Thank you for Giving to the Max!

Posted on November 20, 2012 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

Thank you for opening doors for families like this on Give to the Max Day and every other day of the year!

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity is excited to announce together we surpassed our Give to the Max Day goal! We are thankful to all of those who answered the call to amplify your giving and help families in our community discover the impact a simple, affordable – and permanent home can have in their lives and in the lives of the generations to come.

You have made this Give to the Max Day the best one yet for Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity; we can’t thank you enough! In just 24 hours, 33 donors took advantage of the matching gift provided by Wells Fargo to raise a total $6,225!

The thoughtful donations that were given can make such a huge impact in someone’s life. It is great to hear why people choose Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity for their Give to the Max day organization. Here is what a few people shared as their reason for giving:

“[Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity] brings hope to many deserving families, giving them a chance to realize the dream of home ownership. Through the generosity of donors and volunteers in our community, we have been able to partner with dozens of families over the last 20+ years.” -Joshua Hoper

“An organization close to my heart. Thank you Habitat for all the wonderful relationships and great memories.” -Searle Swedlund

The donations raised in this one day will open many doors for families in our community. Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity sincerely thanks everyone for their support on Give to the Max Day and throughout the year.

Habitat ReStore Celebrates 6th Anniversary—And You’re Invited!

Posted on July 16, 2012 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

Over the past 6 years, everyone at Habitat ReStore has been working hard to make a difference for people in our local communities and fulfill our mission:

To generate funds to support Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity in building simple, decent, and affordable homes in partnership with families in Cass and Clay counties
To keep usable building materials, home improvement products and appliances out of local landfills
To sell new and gently used home improvement materials and applicances at affordable prices

And over the past 6 years, with the help of generous donors, shoppers, and volunteers, we’ve done just that. This past year, we’ve raised $ 335,327 for Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity and diverted 1,057,687 pounds of usable materials from local landfills! These great accomplishments have positively impacted our community, our partner families, and our environment, and they wouldn’t have been possible without you. That’s why we’re inviting you to celebrate with us!

Handy the Habitat Bear appreciates your support of Habitat ReStore!

Stop by the ReStore from Monday, July 16th through Sunday, July 22nd for our 6^th Anniversary Sale. You’ll find special deals on new and gently used home improvement materials, appliances, and furniture during our biggest sale of the year! Then join us for food and fun at our ReStore Appreciation Picnic on July 20 from 11a-1p. It’s just a small way for us to show you our appreciation—and to kick off many more years of success!

Habitat ReStore is located at 210 11th St. N. in Moorhead and is open Monday – Saturday 10-6, Sundays 12-4. All proceeds from Habitat ReStore support Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s programs and local building projects. Material donations are welcome! For more information, call 218-284-5253 x1 or visit our website.

ReStore PR/Marketing Committee Spotlight

Posted on June 19, 2012 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

Sometimes time and expertise are the most valuable donations one can make to a non-profit organization like Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity. The LAHFH ReStore PR/Marketing committee is just one way to do just that. It’s a diverse, volunteer-driven group composed of area professionals with backgrounds in public relations and marketing.

You make a living by what you get.

You make a life by what you give.

-Winston Churchill

Committee members meet monthly to brainstorm, create and manage innovative campaigns that support Habitat ReStore’s goals to sell gently-used home improvement materials to the general public, divert materials from landfills, and raise funds to support Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity.

The ReStore PR/Marketing committee is composed of professionals who work in marketing, writing, and public relations roles. The committee is currently seeking new members to join, especially those who work in the graphic arts field.

If you’re interested in connecting with other area professionals and donating your time to a nationally recognized non-profit organization, please email Shelby Cochran at shelby@lakeagassizhabitat.org.

Prepare for Cleanup Week: Donate to Habitat ReStore!

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

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 11^th 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.

Habitat Names Rob Rich Executive Director

Posted on April 24, 2012 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

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 12^th home built by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity as part of the Thrivent Builds program.

8 New Ways to Go Green this Earth Week!

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

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.

Looking Back on the 2011 Builds

Posted on December 30, 2011 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

As 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.

The Fronning family at the wall raising celebration of their home

On June 1^st, crews began working on a single-family home at 605 10^th 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.

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 15^th. This house is located at 326 6^th 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.

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 2^nd Avenue S in Fargo. Construction on this home began on July 27^th and the Bichler family was able to celebrate their first Christmas in their new home.

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 6^th, 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!

Letter from Shirley

Posted on December 9, 2011 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

As many of you know, earlier this week I announced my resignation from Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity to pursue new opportunities. As I look toward the next step in my career, I will always look back with a fondness for Lake Agassiz Habitat and the mission of this organization.

I started at Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity in November 2007. Since that time, the affiliate has accomplished a number of great things. We established a partnership with Barnesville which led to the first Habitat Barnesville build in 2011. In 2009, the affiliate built our first 4-plex- maximizing our resources to effectively serve 4 families. We held our first “Home is Where the Art Is” event, an art auction featuring recycled materials from the Habitat ReStore. Speaking of the ReStore, in January 2008, our ReStore completed its expansion into a significantly larger retail space at the current location at 210 11^thStreet North in Moorhead. All of these things were possible because of our organization’s wonderful and dedicated volunteers, donors, partner families, and staff.

Shirley presents the Stoldt Paul family with the keys to their new home in 2009.

This affiliate has done so many great things over the past four years and I am certain that it will continue to do great things in the future. After all, in the past 20 years, Lake Agassiz Habitat has provided 45 families with a place to call home. I am confident that the staff and board will continue to carry out the mission of Habitat to build decent, affordable and safe housing for the people of Cass and Clay counties.

I would like to thank all of you who have contributed your time, talent and efforts to help make the work of Lake Agassiz possible. It has been my privilege to lead this non-profit.

Dykshoorn Resigns as Executive Director from Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

Posted on December 7, 2011 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

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

Posted on September 9, 2011 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

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.

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 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.

Building Homes, Building Hope

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity: building simple, decent, affordable homes since 1991.

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