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Letter from Shelby Cochran, 2011-12 ReStore VISTA

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As today is my last day here at Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity, I wanted to take a little time to reflect on the experience I have had this year as an AmeriCorps VISTA and thank the Habitat family for welcoming me into their community.

One of the events coordinated by Shelby this year was Habitat ReStore’s Appreciation Picnic in July.

For those of you unfamiliar with the AmeriCorps VISTA program, VISTA stands for Volunteer in Service to America.  I was among of thousands of individuals in the United States that pledged to spend a year in the national service program helping to fight poverty.  The program was founded in 1965 and each member’s goal is to increase the capacity of the nonprofit organization they work with.   VISTA members work full-time for their host organization and their benefits include a living allowance, loan forbearance and an end-of-the-year award.   This year, I was one of 12 VISTAs serving at Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Minnesota.

My goal for the year was to build the capacity of Habitat ReStore, which in turn would build the capacity of Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity to build more homes and help more local families.  While at Habitat, I was involved in public relations/marketing, volunteer coordination, strategic planning and event coordination for Habitat ReStore.  For each of these tasks, I could not have accomplished what I did without the help of dedicated volunteers, committee members, and the staff at Habitat.

Shelby had a great time participating with Xcel Energy in the Holiday Lights Parade.

While my AmeriCorps VISTA position with Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity is ending today, I hope to stay connected with the Habitat community.  I plan to continue living and working in the Fargo-Moorhead area and would like to become involved with Habitat as a volunteer in the future.   I strongly believe in the mission of Habitat for Humanity and have thoroughly enjoyed watching our partner families achieve their dreams of homeownership.

To all of you who have worked with me, inspired me and put your trust in me, thank you.  I will certainly miss working with you and encourage you to stay in touch!

 Shelby Cochran

 

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

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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 6th 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.

Learn New Skills While Volunteering with Habitat!

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Are you interested in getting involved with Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity, but haven’t found the right volunteer opportunity?  Have you thought about working on the Habitat build site, but have never worked with tools before? We’ve got a great project for you!

Next Tuesday, July 17th, from 9am -12pm, Habitat ReStore is hosting a Picnic Build Day as a part of Habitat ReStore’s 6th Anniversary Celebration.

Our Build Site crew leaders will work alongside of volunteers to build simple, quality picnic tables to be used for the ReStore Appreciation Picnic at the end of the week.  After the event, the tables will be sold at ReStore to benefit Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity. The activity will take place outside of Habitat ReStore, 210 11th St. N. in Moorhead.

 

Volunteers will get to learn the basics of construction with our experienced crew leaders as well as help us to get ready for our Anniversary Celebration.  It’s a great activity to take part in no matter your level of experience or involvement with Habitat!

 

If you’re interested in volunteering for this learning activity, please sign up at VolunteerUp or contact Shelby Cochran, Shelby@lakeagassizhabitat.org, 218-284-5253 x2.

Interested in build site opportunities? There are still openings for volunteer build days this summer.  Visit our VolunteerUp Project Calendar to sign up!

 

Brighten Up Your Kitchen with Habitat ReStore!

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Need to revitalize your kitchen? You may think that replacing cabinets, countertops and flooring are where you should start, but sometimes improving the look and feel of your kitchen space can be as easy as replacing your light fixtures!

Poor lighting can make cooking, cleaning and eating in your kitchen difficult, while proper lighting will refresh your space and ensure that you’ll be able to prepare and enjoy your food safely and hygienically. Habitat ReStore has a variety of lighting options that can improve all the areas of your kitchen. Check out these HGTV-inspired tips to help you choose the best light fixtures for your kitchen.

Start with the ceiling: Every room needs a basic light source. According to HGTV, the best option for your kitchen is a central, ceiling-mounted fixture that mimics daylight—it’ll give you the best view of the kitchen and is usually adequate as the main lighting source for more modest-sized kitchens. Habitat ReStore has a variety of ceiling lamp fixtures that’ll brighten any style of kitchen.

Illuminate your kitchen table: If you have an eat-in kitchen, you’ll want to brighten it up with a light fixture directly above your kitchen table. HGTV recommends choosing a light fixture that mirrors the shapes in your kitchen space—for example, a circular chandelier will create a unified look with a round kitchen table. Habitat ReStore has a collection of hanging light fixtures in many shapes and sizes that will fit perfectly above your table.

Cool off your kitchen: When you need to circulate air throughout your kitchen, you need a ceiling fan that’ll do the job at the flip of a switch. Replacing an old ceiling fan with a new one is a weekend project that can revitalize your kitchen space. Check out Habitat ReStore’s fixtures with ceiling fans at prices that won’t break the bank, then check out HGTV’s step-by-step instructions for replacing a ceiling fan.

Brighten up your island: For kitchens with islands, your best option is lighting that hangs from the ceiling to illuminate the island surface. Pendant lights can highlight the style of your space—HGTV recommends glass or stainless steel shades for a modern look, while shades with vibrant colors and patterns give off a fun, eclectic vibe.

Shed extra light on work surfaces: It’s important to install extra lighting over surfaces such as sinks, stoves and countertops where high-attention activities like mixing and chopping occur. Take HGTV’s advice and try out task lighting like track lights, fluorescents or undercabinet lights to keep these surfaces well-lit.

Now that you have some great new ideas on how to light up your kitchen, come on in and check out the ReStore’s supply of gently used lighting fixtures, chandeliers, and fans – all priced at 25%-75% less than retail price!   Habitat ReStore is located at 210 11th St. North in Moorhead and is open Mon-Sat 10-6 and Sunday 12-4.

Habitat ReStore is a home improvement thrift store selling new and used building materials, appliances, and furniture to the general public at discounted prices.  All proceeds from ReStore support Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s programs and local building projects.  Tax-deductible donations of merchandise are accepted from the community. Visit www.lakeagassizhabitat.org/restore for more information.

Habitat ReStore’sTop 5 DIY Summer Projects

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With warm weather and creativity in the air, summer is the perfect time for new and refreshing ideas. Check out these affordable do-it-yourself projects and revamp old materials like doors, sinks and flower pots into new pieces that are fun, functional, and unique.

You can find many of the materials you’ll need for these projects at the Habitat ReStore—and now we’ve extended our hours for all of your summer project needs! Come see us Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. to get the summer project materials you need on a budget.

DIY Headboard via Country Living

1.       Renovate an old door into a new headboard

A unique headboard can really liven up a dull bedroom. The problem: headboards are expensive. So instead of buying a new one, build and customize your own headboard—out of a door. The ReStore has a wide selection of affordable doors and paint colors that you can use to make a headboard that perfectly matches your room, and Country Living has the directions you need to create it.

2.       Re-purpose an unused window into a functional coffee table

Who knew that a window could be used as anything other than a window? If you have an old window lying around—or if you pick up a recycled one from the ReStore—you can turn it into a one-of-a-kind living room centerpiece with just a few materials and some paint. Check out HGTV’s article on how to build your own window coffee table. 

Cabinet door turned serving tray via Good Housekeeping

3.       Use an extra cabinet door as a versatile serving tray

A cabinet door seems useless if it’s not on a cabinet, right? Not anymore. Swing by the ReStore and pick up some paint and a pair of drawer pulls, and you’ve got a handy serving tray for summer parties and barbecues. Good Housekeeping shows you how to make your own cabinet door serving tray.

 

 

4.    Turn Terra Cotta pots into bright silverware displays

Looking for a new way to organize your silverware? All you need are Terra Cotta flower pots, which you can find at the ReStore, and some paint. Decorate them to coordinate with your kitchen or turn them into a family project and let your kids be the artists. Either way, you’ll end up with some creative and colorful silverware holders. Take a look at these finished holders on the Simply Seleta blog.

Sink birdbath via HGTV

 5.        Transform a salvaged sink into a backyard birdbath

Backyard bird watching is a fun summer activity—and it’s even more fun to watch birds cool off in a birdbath you made yourself. Check out the variety of sinks we offer at the ReStore and take a look at HGTV’s advice on how to turn one into a cool haven  for your feathered friends!

You can also stop into the ReStore to get all the other materials you’ll need for your do-it-yourself summer projects, from ceiling fans that’ll keep your home cool on hot days to border bricks for your outdoor landscaping.

Take advantage of our extended hours and visit the ReStore Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Habitat ReStore is a home improvement thrift store located at 210 11th St. N. in Moorhead, MN that sells new and gently used building materials, furniture, appliances, and home décor.  Merchandise sold at Habitat ReStore comes from material donations made by community members as well as local builders and businesses.  All proceeds from ReStore support Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity as they build simple, decent, and affordable homes in partnership with families in Cass and Clay Counties.

 

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

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. 

Welcome Home Brackins & Melvin Families!

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West Fargo Twin Home

West Fargo Twin Home

With each home we build, we celebrate the day a new partner family gets to move in. We reflect on the relationship we’ve formed with the family and pray for their well-being. Today, Monday, February 27th, is an especially exciting day, as we welcome two partner families into a new duplex.

You’re invited to join LAHFH for the West Fargo Twin Home Dedication tonight at 5:30 p.m.  The brief ceremony will take place at the duplex, which is located at 405/409 Morrison Street in West Fargo. It would mean a lot to the Brackins family, Melvin family, and our organization to see you there.

Brackins Family

Tonette Brackins and her children on the build site for their new home.

“I am so thankful for all the work volunteers have done to make my new home possible- it’s been a blessing to work alongside them,” said new homeowner Tonette Brackins.  “My children and I are looking forward to moving in to our new home and can’t wait to get our keys tonight!”

“We are so excited to be moving to a stable, livable home with a great new neighbor,” said new homeowner Jessica Melvin.  “I have enjoyed working with Habitat and am so glad that they have given me the opportunity to provide this home for my children.”

 

Jessica Melvin and family at the wall raising celebration for the West Fargo Twin Home

The Brackins and Melvin families, like all families that partner with Habitat for Humanity, will not be receiving free homes, but instead will be purchasing the homes with a 0% interest free loan that will be repaid over the course of the mortgage. Both Tonette and Jessica contributed 250 “sweat equity” hours working on their homes and the homes of others as a requirement for becoming a Habitat homeowner.  They were also required to attend 20 educational classes to learn about topics such as homeownership budgeting, home maintenance, and home safety.

At the dedication, there will be a short program where Leann Wolff, LAHFH Board President, will speak.  Grace Backman from Eastern Dakota Housing Alliance, a major sponsor, and the new homeowners will also be available for comments.

Of course, none of this would be possible without our faithful supporters. So thanks again for all of your help, and we look forward to working with you again when the 2012 build season kicks off!

When: Monday, February 27th at 5:30 pm

Where: West Fargo Twin Home: 405/409 Morrison Street, West Fargo