3 Easy Steps to Give to the Max TODAY

Posted on November 15, 2012 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

During last year’s Give to the Max Day, 47,534 donors logged on to GiveMN.org. The result: $13.4 million was raised for 3,978 Minnesota nonprofit organizations, whose missions range from feeding the hungry, to protecting the environment, to providing affordable housing opportunities.

Today Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity is excited to participate in the 4^th annual Give to the Max Day. If you would like to open the door to possibilities and stability for families in Cass and Clay counties with Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity, follow these 3 easy steps TODAY, Thursday, November 15^th:

Step 1: Visit Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s giving page.

Step 2: Make your donation.

Step 3: Save your confirmation email for tax purposes.

It’s that simple!

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! We’re asking you to make a difference in someone else’s life by giving whatever amount you want to see matched.

Let’s make 2012 a record year for donations on Give to the Max Day, November 15^th!

Aquablue provides relaxing reason to Give to the Max

Posted on November 14, 2012 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

At Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity, we are excited to take part in the fourth annual Give to the Max Day tomorrow, Thursday, November 15^th. 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.

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.

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

Posted on September 6, 2012 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

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 20^th 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 20^th 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 2,000^th 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 2,001^st 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

Letter from Shelby Cochran, 2011-12 ReStore VISTA

Posted on August 3, 2012 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

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!

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.

Learn New Skills While Volunteering with Habitat!

Posted on July 10, 2012 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

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 11^th 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!

Posted on July 5, 2012 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

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 11^th 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.

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.

Building Homes, Building Hope

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

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