Tag Archives: Barnesville

Looking Back on the 2011 Builds

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Habitat logo 20 yearsAs 2011, we’re very thankful for the past 20 years of building simple, decent and affordable homes in our community. And we’re extremely grateful for the hundreds of volunteers and donors who have made it all possible. So as we look ahead to building homes in 2012, let’s also take a look back at our progress from 2011.

Fronning Family

The Fronning family at the wall raising celebration of their home

On June 1st, crews began working on a single-family home at 605 10th Avenue SE in Barnesville. Not only was this the first build of the 2011 season, but it was also the first home we’ve ever built in Barnesville. We received great support for this build, and the Barnesville community was wonderful to work with.  The Fronning family moved into the home in August.

 

Hamilton Family 2011

The Hamilton family at the dedication celebration of their new home.

Soon after starting the Barnesville home, Habitat started work on the Women Build on June 15th. This house is located at 326 6th Avenue W in West Fargo. Like always, our women volunteers came out in strong numbers, bringing with them a desire to help a family in need and to learn more about home construction.  The Hamilton family moved into the home in October and was able to welcome trick-or-treaters in their new home.

 

Thrivent Wall Raising

Trivent Finanical for Lutherans Representatives and the Bichler Family raise the wall on the 3rd home of the season.

 

Next, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans was gracious enough to sponsor another build in 2011 as part of the Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity program. The organization helped provide funding and engaged Lutheran volunteers for the Habitat home at 1205 2nd Avenue S in Fargo. Construction on this home began on July 27th and the Bichler family was able to celebrate their first Christmas in their new home.

Volunteers

Volunteers work on the 4th and 5th homes of the 2011 Build Season.

The final build of the year was a duplex located at 407 Morrison Street in West Fargo. The duplex design allowed us to serve the needs of two families, while keeping costs to a minimum. This project began on September 6th, and we’re currently in the process of finishing up the home.  The Brackins and Melvin families look forward to a home dedication early 2012.

Thanks again to all who helped make 2011 a success. We look forward to working with you again in the New Year!

Dykshoorn Resigns as Executive Director from Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

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Shirley Dykshoorn

Shirley Dykshoorn announced her resignation as Executive Director Wednesday. She has been with the organization since November 2007.

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Shirley Dykshoorn announced her resignation Wednesday.  Dykshoorn has led the organization since fall of 2007 and is leaving to pursue new opportunities.

“Shirley is committed to the mission of creating affordable housing in Cass and Clay counties,” said Leann Wolff, President of Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s Board of Directors.  “Shirley helped establish the partnership with the Barnesville community to build the first Habitat home there as well as helped develop the funding to make the first Habitat four-plex possible in 2009.  We appreciate her service and passion for the work of Habitat.”

“Habitat is an incredible organization and I am very proud of the great strides we have made as a team over the past 4 years,” said Shirley Dykshoorn.  “I know the work the organization will continue to do is transforming lives, and that is a real testament to the huge level of community support.”

For more information, please contact Katie McCormick, Program Coordinator at 507.381.7222 or via email at katie@lakeagassizhabitat.org.

Celebrating 20 Years of Building Homes, Hope and Futures

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A home is an amazing thing. It’s a shelter, a refuge, a sanctuary. To the families that Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity has helped over the past 20 years, it’s also a dream come true.

It’s hard to believe that 20 years ago we started building simple, decent and affordable homes in partnership with families in Cass and Clay counties. So here’s a little bit about us, where we came from and where we’re heading. 

Raising the Roof

Volunteers work together to raise the roof on a LAHFH Build

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity began in 1991 when Concordia College Pastor Phil Holtan heard former President Jimmy Carter speak about Habitat for Humanity. Inspired by his words, Holtan began a Habitat chapter on Concordia’s campus. Interest in Habitat quickly grew and Holtan decided a local affiliate was needed. On June 1, 1991, Habitat for Humanity International officially accepted Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity as the 609th affiliate in the U.S.

In October 1991, Habitat’s Board of Directors selected the affiliate’s first partner family. Three months later, construction was completed and the first Habitat home in Cass and Clay Counties was dedicated with more than 75 people in attendance.

This past summer, Lake Agassiz Habitat celebrated 20 years of building in Cass and Clay counties. Since its 1991 beginnings, Lake Agassiz Habitat has served 40 families in five communities around the area. 2011’s Barnesville Build will mark the sixth community Habitat has served.

Habitat 20th anniversary ribbon cutting

Habitat Board Members, staff, and volunteers are joined by Chamber Ambassadors and local mayors at the 20th Anniversary ribbon cutting.

For the 2011 build season, the organization received a record 150 requests for applications. Of the 41 applications Habitat received, five families were chosen to receive new homes. We’ll begin work on the last of our 2011 builds on September 10 with the wall raising for the duplex.

So what have we learned these past 20 years? Well, a lot. But one lesson sticks out. What we do transforms lives. We’re building safe, affordable, well constructed homes. Those things are life-changing to these families.

Want to learn more about Lake Agassiz Habitat and how you can get involved? Visit www.lakeagassizhabitat.org.