Monthly Archives: November 2011

Thank you Habitat!

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The Brackins Family at their Wall Raising celebration in September.

Each year, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity partners with countless volunteers, donors, and supporters to make the dream of homeownership come true for our partner families.  In 2011, our organization is partnering with the Brackins family on a home to be completed in December.  Below is a note from the family expressing their thankfulness for Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity, its volunteers, staff, donors, and supporters.  We hope you enjoy reading this note as much as we do!

Dear Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity: I just wanted to say how thankful I am.  My family and I are very thankful for the many coutless blessings that God has provided.  Being chosen out of many for a new home is a dream that has come true!  With that being said I want to thank every volunteer, every staff member, and every supporter of Habitat for Humanity, this couldn’t have been done with all the help and the support. This home has truly opened so many more dreams and opportunities. So I have a lot to be thankful for and that is why I will give our heavenly father thanks and praise for allowing Habitat for Humanity to cross my path; for making the look’s impossible, possible; for a bigger and brighter future, even for just the hands of those who sacrificed their time and who worked hard to make this home possible! So I say unto you again: Thank You! 

Sincerely,

Tonette, Samantha & Anthony Brackins        

Give to the Max Day

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There’s no getting around it. Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity is able to build homes for people in need because of great people like you. Our volunteers and donors give of their time, talent and finances to ensure that local families have a bright future. Your gifts matter.

We’re asking you to join with us on November 16 and Give to the Max for your local Habitat affiliate. GiveMN.org is working with nonprofit organizations around the state of Minnesota to help raise as much money as possible for Minnesota nonprofits during their annual 24 hour fundraising drive- known as Give to the Max Day.  Last year more than 42,000 donors logged on to GiveMN.org on Give to the Max Day and raised more than $10 million for 3,663 participating nonprofit organizations.

So how do you get involved? Starting at midnight on November 16, visit http://givemn.razoo.comand and type in Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity to make your donation or bookmark our giving page.  During Give to the Max Day, you can amplify your giving in a number of ways:

2011 Partner Families

In 2011, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity is partnering with 5 families to make the dream of homeownership come true.

  • Matching Gifts!  The first $750 in gifts to Habitat will be matched $1 for $1 by Northern Improvement Company and Construction Resource Group-making your donation go even farther!
  • Win a Golden Ticket!  $1,000 will be given to a random donor’s charity every hour.  You could be that donor!
  • Put us on the Leader Board!  $15,000, $10,000 and $5,000 prize grants will be awarded to the top three nonprofit organizations (colleges and universities excluded) which receive the most dollars in 24 hours during Give to the Max Day.

Check out http://givemn.razoo.com to learn more about the great ways to benefit Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity. Your gift to Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity will make a huge difference in our ongoing work to provide simple, decent, affordable homes for families in our community.

Get ready, get set, give to the Max on November 16!

Give to the Max logo

Thrivent Build Home Complete!

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Today will be an exciting day in Fargo, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity will dedicate the 2011 Thrivent Build Home.  At 5:30pm this afternoon, the future homeowners, the Bichler family, will gather with representatives from Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, donors, volunteers, and friends to celebrate the completion of their future home.  The Bichler’s future home marks the 3rd home completed by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity as part of the organization’s 2011 Build Season.

Partner Family

The Bichler family stands in front of their future home- built in partnership with Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

The Bichler family is eager to move into their new home.  Jennelle Bichler is a single mother of three children with special needs.  In 2005, Jennelle was in the process of adopting her daughter when she was diagnosed with 2 rare conditions which caused her to lose her sight.  She became completely blind days after daughter’s adoption was finalized. 

“It is an honor to partner with a family like the Bichlers to build a home,” said Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Shirley Dykshoorn. “Jennelle is such a strong woman who has been through a great deal. She truly deserves a place for her and her children to call their own.”

The Bichler family, like all families that partner with Habitat for Humanity, will not be receiving a free home, but instead will be purchasing the home with a 0% interest free loan that will be repaid over the course of the mortgage. Jennelle contributed more than 250 “sweat equity” hours working on her home and the homes of others as a requirement for becoming a Habitat homeowner.

The home was built as part of a multi-year, multi-million dollar partnership between Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Habitat for Humanity International, known as Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity.  Thrivent Builds is designed to involve Thrivent members and Lutherans in helping provide a “hand up” to people who lack decent shelter, offering them a path to greater economic independence. Since 2005 Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity has constructed nearly 2,500 homes worldwide, with the most recent Thrivent Build home right here in Fargo. 

Thrivent Wall Raising 2011

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans representatives and the future homeowners raise a wall on the 2011 Thrivent Builds home in July.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has been partnering with the local Habitat affiliate since 2004. During this year’s build, all of Fargo’s financial representatives participated in the build, including Steve Oakes, Steve Asche, Al Fabricius, Paul Holtan, Carla Braaten, Shad Connor, Bruce Saum and Todd Schaffer.

At the dedication, there will be a short program where Shirley Dykshoorn, LAHFH Executive Director.  Jennelle Bichler, the new homeowner, as well as representatives from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will be available for comments.

If you’re interested in attending the Thrivent Build home dedication:

Where: 1205 2nd Ave South in Fargo

When: 5:30pm on Monday, November 14, 2011

For more information on Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity visit: www.lakeagassizhabitat.org

For more information on Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity visit: www.thriventbuilds.com

For more information on Thrivent Financial for Lutherans visit: www.thrivent.com

Chuck Suchy Concert & Silent Auction

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Looking for something fun to do this evening?  Join Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity and Great Plains singer-songwriter Chuck Suchy for a one night fundraising concert and silent auction for Habitat!

Singer-songwriter Chuck Suchy

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity is hosting a fundraiser concert with Chuck Suchy at First Lutheran Church, located at 619 Broadway in Fargo, N.D. The event takes place on November 12, 2011, with a silent auction starting at 6:30 p.m., followed by the musical performance from 7-9 p.m.

Called “…one of the shining lights of the Upper Great Plains” by CROSSROADS MAGAZINE, singer and songwriter Chuck Suchy extols the Great Plains region and lifestyle in his music.  Suchy, a native of Mandan, N.D., is an acoustic guitar performer who receives his musical inspiration as a working farmer. Many of his songs reflect his experiences from life in the Great Plains, and the concert will feature music from his latest album, “Unraveling Heart.”

Silent Auction

Sneak peek of some of the great Silent Auction items available.

 

 Tickets for the event are $15 and will be available at the door. All proceeds from ticket and silent auction sales will go toward Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity to help fund costs from the 2011 build season.  Silent Auction will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by the musical performance from 7-9 p.m.

The 2011 Build Season is nearing the end of completion and there are still partner families eagerly waiting to move in to homes of their own. Join us and help us raise the remaining dollars to make this possible!

Join us at the Chuck Suchy Concert & Silent Auction:

When: Saturday, November 12th

Time:  Silent Auction begins at 6:30pm Musical performance begins at 7:00 p.m.

Where: First Lutheran Church Celebration Hall (619 North Broadway, Fargo)

For more information on Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity visit: www.lakeagassizhabitat.org

For more information on Chuck Suchy or to hear samples of his music visit: www.chucksuchy.com

What is Habitat ReStore?

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Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity ReStore is located in Moorhead at 210 11th Street North.

From contractors looking to decrease costs, to the do-it-yourself enthusiasts, to first-time home buyers turning their new house into a home, the Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity ReStore has something for everyone.  Dining room furniture, lighting fixtures, plumbing, paint and appliances, even the proverbial kitchen sink, can be found at the ReStore.

Shoppers experience immediate benefits when purchasing building supplies and appliances at 25-75% off retail price, but the advantages of the ReStore reach far beyond the obvious.  Those who shop at – and donate to – the ReStore make a precious impact on the environment, the community and their own homes.

Environment:  In the past year alone, those who donated to the ReStore helped divert 993,465 lbs. from the Lake Agassiz area landfills.  As the movement to ‘Go Green’ gains momentum, the ReStore continues to be a cornerstone for local recycling and diversion.

Community:  Running a landfill costs the community money.  The nearly 497 tons of materials that were driven away from local landfills last year translates to a reduction of approximately $15,000 in local tax dollars.  Donating to the ReStore also allows contractors to save on ever-increasing landfill and disposable fees and provides a place for businesses to bring unneeded materials and overstock supplies. 

Community members who shop at the ReStore are given the unique opportunity to maintain their property when they otherwise may not have been able to afford any home repairs.  When individual property is maintained, neighborhoods are stronger, overall pride rises in the community and the entire city becomes a better place to live.

Individuals:  As tax season approaches, those who have donated to the ReStore feel another advantage.  All proceeds from the ReStore go towards furthering Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s mission of building houses for local families in need, which qualifies the organization as a 501c (3) non-profit.  As such, all donations made to the Lake Agassiz ReStore are tax deductable.

Habitat ReStore Volunteers

Individual volunteers work at the Habitat ReStore in Moorhead.

Individuals who volunteer are an invaluable part of the successful operations of the ReStore.  The Lake Agassiz ReStore is thankful to have a compassionate group of people that donate their time and energy, and many volunteers say the feeling is mutual.  ReStore volunteers get to know their neighbors, solve problems, see benefits and know they had a hand in making positive change.

So whether one’s reasons for donating and shopping at the ReStore are obvious or intangible, they support the greater good of individuals, the community and the environment – and the Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity ReStore is thankful for all the support.

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity ReStore is located in Moorhead at 210 N. 11th St. and is open weekdays from 10am – 6pm and Saturdays from 10 am – 4pm.

Thank you volunteers!

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Volunteers come together to raise the first wall of a Habitat house.

People volunteer for many different reasons.  Some believe the research that says they are extending their lives.  Others think that volunteering is a way for them to get ahead and build career skills.  Still others volunteer for the sheer joy of helping people.  At Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity, we appreciate all those who give of their time and talents, no matter what their motivation may be.

Volunteers are the backbone of our organization.  It takes approximately 225 volunteers about 1,800 volunteer hours to build an average Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity Home.  The time adds up quickly.  Without volunteers, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity would have never been able to serve 45 families in the organization’s 20 years.

Volunteers shingle a Habitat for Humanity home.

As the 2011 Build Season begins to come to a close, we would like to take a moment to show our appreciation to all those who have given of their time, talents, and treasures to support our mission.  Your contributions this year gave 6 adults and 13 children the opportunity to have a safe and affordable place to call home.

Join us at Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s 2011 Appreciation Event:

When: Thursday, November 3rd from 6:30 pm- 8 pm

Where: Olivet Lutheran Church (1330 University Drive South, Fargo)

For more information on Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity visit: www.lakeagassizhabitat.org