Dedications are one of the special pieces of Habitat's program. They help show the impact stable, affordable housing has on families that partner with us. They also give the opportunity to bring a community together to celebrate and "send the family off to success beyond their dreams," as Board Member Dan Shapiro wished one of the celebrated families this past week.
This story began with a member of the Maple Grove community deciding to donate land and say "yes, in my backyard" to Twin Cities Habitat and the partner family that worked so hard to buy their home.
October 18 was the 4th Annual Senior Pastor Build that brought 11 faith leaders to volunteer on a Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity home. Among the volunteers was Thrivent Financials’ newly named CEO Terry Rasmussen. Chris Coleman, President & CEO of Twin Cities Habitat comments, “Habitat International started on a farm. Twin Cities Habitat started in a church basement, with faith leaders who dared to be bold. Today we must be bold again and multiply our collective impact."
This past Thursday, Twin Cities Habitat celebrated two partner families who are about to move in to their new Habitat homes.
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.