Local Volunteers Celebrate National Women Build Week

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Women volunteers raised their hammers on a Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity construction site yesterday in recognition of National Women Build Week. National Women Build Week, held May 5-13, is a nationwide initiative of Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program developed in partnership with Lowe’s.

This year’s theme, “The Build Generation,” reflects the event’s goal to recruit and train women volunteers, as well as welcome the next generation of Habitat Women Builders – young women, ages 18-24 – to help support Habitat’s mission to create affordable housing. Yesterday, women volunteers in Fargo worked with the Hudson Family on a special project for their new Habitat house. Lowe’s is providing Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity a $5,000 Lowe’s store gift card, as well as in-store volunteer training to support of this Habitat for Humanity Women Build home.

Here in Fargo Moorhead, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity has built 4 Women Build homes. Yesterday, local women build volunteers celebrated National Women Build Week by constructing and finishing a shed with the Hudson Family. The Hudson Family’s new home should be complete by fall of 2012.

Women volunteer at the site of the Hudson Family's future home in Fargo as part of National Women Build Week.

“It’s exciting for us to focus on women this week,” explains Katie McCormick, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity Program Coordinator. “Our women volunteers are passionate about this effort, and they’ve volunteered a lot of hours, learning the skills necessary to help eliminate poverty housing in Cass and Clay counties. Having a new group of volunteers take part has been exciting as well. It is nice to be able to share skills and empower the next generation to carry on Habitat’s mission.”

E! News correspondent and long-time Habitat supporter Kristina Guerrero, whose mother built her home in partnership with an affordable-housing organization in 1998, is building with her mother, sister and 25 women volunteers, in Los Angeles.

“My mom, brothers, sisters and I are living proof of the difference affordable housing can make in a family’s life,” said Guerrero. “I encourage all women to find ways to join Habitat this week. Whether it’s building alongside other volunteers or helping to recruit or train new volunteers, every effort helps families realize their dreams of homeownership. Through working together, we can make a difference in the lives of low-income families in need of affordable housing.”

Lowe’s, underwriter of Habitat’s Women Build program, has committed more than $1.3 million to National Women Build Week in support of 275 participating affiliates. National Women Build Week is one of the major initiatives supported through Lowe’s five-year, $20 million pledge to Habitat. As the underwriter of the Women Build program since 2004, Lowe’s conducts “How-To” clinics at stores to teach women construction skills, enabling them to support Habitat projects across the country.  Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity and the Fargo Lowe’s store hosted a “How-To” clinic to prepare women volunteers to build in Fargo.

“Lowe’s has been the proud sponsor of Habitat’s Women Build program since 2004,” said Marshall Croom, chairman of the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation. “Women Build encourages women from all ages and walks of life to pick up their hammers and build affordable homes alongside local families. Lowe’s salutes all the women volunteers who take time to build this week and values the difference Lowe’s and Habitat are making in the lives of families across the nation.”

The U.S. Census Bureau reports more than 12 million children—one out of every six—are living in poverty in the United States, where more than 70 percent of Habitat’s U.S. houses are built in partnership with women heads-of-household. Habitat’s Women Build program recruits, educates and inspires women to build and advocate for simple, decent and affordable houses in their communities. Since the inception of Habitat’s Women Build program in 1998 more than 1,900 Habitat for Humanity Women Build houses have been constructed in partnership with low-income families.

Calling All Women: Join Habitat for National Women Build Week

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Women volunteers will raise their hammers at Habitat for Humanity construction sites across the country in recognition of National Women Build Week, May 5-13. The event is a nationwide initiative of Habitat’s Women Build program developed in partnership with Lowe’s.

Now in its fifth year, National Women Build Week challenges women to devote at least one day to creating simple, decent and affordable housing in their local communities. Nearly 31,000 women volunteers from all 50 states have participated in the previous four events.

LAHFH Women Build volunteers

Volunteers flex their muscles at LAHFH’s 2011 Women Build site.

This year’s theme, “The Build Generation,” reflects the event’s goal to recruit and train women volunteers, as well as welcome the next generation of Habitat Women Builders – young women, ages 18-24 – to help support Habitat’s mission to create affordable housing. Lowe’s and Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity are looking for women to volunteer at a Fargo Habitat construction site on Thursday, May 10th. Construction or home improvement experience is not necessary.

Women Build Volunteers take part in 2011 Women Build Week.

Women Build Volunteers take part in 2011 Women Build Week.

Volunteers will be constructing and finishing a shed for a Fargo Habitat home.  Construction will begin at 8 am on Thursday, May 10th at 1534 1st Ave S, Fargo.  Lunch is provided.  Those interested in volunteering should call 218-284-5253 ext 2 or email habitat@lakeagassizhabitat.org to sign up.

To date, Women Build volunteers have helped construct more than 1,900 Habitat houses nationwide. Locally, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity has built 4 Women Build homes.

National Women Build Week is held the week leading up to Mother’s Day because of its significance to Habitat homeowners and volunteers. Families with children make up a staggering number of those in need of adequate housing. More than 12 million children – one in six – live in poverty housing in the United States alone.

Lowe’s contributed more than $1.3 million to National Women Build Week, providing $5,000 Lowe’s gift cards to 275 Habitat affiliates. National Women Build Week is one of the major initiatives supported through Lowe’s five-year, $20 million pledge to Habitat. As the underwriter of the Women Build program since 2004, Lowe’s conducts “how-to” clinics at stores to teach women construction skills, enabling them to support Habitat projects across the country.

To volunteer or donate to this project, please call 218-284-5253 ext. 2, email habitat@lakeagassizhabitat.org or visit www.lakeagassizhabitat.org.

The Excitement is Building!

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Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s third annual Hard Hat Breakfast, held Wednesday, April 25 at the Ramada Plaza Suites & Conference Center in Fargo, drew a capacity crowd.  The ballroom was filled with more than 200 people who each enjoyed breakfast and a program about the exciting impact Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity is making in our community.  The event raised over $7,000 for the affiliate.

“It was great to see so many people join us this year to learn more about the important work our organization is doing in the community,” said Rob Rich, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s Executive Director.  “I hope to see many of them on the build sites this summer!”

2012 Hard Hat Breakfast

Stan Franek speaks to a capacity crowd at the 2012 Hard Hat Breakfast

The morning began with Rob Rich, the new Executive Director, welcoming everyone and sharing some information about Habitat for Humanity. “Homeowner Impact,” a video from Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota discussing the 2011 Homeowner Impact Pilot Study was shown to demonstrate the positive effects homeownership can have on the lives of families.  Bryce Johnson, Executive Vice President of Home Builders Association of Fargo Moorhead, shared her thoughts about the long-standing relationship between Home Builders Association of Fargo Moorhead and Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity and what it means for them to sponsor their first build- a home to be built in Fargo in 2012.  Stan Franek, a long time volunteer and Thrivent Builds coordinator, spoke about the nation-wide Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity program and his excitement for the 12th Thrivent Builds home to be built by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity in 2012.  Jon Mergens and Chelsi Argabright, co-chairs of the Concordia Habitat for Humanity Chapter shared their personal connection to Habitat for Humanity’s mission and why they choose to volunteer with the organization.

Homeowner speaks at Hard Hat

Habitat Homeowner Coreen Graham shares her story at the 3rd annual Hard Hat Breakfast.

Coreen Graham, 2008 Habitat Homeowner, shared her story with the crowd. Graham and her two children now live in a safe home and can use more than one appliance at a time without the fear that the poor electrical wiring will cause a fire.  She also spoke about how her children are no longer ashamed to have friends over and how she was able to take care of her father after he was diagnosed with cancer- all because of the Habitat home she built with volunteers from the community.

“Without Habitat, without the accessible home, my children would not have been able to spend the last months of his life with their grandfather,” Graham said.  “It’s more than a house- it’s our home.”

We would like to thank all the table sponsors and individuals who donated their time and talents to Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity.  Special thanks to our event sponsors this year:  Alerus Financial; Dawson Insurance; Ramada Plaza and Suites; Wallwork Truck Center; and Wells Fargo.  With your donations and support, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity is able to build homes, communities and hope in Cass and Clay counties.

If you are interested in becoming involved in Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity or would like more information, please call 218-284-5253 or email habitat@lakeagassizhabitat.org.  You can also visit our website to find out more about Habitat and how you can get involved.  If it is helping with a build, making lunch for the build volunteers, or becoming a part of a committee, we offer something for everyone.

Prepare for Cleanup Week: Donate to Habitat ReStore!

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Fargo-Moorhead’s Cleanup Week is May 7-11. Every year, residents of Dilworth, Moorhead, Fargo, and West Fargo have this week to dispose of tires, appliances, and other large items at no charge on their regular garbage collection day.

This Cleanup Week, there’s a great opportunity to get rid of unwanted items in an environmentally sustainable way that also supports the local community.  Before you put anything out on the curb, consider donating it to Habitat ReStore and receiving a tax deduction!

Habitat ReStore is a home improvement thrift store that accepts donations of building materials, appliances (in any condition), and furniture.  By giving these materials another life, Habitat ReStore is able to divert almost 500 tons of materials from area landfills annually!  All proceeds from Habitat ReStore support Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity as they build simple, decent, and affordable homes in partnership with families in Cass and Clay counties.

Cleanup Week Rules

Each city has their own specifications, which can be found on the Cleanup Week website.

1.Separate items of the same type into distinct piles (tires, appliances, furniture, brush, household garbage, etc.). Separate trucks collect the items.

2.Place garbage in disposable containers, except for oversized items.

3.Items will be collected on your normal garbage pickup day. Do not set items out more than one day early.

4.Crews will not return to pick up garbage set out too late.

5. Remove refrigerator and freezer doors. Do not place food or any other waste inside appliances.

 6. Items must be from residences; no commercial waste will be accepted. Keep household garbage at least four feet away from other Cleanup Week items.

If you have items that are still usable or are not accepted by the city, consider supporting your community and the environment by donating tax-deductible materials to Habitat ReStore!

How do I donate to Habitat ReStore?

Drop Off: Bring your donation to Habitat ReStore, 210 11th Street North, Moorhead during store hours, which are 10-6 Mon – Fri and 10-4 Saturday.

Pick Up: Call (218) 359-0812 to schedule a FREE donation pick-up.

For a list of accepted donations, please visit our webpage.

Letter from the New Executive Director

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As I step into my new role as executive director at Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity, I’d like to thank everyone for their support. Though I’ve been with the organization for several years, I’m excited for this new position to take on the new challenges and opportunities that lie before me.

For those of you who don’t know me yet, I joined Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity as a construction intern in April 2008. After just a few months, I was hired as the construction manager. Since then, I’ve been overseeing the entire building process—from setting the schedule to working on the houses myself.

Rob Rich on a Habitat build site.

I’m very passionate about the mission of Habitat, and I’m looking forward to playing an even larger part in the organization. Taking from my construction experience, I’ll be working closely with the board of directors to achieve common goals- including growing the Habitat ReStore and building more homes- which means serving more families- in Cass and Clay counties.

With the new build season approaching quickly, we’ll be needing your help again soon. I hope you’ll continue to partner with Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity and help us embrace our mission of building simple, decent and affordable housing in our community.

Sincerely,

Rob Rich

NDSU’s “Big Event” Brings Volunteers to Habitat ReStore

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On Tuesday, April 24th, a group of North Dakota State University students helped out at Habitat ReStore in a BIG way as a part of the NDSU Volunteer Network’s “Big Event.”

The NDSU Volunteer Network, NDSU Student Government and the NDSU Alumni Association plans the annual “Big Event,”an all-day community outreach assistance program. This event brings together the NDSU community to volunteer in the Fargo-Moorhead community.

The Big Event sent over 500 student and alumni volunteers to local non-profit agencies, churches and private homes.

Go Bison!

This year, the NDSU Volunteer Network invited Habitat ReStore to take part in this event.   Tuesday afternoon, a group of NDSU volunteers were working hard at the ReStore.  They assisted with a variety of projects, including cleaning a large donation of refrigerators, sorting the paint section, and organizing the back lot of the store.

“Habitat ReStore has benefited in a big way from volunteers sent to us from NDSU over the past year, whether they are individual students completing service learning requirements or larger campus groups doing a one-day project,” said Shelby Cochran, AmeriCorps VISTA at Habitat ReStore.  ”Thanks to two NDSU volunteer events, the ‘Service Plunge’ on MLK Jr. Day and the ‘Big Event,’  we were able to conquer tasks that are usually too large for our small staff to handle.  We hope to continue our relationship with the Volunteer Network and participate in their events in the future!”

Habitat ReStore is a home improvement thrift store selling new and gently used building materials, appliances, and furniture to the general public at reduced prices.  All proceeds from Habitat ReStore support Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity‘s programs and building projects.  Material donations from local businesses, contractors, and individuals are welcome.  Tax-deductible donations can be made by dropping off materials at the ReStore, 210 11th St. North in Moorhead or by calling 218-284-5253 x3 to set up a donation pick-up. 

Habitat Names Rob Rich Executive Director

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Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity named Rob Rich the organization’s new Executive Director.  Rich has served as the organization’s Construction Manager since 2008.

“Rob is committed to Habitat’s mission of building homes, hope and community,” said Leann Wolff, President of Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s Board of Directors.  “Rob brings years of experience in construction and working closely with volunteers.  He is an asset to the organization and will lead Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity to build more homes and serve more families in our community.”

“Habitat is a remarkable organization and I have enjoyed the opportunity to work directly with our Partner Families and countless volunteers from the community who make Habitat for Humanity possible,” said Rob Rich, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity Executive Director.  “I look forward to building on the success of this organization and addressing the need for affordable housing in our community.”

The organization also announced their plans to build 2 homes in Fargo during their 2012 build season.  The first is a single family home sponsored by the Home Builders Care Foundation of Fargo Moorhead.  This is the first time the organization will serve as the primary sponsor of a Habitat for Humanity home.  The second is a single family home sponsored by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.  This will mark the 12th home built by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity as part of the Thrivent Builds program.

8 New Ways to Go Green this Earth Week!

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It’s Earth Week and that means you can expect to see lots of green.  But before your unplug your Prius and head to the grocery store with your reusable bags, Habitat ReStore has a list of 8 ways to go green that you probably haven’t heard about.

1. Drive Less

Trading in your car for a bicycle probably isn’t going to happen anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean you can’t reduce your vehicle’s energy use.  Think twice about driving to the grocery store a second time this week.  Plan your errand routes so that you’re driving the least distance possible.  Carpool with a friend to work or the gym.

2. Become a member of a CSA

The distance your food travels from the field to the produce section in your local grocery store is probably greater than you think.  Community supported agriculture (CSA) helps reduce transport energy by connecting local farmers with individual consumers.  Become a member of a reputable CSA farm and start receiving local fresh goods while saving energy.

3. Buy digital media instead of printed media.  (Books, movies, songs, etc.)

Almost every traditional printed media has gone digital.  By eliminating manufacturing and shipping costs of printed media – DVDs, CDs, and books – you’ll be saving lots of energy.  If you’ve needed a reason to go completely digital, this is it.

4. Buy used instead of new.

Next time you need new clothes, household items, or home improvement materials, think twice about shopping a retail store.  Local thrift stores like Habitat ReStore have many of the same gently used items at dramatically reduced prices.  As an added bonus, most thrift stores use their revenue to help fund nonprofit organizations, so you can feel good knowing that your money is going towards a good cause.

5. Use a reusable container for morning coffee.

Your morning cup of Joe comes in a disposable cup that always ends up in the trash.  Have your favorite barista fill you up using a reusable container.  Some coffee shops even give discounts for reusable cups.

6. Switch to LED light bulbs.

Not all light bulbs are created equal. New LED light bulbs can last literally a lifetime and use less energy than fluorescent and incandescent bulbs.  LED bulbs have life ranges of 18-46 years and produce clear and bright light.

7. Wash in cold water instead of hot.

Cold water uses less energy than hot water.  Wash your clothes in cold water with a concentrated cold-water formulated detergent.  Energy savings will start to add up quickly.

8. Stop receiving unsolicited junk mail.

Most of the annoying credit card offers go from mailbox straight to the trash, right? Contact companies that frequently send you junk mail and ask them to stop.  You’ll be saving paper resources and the energy the postal service uses to get it to you.

Habitat ReStore is a home improvement thrift store that sells gently new and use home improvement materials, furniture, and appliances to the general public. All proceeds from the store support Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity in building homes and hope in partnership with families in Cass and Clay Counties.  To make a tax-deductible donation of materials to Habitat ReStore, bring your donation to 210 11th St. North, Moorhead during store hours or call 218-284-5253 x3 to schedule a donation pick-up. The ReStore is open Monday-Friday from 10-6 and Saturdays 10-4. 

Women at Work: Lowe’s Teaches Building Basics for Women Volunteers

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Women volunteers, many representing “The Build Generation” of young women ages 18 to 24, will raise their hammers at Habitat for Humanity construction sites across the country in recognition of National Women Build Week, May 5-13. This event is a nationwide initiative of Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program developed in partnership with Lowe’s.

To help volunteers get a jump-start on their building skills, Lowe’s, the underwriter of Habitat’s Women Build program and sponsor of National Women Build Week, is hosting a “how-to” clinic on Saturday, April 21st at 2:00 pm at Lowe’s Home Improvement, located at 5001 13th Avenue Southwest in Fargo.

Women Build how-to clinics are open to everyone, women interested in volunteering at any local Women Build site are encouraged to attend. There is no cost to enroll and Lowe’s provides all supplies. The how-to clinic is led by Lowe’s store employees will teach home construction basics to volunteers and offer opportunities to practice new skills.  Women will also learn tool safety tips.

To sign up for the clinic, volunteers should contact the Customer Service Desk at Lowe’s Home Improvement by calling 701-433-2160. Each clinic is limited to 25 participants. Registered volunteers should wear comfortable clothing and come ready to learn.  All supplies will be provided on-site.

Habitat’s Women Build program recruits, educates and inspires women to build and advocate for simple, decent and affordable housing in their communities. Lowe’s committed more than $1.3 million to National Women Build Week, providing $5,000 Lowe’s store gift cards and event support materials to 275 Habitat affiliates across the country.

This year’s theme, “The Build Generation,” reflects Habitat Women Build’s goal to recruit and train women volunteers, as well as welcome the next generation of Habitat Women Builders – young women, ages 18-24 – to help support Habitat’s mission to create affordable housing.

473 Reasons to Celebrate this Earth Week

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Last year, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity ReStore diverted 473 tons of home improvement materials from landfills. That’s quite a few reasons to celebrate this Earth Week.

Everything from new kitchen floors to  gently used bedroom doors – the ReStore repurposes home improvement products from personal and corporate material donations all year long.

 

The best part? All proceeds from the ReStore support Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s programs and local building projects.

 “As Habitat ReStore becomes more synonymous with being green, individuals are realizing the benefits of donating and shopping with us. ReStore is helping today’s families improve their homes by selling new and used merchandise and, by diverting useful materials from our landfills, we improve the lives of future generations.”

– Randy Ahmann, ReStore Manager

Help Lake Agassiz Habitat ReStore keep the cycle going by donating and shopping this Earth Week. Drop off your gently used home improvement supplies at the ReStore during store hours or schedule a pick-up by calling the donation line at 218-359-0812.

Habitat ReStore is located at 210 11th St. N., Moorhead and is open to the public Monday-Friday from 10-6 and Saturdays 10-4.  All proceeds from the store support Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity build homes and hope in partnership with families in Cass and Clay Counties.