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

Posted on December 17, 2012 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

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 13^th 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.”

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity Honors Dedicated Volunteer: Stan Franek

Posted on November 8, 2012 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

Each year since 2006, the Harvey Stalwick Award for Volunteerism is given to an outstanding Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity volunteer in honor of former LAHFH Board President Harvey Stalwick. Harvey Stalwick was an integral part of LAHFH’s growth- giving many hours of his time to help many people in this community. Under Harvey’s leadership, LAHFH completed 8 homes between 2001 and 2006, which provided 14 adults and 29 children a simple, decent place to call home. Harvey was the driving force of the implementation of the Habitat ReStore, which celebrated its 6^th year of operation this past July.

LAHFH Executive Director Rob Rich presents Stan Franek with the 2012 Harvey Stalwick Award for Volunteerism.

The 2012 Harvey Stalwick Award for Volunteerism recipient is Stan Franek. Stan’s involvement with Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity began in 2004 when Stan was asked by Harvey Stalwick to join the LAHFH Board of Directors. In 2005, Stan was placed on staff with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans as the area director for the Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity program, where he not only assisted Lake Agassiz Habitat, but many area Habitat affiliates to organize, build and complete their Thrivent Builds homes. Stan retired from this position with Thrivent in 2009, but continues as a volunteer with Lake Agassiz Habitat & the Thrivent Builds program.

Stan has also been involved with Lake Agassiz Habitat by serving on the Church Relations committee, being a build site volunteer, and a Church Champion recruiter. Stan continuously cultivates relationships with area church congregations and leaders. He promotes and organizes church volunteer days, lunches, snacks and monetary donations. His countless phone calls, emails and personal visits have engaged over 1,500 volunteers to pick up a hammer at a Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity build site. Stan admits that he is known by our Construction Crew leaders to show up at the build site 5 minutes before lunch is served.

Stan is active in other area organizations such as Central Cities Ministries, the FM Area Coalition for Homeless Persons and serves on the Thrivent Board of Directors. He is also very involved with his local church, St. Mark’s Lutheran, through their outreaches and committees. In his free time, Stan enjoys golfing and pheasant hunting and being a pilot. Stan and his wife, Naomi, have two grown children, Robert and Anne.

We thank Stan for his years of volunteering and dedication to Habitat for Humanity’s mission.

Follow the link to watch Stan Franek accept the 2012 Harvey Stalwick Award for Volunteerism.

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity Hosts “Diva Day”

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

A group of women volunteers work on insulation as part of Thrivent Build’s Diva Day.

If you happened to drive past 1534 1st Ave South in Fargo yesterday, you probably saw a lot of pink shirts. Yesterday was a special build day on the Thrivent Builds with Bound South build site in Fargo- Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity partnered with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans to host a “Diva Day”. This special women build day gave women a chance to learn new skills through hands on work by helping build a new home for a local Habitat family.

“Thrivent Build’s Diva Day is great opportunity for women to come together to help solve the housing crisis of a local family,” said Katie McCormick, Program & Marketing Manager for Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity.

Women were treated in true “diva-style” and enjoyed lunch, beverages and souvenirs. “Diva Day” is all about empowering women while addressing the need for affordable housing in our community.

All smiles at Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s first Diva Day!

“It was great to see so many fun women- and a few men- come together to work on the home,” said Jackie Mattfeld, Volunteer Coordinator for Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity. “We had an awesome time and got so much done!”

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity would like to thank the volunteers from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Widmer-Roel, Diva Connection and members of the NDSU Women’s Club for their work on the home. The group spent the day installing insulation and hanging plastic in the home. Check out all the pictures from the day’s work on Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s Facebook page.

Interested in volunteering on this home? For questions or to learn more about how you or your organization can volunteer with Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity, please visit our website or give us a call at 218-284-5253 ext. 2.

Habitat for Humanity is the sixth largest U.S. homebuilder for the second year

Posted on May 23, 2012 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

Volunteers building the first Habitat home in Barnesville, MN.

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity built 5 homes in 2011, helping its national organization to rank as the sixth largest builder in the U.S., according to an annual survey completed by BUILDER magazine.

“I’m proud our organization contributed to this milestone locally by building 5 homes in partnership with low-income families in 2011,” said Rob Rich, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity Executive Director. “The number of homes built by Habitat affiliates across the country is a testament to the need for affordable housing opportunities in the US.”

The 5 new Habitat homeowner families at one of the homes completed in 2011.

BUILDER, a publication for the residential construction industry, annually compiles data from U.S. builders and ranks them by the number of closings. Habitat built or rehabilitated 4,970 homes across the United States and is the only non-publicly traded company in the top ten ranking. The organization made an additional 2,795 house repairs to existing homes, which were not accounted for in the survey.

“I’m very proud of the work of our more than 1,500 affiliates in the U.S.,” said Jonathan Reckford, Habitat for Humanity International CEO. “The fact that they are continuing to build and rehab homes in these difficult economic times is a testament to their resourcefulness and their commitment to families, affordable housing and the communities they serve. We are grateful to our donors and volunteers whose generosity makes this work possible.”

Habitat ranked sixth on the list last year and first made the top 10 in 2010 as the eighth largest builder.

This year, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity is building 2 homes in Fargo. Construction is scheduled to begin in June on a single family home sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Fargo Moorhead’s Home Builders Care Foundation. This is the first time the organization will serve as the primary sponsor of a Habitat for Humanity home. Construction on the second home of the season is scheduled to begin in August. The single family home is 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.

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.

Thank you from the Bichler Family

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

The Bichler Family at the front door of their new home.

Each year, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity partners with countless volunteers, donors, and supporters to make the dream of homeownership come true for our partner families. In 2011, our organization partnered with the Bichler family and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans to complete the Thrivent Builds Home in Fargo.

Jennelle contributed more than 250 hours of “sweat equity” on the construction of her future house and the future homes of other Habitat Partner Families and by presenting her story to the community. Jennelle and her three children moved into to their new home in early December and the family was able to celebrate their first Holiday season in their new home.

Below is a note from Jennelle expressing her thankfulness for Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity and all of those dedicated volunteers and donors who made her home a reality. We hope you enjoy reading this note as much as we do!

Many in today’s world go about life living the dreams they have and never stop to smell the roses. Many of us don’t stop to lend a helping hand to the hungry, homeless, parentless, or even sightless. So many of us are afraid that more will be required of us or think we don’t have what they need. However, through this past year I have been blessed with many opportunities to meet and get to know people, organizations, and churches that have taken the extra mile to help those around them without thinking twice about whether or not they could.

My family can’t find the right words to even express our thanks and gratitude. There are not words to make each person truly understand how each hand that has touched our home in one way or another means more to us then ‘Thank you’ can ever cover. You’ve given us not just a chance to own a home, but hope and love. The hands that have worked with my family through this year are now a part of our family forever. They have shown and taught each one of us something about how much one person can truly do with the right heart and mind.

I could say ‘thanks and we are truly grateful,’ but honestly these words can never truly express how my family feels. So I must just add that I pray that Christ blesses each person, family, organization, and church that has helped in the process of making a home for my family. That the love and kindness that has been extended to my family, will be extended and multiplied for each one of you. May all the blessings be given to you all, for your work has given us the precious gift of a home.

In Christ name and with Love,

Jennelle, Jabaz, Damarha, and Chaz

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity joins $9.2 million national home-building effort in 2012

Posted on December 5, 2011 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity learned recently that it has been awarded $70,400 to build a home in Fargo in 2012.

This grant, providing 55 percent of the cost of construction, comes from Minneapolis-based Thrivent Financial for Lutherans’ unique partnership with Habitat for Humanity International: Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity.

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity is celebrating their award in conjunction with an international announcement made Dec. 5, 2011, in Minneapolis, Minn., when the partnership’s $160 million mark was surpassed with a $9.2 million commitment for 2012, the seventh year of a strong alliance 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, more than 480,000 volunteers have donated more than three million hours to construct 1,600 homes in the U.S.

The 2012 commitment will fund the construction and rehabilitation of 142 Habitat for Humanity homes in 32 U.S. states, including the home built by Lake Agassiz Habitat in Fargo, ND.

“The Thrivent Builds alliance is helping Lake Agassiz Habitat increase the number of families served in our community,” said Leann Wolff, President of the Board for Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity. “We are so grateful for Thrivent’s support of our efforts to provide decent, affordable homes in partnership with families in need.”

Thrivent Build Home Complete!

Posted on November 14, 2011 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

Today will be an exciting day in Fargo, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity will dedicate the 2011 Thrivent Build Home. At 5:30pm this afternoon, the future homeowners, the Bichler family, will gather with representatives from Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, donors, volunteers, and friends to celebrate the completion of their future home. The Bichler’s future home marks the 3^rd home completed by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity as part of the organization’s 2011 Build Season.

The Bichler family stands in front of their future home- built in partnership with Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

The Bichler family is eager to move into their new home. Jennelle Bichler is a single mother of three children with special needs. In 2005, Jennelle was in the process of adopting her daughter when she was diagnosed with 2 rare conditions which caused her to lose her sight. She became completely blind days after daughter’s adoption was finalized.

“It is an honor to partner with a family like the Bichlers to build a home,” said Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Shirley Dykshoorn. “Jennelle is such a strong woman who has been through a great deal. She truly deserves a place for her and her children to call their own.”

The Bichler family, like all families that partner with Habitat for Humanity, will not be receiving a free home, but instead will be purchasing the home with a 0% interest free loan that will be repaid over the course of the mortgage. Jennelle contributed more than 250 “sweat equity” hours working on her home and the homes of others as a requirement for becoming a Habitat homeowner.

The home was built as part of a multi-year, multi-million dollar partnership between Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Habitat for Humanity International, known as Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity. Thrivent Builds is designed to involve Thrivent members and Lutherans in helping provide a “hand up” to people who lack decent shelter, offering them a path to greater economic independence. Since 2005 Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity has constructed nearly 2,500 homes worldwide, with the most recent Thrivent Build home right here in Fargo.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans representatives and the future homeowners raise a wall on the 2011 Thrivent Builds home in July.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has been partnering with the local Habitat affiliate since 2004. During this year’s build, all of Fargo’s financial representatives participated in the build, including Steve Oakes, Steve Asche, Al Fabricius, Paul Holtan, Carla Braaten, Shad Connor, Bruce Saum and Todd Schaffer.

At the dedication, there will be a short program where Shirley Dykshoorn, LAHFH Executive Director. Jennelle Bichler, the new homeowner, as well as representatives from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will be available for comments.

If you’re interested in attending the Thrivent Build home dedication:

Where: 1205 2^nd Ave South in Fargo

When: 5:30pm on Monday, November 14, 2011

For more information on Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity visit: www.lakeagassizhabitat.org

For more information on Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity visit: www.thriventbuilds.com

For more information on Thrivent Financial for Lutherans visit: www.thrivent.com

Thrivent Builds Breakfast Fundraiser with Applebee’s

Posted on October 21, 2011 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

Looking for some good breakfast plans tomorrow morning? Join Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans tomorrow at the Applebee’s in North Fargo for an all you can eat pancake breakfast!

Cost is $5 per person for all you can eat pancakes, sausage, juice, and coffee. Tickets can be purchased at the door, through your local East Cass or Clay County Thrivent Chapter Leader, or by contacting Lisa Trudeau at 701-478-7151 for large group orders. The breakfast fundraiser will take place at the North Fargo Applebee’s location only.

Proceeds will support the Thrivent Builds Habitat home being built this year in Fargo. Thrivent Builds is a financial, volunteer and advocacy partnership between Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Habitat for Humanity International. This home marks the 12^th Thrivent Build home in our community.

The house is nearing the end of construction and the Bichler Family is eagerly waiting to move in and make it a home of their own. Join us and help us raise the remaining dollars to make this possible!

Join us at the 2011 Thrivent Build Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser:

When: Saturday, October 22^nd from 8 am- 10 am

Where: Applebee’s North Fargo (2001 16th St N)