for new Twin Cities Habitat home loans.

Becoming a homeowner is an exciting rite of passage. 

But buying a house is also a complicated process that includes reams of paperwork, legal jargon and a formidable test of one’s financial stability.  

To celebrate National Homeownership Month, we're sharing educational resources for homebuyers and homeowners written by some of our closest partners. This post was provided by Thrivent Federal Credit Union. Thrivent Financial is the largest sponsor of Habitat for Humanity nationally and here in the Twin Cities. Over 14 years, Thrivent has contributed more than $10 million to Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity.

When it comes to taking out or refinancing a mortgage, there’s a lot to consider. Review this list of 10 tips to make sure your loan process will go smoothly, and remember that the best policy is to always consult your loan officer.

We recently dedicated a home that was special in the hearts of many. The site on Jenks Avenue was an adventure in many ways, and as we dedicated the home we looked back on the journey that took place in the house.

It's been a fun and interesting ride, but the time finally came for the first House That Beer Built to be dedicated!