Author Archives: Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

New ReStore Woodworking Shop Keeps the Cycle Going

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The ReStore has recently incorporated a brand new way to shop, donate and volunteer. Executive Director Rob Rich had the idea to keep the cycle going by starting a woodworking shop in the back of the ReStore—a shop where wood furniture could be salvaged, re-purposed and sold—and kept out of dumpsters.

ReStore has this great coffee table that was made from old school doors and reclaimed 1890’s hardwood flooring. 

On their downtime, ReStore volunteers use the woodworking shop as a place to work on various deconstruction, re-purposing and refinishing projects, including sanding, staining and painting. The shop has had a successful start so far. With a wide variety of wood products like vanities, doors and cabinets being salvaged and brought into the ReStore, there are projects happening all the time.

The shop is an added benefit to both the ReStore and the community, as the re-purposed furniture is sold by the ReStore at a reasonable price, and all proceeds support Habitat.

ReStore Manager, Randy Ahmann, “ReStored” this $5 cabinet using materials commonly found at ReStore.

The “Before” and “After” vanities currently displayed in the store let you see the beautiful results of just a few of the re-purposing projects. From richly-stained cabinets to brightly-painted vanities, there’s something for everyone—and it’s selling fast. Stop in to see the latest finished projects and help keep the cycle going by shopping for the latest re-purposed projects, donating furniture or appliances of your own, or volunteering with the ReStore to get involved yourself.

Why I Volunteer: Nate Lotvedt

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What motivates a person to volunteer? Extra time? The desire to help? In the case of Nate Lotvedt, there are several reasons.

“Finding time to volunteer is always tough, but when you accomplish the goal as a team, it’s worth it in the end,” Lotvedt said.

Lotvedt has been volunteering with Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity for three years and has participated on the Tour de Habitat committee for two years. As project manager at Heritage Homes, Lotvedt is right at home spending time volunteering for the FM Home Builders Association as well.

Lotvedt says he enjoys volunteering with LAHFH because of the organization’s cause: providing housing for people in need.

“We’re helping local people – our efforts stay right here in the community,” he says.

Aside from helping others, Lotvedt says he enjoys getting to know meet people he’d normally not encounter.

“Volunteering brings out the best in everyone and presents new challenges along the way that force you to dig deeper, push forward, and get the most out of it,” he says. “I would encourage anyone to get involved.”

GoFar for Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

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Thousands of runners will hit the streets to “Run Fargo” this weekend. No matter what the event, everyone has a reason for participating. Some do it to lose weight. Others are striving to break their own personal goal. And, in the case of those involved in a GoFar Charity, some run for something besides themselves.

Jennifer Quast and her 9-year-old son, Jacob, are taking their opportunity to do just that. A member of the Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity board, Jennifer says they’re excited to raise money and run the 10K this year.

Being involved in a GoFar Charity is easy. Participants are asked to sign up on the website, pay an additional $25 and then ask others to donate to the charity they’ve selected. Jacob made a goal of raising $200 and – as of late March – collected half of his goal. Jacob is commonly present at LAHFH volunteer events and at build sites.

“It’s important he learns to give back to help his community,” Jennifer said. “It has been great to share the Habitat story and cause with friends and families when asking for a sponsorship.”

Although the mother-son duo ran in last year’s event, this is their first year being involved in the GoFar Charity.

“If you’re running anyway – or even if you’re not – it’s a great opportunity to get the word out about a cause you’re passionate about.

Good luck to Jennifer and Jacob and all the runners at this year’s Fargo Marathon!

 

Following up with the Birchler Family

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Jennelle Birchler, began her Habitat for Humanity journey in 2009 when she completed her initial application. In 2011 her dream came true and she became a Habitat homeowner. The time in between was filled with prayer, volunteering, joy and sorrow as they moved through the application process eventually being accepted to receive a home of their own.

“It was a time for faith building for our family as well as foundation building for our home,” said Jennelle. This family foundation was indeed formed during this time and the sturdy home that they now live in is symbolic of where they are today.

Over the past year and a half Jennelle and her children, Jabaz (JD), Damarha and Chaz, have been enjoying (to say the least) living in their own home. “Home ownership is a blessing and there really aren’t words to truly verbalize how my family feels about owning our home,” Jennelle says. “We are constantly telling each other about something we like about our home.”

Blessed is how Jennelle would always describe her family. Though the trials of raising three children with disabilities as a single mother, as well as in a very short amount of time going blind herself, Jennelle has viewed her life as fortunate. This is exactly how she continues to view everything in her life, including her house payments every month. “You go in debt and yes, this was exciting for me, you get to pay for your home,” she says.

Jennelle’s passion for life and excitement changes her view of things that many may view as a something unfortunate, she views them as something to treasure and grow through.
“Habitat has given us an experience in life that not everyone can have,” she said. “The people who work and volunteer with habitat gave us smiles and joy that wasn’t there before. They gave us a form of pride in our family and where we live.”

Get Ready for Cleanup Week – Make your donations to Habitat ReStore!

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Before you put anything on the curb this May, think of Habitat ReStore first! Fargo-Moorhead’s Cleanup Week is May 6-10. Every year, residents of Dilworth, Moorhead, Fargo, and West Fargo 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.  Consider donating your new and used building materials, appliances (even those that don’t work), and furniture to Habitat ReStore and receiving a tax deduction! Habitat ReStore even accepts donations on materials that can’t be disposed of during Cleanup week.

Habitat ReStore is a home improvement thrift store that has three main functions: to divert usable materials from area landfills, to offer a low cost option for shoppers doing home improvement projects, and to raise money to support Habitat for Humanity.  By giving their donations 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.

 

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

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This week, North Dakota State University students volunteered at Habitat ReStore as  part of NDSU’s 4th Annual “The Big Event.” Over 800 student volunteers were sent out into the community on that day to help local nonprofits accomplish projects.

The NDSU volunteers assisted with deconstruction of the flood buy-out homes in Fargo. This was Habitat ReStore’s second year participating in this program.

“Volunteers are a huge part of what we do at Habitat for Humanity – they help us complete projects that we just couldn’t do on our own. We are very glad to have them helping out this week,” said Rob Rich, Executive Director.

This event is also timely as it took place during Earth Week.  A big part of Habitat ReStore’s mission is to divert usable materials from area landfills.  The ReStore does this by accepting donations of new and used building materials, appliances and furniture to be used by their shoppers in a new home improvement project.  Since opening in 2006, Habitat ReStore has diverted over 400 tons of materials out of local landfills.   All of the proceeds made by Habitat ReStore support Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s programs and local building projects.

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.

Earth Week: Easy Green DIY Ideas

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As the snow melts, the temperature rises and winter turns to spring, it becomes much easier to work on projects around the house. And, since April 17-24 is Earth Week. What better way to start your house projects than using recycled, gently used materials to spice up your renovation? Using supplies found at the ReStore, you can turn any drab room into a place no one wants to leave — without a big budget or a big headache.

More Recycling In the Kitchen
You may already separate your cans and plastic bottles in a recycling cupboard, but it doesn’t have to stop with your trash. Using materials from the ReStore, you can renovate your backsplash, cabinets and fixtures without throwing your money down the garbage disposal. No matter what you choose for a green-inspired renovation project, make this your Earth Week present to yourself.

Earth Week Present: Beautiful Backsplash
Purchase a tiled backsplash that you love. Whether you prefer subway tiles, checkered patterns or textured layers, placing a backsplash is a project you can do yourself that will make a huge difference without breaking the budget. This is an easy way to turn an outdated kitchen into a modern masterpiece.

Before

After

Earth Week Present: Colorful Cabinets
You don’t need to rip out all the old cupboards just to get the updated look you desire. A can or two of paint can create a drastic transformation without the cost of all new cabinets. Pick out a gallon of paint at the ReStore, and give your cabinets the updated look you have always wanted. Just don’t forget to consult with an expert or do some research on the type of product that’s best for your cupboards.

Earth Week Present: Fixed-up Fixtures
Whether it’s the lights, the handles or the faucet, outdated fixtures can instantly date a space. Fortunately, these are all easy and relatively inexpensive fixes. Give yourself the gift of time-travel by bringing your space from past to present. Change those brass handles to brushed nickel or replace a gaudy chandelier with something sleek and modern.

A Green Oasis
If the kitchen doesn’t need updating, treat yourself to another type of sanctuary this Earth Week — one of comfort and relaxation. Just be careful. If you make it too nice, you may never want to leave.

Earth Week Present: Personalized Paint
Don’t take the words “going green” too literally – for this renovation, you can choose any paint color that suits your space. It’s not news that paint can revitalize a space – but sometimes a grey wall is still just a grey wall. Adding a texture or design with paint can personalize any room.  Not a Michelangelo? Don’t worry, you don’t need to be. With a little patience, a couple gallons of paint and a lot of painter’s tape, anyone can create this modern effect.

Earth Week Gift: Storage Solutions
It’s nearly impossible to be comfortable in a cluttered space – organize your oasis. But get creative with it! Purchase an old window shutter to use as a mail holder that keeps the junk out of the living area. Build (or buy, depending on your carpentry skills) a storage cubby with cloth bins inside each box so the clutter is hidden. There are many options for hiding clutter. You just need to find the one that works right in your space. The best part? While you are organizing, you may determine you have some unnecessary clutter. If the items are gently used, the ReStore will take them off your hands.

Earth Week Present: Décor Display
Invest in creative shelving so the sanctuary can be complete with all of your collectibles and hobbies. In some cases, the items themselves can be turned into shelves.  Are you a bookworm? Old books (preferably ones that are duplicates – it is difficult to read your favorite book when it’s secured to the wall) can be fastened to the wall to create unique shelving.

Do you love video games? Put your construction skills to the test and make a themed bookshelf. Not only will the space store your collectibles, the shelf can serve as a display in itself.

With paint on the wall, clutter out of the way and a space to show off your hobbies, this green oasis has everything it needs to be your favorite room in the house.

No matter how you decide to celebrate Earth Week, you can do it with the help of the ReStore. With the gently used furniture, appliances, and building materials available at the store, you are sure to find a project within your budget. And the sooner you get started, the sooner you can enjoy the space.

 

 

 

 

Earth Day: Keep The Cycle Going With ReStore

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Through the ReStore, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity fulfills the mission of Earth Day all year long. The ReStore diverts perfectly reusable materials from landfills to store shelves and, eventually, your home. Whether you’re shopping or donating, you’re contributing to a greener planet through the reuse of home improvement materials. At the ReStore, we call it Keeping the Cycle Going.

Ways You Can Make a Difference

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Did you know the week of April 21st is National Volunteer Week? That’s right…it’s a week that honors everyone who has donated time to make this world a better place. Of course, that includes everybody who has partnered with Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity over the years to help achieve our mission of building simple, decent and affordable housing in the region. We couldn’t do it without you.

Want to get more involved with our affiliate? Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity provides a variety of volunteer opportunities for you to give back to the community by helping to provide affordable housing to families in our community. If you are looking to learn a little something about the construction side of the organization, work at the ReStore or if you have expertise in one of the committee levels, there are numerous ways that you can volunteer with Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity.

Construction:
Volunteers at construction sites are critical during the construction season. Volunteers make a difference by helping LAHFH keep construction costs low for each home build.
No experience is needed to help build homes. The crew leaders will be there to help and answer questions every step of the way. Get a few co-workers or friends together and enjoy a day volunteering to help put a roof on a home or shelves up for a family.

ReStore:
Volunteers are a vital part in the cycle of raising money to build decent, affordable homes for those in need and keeping materials out of landfills. At the Habitat ReStore, volunteering is an easy way to make a difference. Volunteers can come in groups, businesses, school or church service groups or as individuals.

Committees:
Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity has a variety of committee opportunities that help in every aspect of our organization. Joining a committee is a great way to help your community while networking with local professionals and gaining valuable leadership skills.

There are numerous committees to become involved in with different focuses for each including:

  • Construction Committee
  • Volunteer Committee
  • Public Relations Committee
  • Church Relations Committee
  • Family Support Committee
  • Family Selection Committee
  • ReStore Committee & ReStore PR/Marketing Sub Committee
  • Resource Development Committee
  • Tour de Habitat Committee
  • Women’s Build

The committees help make important decisions to keep the Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity moving to reach the goal of helping families in the community.

To see a full list of volunteer opportunities, visit www.lakeagassizhabitat.org and click on “Volunteer” or call the office at 218-284-5253 ext. 2.

Letter from the ED: Looking Forward to Build Season

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As another winter passes us by, it’s time to roll up our sleeves, get out the toolbox and start making a difference. In other words, it’s time for build season.

Volunteers are all smiles on last year’s build site!

This part of the year is always exciting for everyone at Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity. That’s because we get to take our months of planning and fundraising and put them into action. We hope you share some of this excitement with us as we gear up for the season and look forward to the rewarding volunteer opportunities that lie ahead.

Since our organization was founded in 1991, we’ve been blessed with so many great volunteers, and we hope everyone decides to return in 2013. Like always, we have many ways to get involved on the jobsite. Just go to our website and click on the “Volunteer Up” link. There you can see the schedule and volunteer needs for the two homes we’re planning to build this year. Then, for instance, if you want to fine-tune your drywalling skills or learn first-hands how to do it, simply register online for the scheduled drywall dates.

It won’t be long before we start breaking ground, so start looking for your work gloves and stretching out your hammering arm…We’re looking forward to seeing you on the jobsite!

Rob Rich
Executive Director