Tag Archives: Moorhead

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.

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!

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity joins $6.8 million national homebuilding effort in 2013

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Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity has been awarded $67,500 to build a home in Moorhead, Minnesota in 2013.

The grant provides 50% of the cost of construction, and was given to Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity by Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity, a unique partnership between Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Habitat for Humanity International.

“We are excited to partner with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans on another Thrivent Builds Project,” said Rob Rich, Executive Director of Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity. “This project will mark the 13th home Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has partnered with Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity to build as part of the Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity program.  We look forward to another successful build and opening the door to a brighter future for another neighbor in our community.”

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity was given the award in conjunction with an announcement of a national gift made by Thrivent Financial on Dec. 17, 2012. The 2013 commitment from the organization is $6.8 million and will push the total giving from Thrivent Financial past $180 million, during the eight-year partnership between the two organizations.

Habitat for Humanity’s relationship with Thrivent Financial brings the financial, volunteer and advocacy resources of Thrivent Financial together with the affordable housing construction leadership of hundreds of local Habitat for Humanity affiliates. To date, volunteers have donated more than 3.5 million hours to construct 1,922 homes in the U.S.

The 2013 commitment will fund the construction and rehabilitation of 113 Habitat for Humanity homes in 31 states, including the home built by Lake Agassiz Habitat in Moorhead.

“We are deeply grateful for Thrivent Financial’s partnership and steadfast commitment to decent, affordable housing around the world,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “Working together since 2005 through the Thrivent Builds programs, Habitat and Thrivent have engaged volunteers to help thousands of families improve their homes and the communities in which they live.”

Aquablue provides relaxing reason to Give to the Max

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At Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity, we are excited to take part in the fourth annual Give to the Max Day tomorrow, Thursday, November 15th. Give to the Max Day gives individuals an opportunity to prove their record-breaking generosity by contributing to their favorite nonprofit organizations and schools in Minnesota.

Give to the Max Day is a great opportunity to amplify your giving. Wells Fargo will match the first $3,000 donated to Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity on Give to the Max Day – doubling the impact your gift can have!

If that’s not exciting enough, Aquablue in Fargo has announced special discounts for Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity donors who participate in Give to the Max Day!  Donors simply need to print their Give to the Max confirmation email or show it on their mobile device for great savings on aqua massages and gifts store wide.  For a complete list of discounts, visit Aquablue on Facebook.

Starting at midnight on Thursday, November 15, you can make a difference in someone else’s life by giving whatever amount you want to see matched on GiveMN.org.  Your generosity makes it possible for families in our community to experience the difference that a simple, affordable – and permanent home can have in their lives and in the lives of the generations to come.

Concordia Students Organize Playhouse Project for Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

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The Playhouse Project was organized by Concordia’s Habitat for Humanity College Chapter Board.

Students at Concordia are kicking off their homecoming week in a special way this year- student groups are teaming up to build and decorate children’s playhouses for Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity.“We’re excited to take part in the Playhouse Project at Concordia,” said Rob Rich, Executive Director for Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity.  “Concordia’s Habitat for Humanity College Chapter approached our local Habitat for Humanity affiliate about collaborating on project that would bring together students to help families in need in our community.  The sale of these playhouses will support Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s efforts to eliminate substandard housing in Cass and Clay counties.”

Concordia’s Habitat for Humanity College Chapter will host the Playhouse Project at the Knutson Campus Center on the Concordia Campus on Saturday, October 6.  The event is slated to begin at 9 a.m. with the hopes of completing the build by the end of the day. Facilities on campus have graciously offered to move the houses around the Concordia campus to be displayed through their Homecoming weekend.

Each house will be built and painted by a student organization.  The designs for all the houses will be the same structure, but the student organizations are planning to each paint their homes with a fun theme.  Concordia’s Student Government Association (SGA), Student Environmental Alliance (SEA), Dance Marathon, Women’s Lacrosse Team, Better Together and Habitat for Humanity College Chapter will all be participating in the Playhouse Project.

Following Concordia’s homecoming, the custom-designed and decorated playhouses will be available for purchase at the local Habitat ReStore at 210 11th Street North, Moorhead.  Proceeds from the sale of the playhouses will support Habitat’s mission of bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope.

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity receives funds from recent Habitat 500 bike ride

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People from across the United States collectively pedaled 67,500 miles in one week this past July as part of the 20th Anniversary Habitat 500 Bike Ride.  Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity was one of the organizations receiving a portion of the funds raised through this year’s Habitat 500 bike ride event. The Habitat 500 is a 500-mile bicycle ride with 135 bikers and 40 volunteers that traveled through south-central Minnesota this past July 14 – 21 — all in order to raise funds and awareness for the need for safe, decent and affordable housing.

The Habitat 500, an annual fundraising bike ride organized by Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota, gives riders the chance to build a cycle of hope for families around the world from the seat of their bicycle. This year’s 20th Anniversary fundraising goal was to raise $300,000; the event has already surpassed this goal by raising over $365,000.  Breaking all past fundraising records for this event has helped create additional affordable housing opportunities for low-income families throughout Minnesota and the world.

Habitat 500 riders are required to raise a minimum of $900 to participate in the ride, but many raised much more. Each rider designated their funds raised to Habitat for Humanity affiliates of their choice.  Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity received a total of $2,139.61 from this event that will directly impact home construction for more families in Cass and Clay counties.

“The money raised by the Habitat 500 for the affiliate will support the two homes Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity is building in Fargo this year,” said Rob Rich, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity Executive Director. “We are thankful to Team Double Aces: Moorhead Ace Hardware owner Mandy Peterson and Ace Hardware manager Sarah Volness for representing Lake Agasssiz Habitat for Humanity on the ride and using this unique opportunity to raise money for our organization. Their personal connection to our mission is heartwarming.”

Since the Habitat 500 bike ride’s inception in 1993, over $4.86 million dollars have been raised for Habitat for Humanity home construction, contributing to the 2,000 homes built by Minnesota affiliates.

Participants during this year’s 20th Anniversary Habitat 500 biked 50 to 100 miles each day on the ride, often in 90+ degree heat. The route began in St. Louis Park from the build site of the 2,000th Habitat home in Minnesota.  The group next traveled to Hastings, New Prague, and Hutchinson (with a 100-mile loop), and continued on to New Ulm and Mayer before circling back to end in St. Louis Park.

Riders spent two nights in Hutchinson, where they had the opportunity to participate in the Habitat 500’s bike.home., a Habitat home that riders helped build. This year’s bike.home. is also Minnesota’s 2,001st Habitat for Humanity home.  Riders worked in partnership with the Crow River Habitat for Humanity affiliate and the Wolff family, a single mother with five children who was selected as a partner family, to celebrate the construction of this landmark home. Ride participants fundraised $40,000 through the Habitat 500 for the bike.home.

Photo of this year’s 20th Anniversary Habitat 500 riders, volunteers, and staff at build site of Minnesota’s 2,001st Habitat for Humanity home. Photo by Renee Cosgrove