Starting a new life in a new place is both exciting and nerve-wracking. And on Thursday night, Woynshet and her grandson were ready to take that step into homeownership—surrounded by those who support them!

Guest Blog by Jackie Peak
Twin Cities Habitat staff member

Thrivent Financial has been a long-standing partner of not only Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity (TCHFH), but also Habitat for Humanity International. Since 2006, Thrivent has sponsors over 80 homes and more than 125 critical home repairs in the Twin Cities alone.

The last Saturday in February was filled with sunshine, smiles, and support as Terfa and Bontu celebrated their new home in Saint Paul! The living room filled quickly with family members, friends, volunteers, and sponsors eager to congratulate the new homeowners. Terfa and Bontu could not contain their kids' excitement as they ran around embracing the space they would soon call home. 

On the most gorgeous Minnesota February Saturday in memory, families, neighbors, volunteers, and donors came together to dedicate two Habitat homes in Blaine. Kids were running with new friends to the playground next-door, adults were unloading trays of breads, vegetables, and stews on the table, and there was a lot of laughter as everyone gathered in the main room for the dedication ceremony. Win Curtiss, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity Dedications Committee member, smiled around at everyone as he gave the welcome.

Eleven years. 80 homes built. 129 home repair projects completed. And that's just in the Twin Cities!

This past Saturday, we celebrated Gabi and Alime's family, and the completion of their Habitat home in South St. Paul.

On a beautiful fall Thursday night, Marian and Abdikani gathered with their family and a multitude of community members to dedicate their home in St. Paul.

The family of 10 presented bright smiles on their faces, as they walked through each room and reflected on their "dream come true." 

"Our lives will change forever," Marian said. "Our kids will finally have a home, not just a room."

This St. Paul dedication was also special because it was a Women Build home. Through Women Build, volunteers build two Habitat homes a year. With 50 team leaders and 14 crew leaders, over 1,000 women have participated in Women Build.

The Golden Rule is a universal concept, that defies race, religion and time. From the Prophet Muhammad to Hillel and the Bible, the concept of treating others the way you want to be treated is something we should all strive to attain. While Habitat for Humanity is rooted in the Christian tradition, we do our work in partnership with people of all faiths. Faith in Action has been a value of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity since its founding.

From July 9^th to the 16^th, Twin Cities Habitat, Thrivent Financial and the Jordan Area Community Council (JACC) partnered to carry out the Jordan Week of Kindness initiative. From July 9^th to the 15^th, enthusiastic A Brush with Kindness volunteers worked alongside residents on repairs that transformed four houses on two blocks in the Jordan neighborhood. Local contractors like Bryskin were hired to help out with the extra load and community members like Project for Pride in Living helped with prep work.