Minot Habitat News

Christmas Message from Jonathan Reckford

2009-12-19T17:36:00.000-08:00

December 18, 2009

Greetings,

We are in a time of increasingly rapid change and uncertainty. In our home that means kids growing up way too fast. My family tradition was that Santa brought stockings, and the gifts under the tree came from family. Ashley’s tradition was that Santa delivered the “big gift,” so we carefully discussed it and, of course, followed her tradition. This year, we attempted, as I think many families have, to talk to our children about cutting back on what we spend on ourselves for Christmas and instead using that money to help others.

Lily, our youngest, liked the idea of being more generous and wasn’t concerned. Her response: “That’s OK. I’ll just ask Santa.” Blissfully naïve or demonstrating shrewd negotiating acumen? We may never know. Only nine and she’s mastered the “both/and” approach to life.

Too many children, however, have to do without much more than presents. This Christmas, many families are experiencing great anxiety, wondering what the new year will bring—agonizing over how their lives have been upended by natural and economic disasters.

As the world around us changes quickly, and as the economy has shuffled the dreams of many, we find that the traditions of this season can bring us comfort. In the rhythm of celebration, we are reminded that God’s love never changes. We have the assurance that no matter what the circumstances and no matter how many years pass, God is faithful and true. Here at Habitat for Humanity, we can be certain that God will always be at the center of this ministry. We can give thanks that God uses our offerings as a tangible expression of his amazing love for every family we serve.

This year, the need has never been greater, but there has also never been a greater opportunity for Habitat to impact the world. Thanks to you, a record 61,000 families had a newer, better place to live last year. If we stop to consider that behind every one of those thousands of families is a story of hope and new beginnings, we have much to celebrate this Christmas.

I know that many of you work long hours and give of yourselves in a variety of ways to make life better for others. I am humbled to serve with you, and I am more grateful than ever to each one of you who shares your time, treasure and talent to make the world a little more the way Jesus intended when he prayed, “thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

May the blessings of the Christmas story told through the ages bring joy to you again this year as we celebrate the birth of the Christ child. God bless you and have a wonderful Christmas,

Jonathan

Jonathan T.M. Reckford
CEO, Habitat for Humanity International

How To Get Started As A Volunteer

2009-11-18T14:25:00.001-08:00

We get many calls at the office from people wishing to volunteer with Habitat, but unsure of how to get started. Volunteering with Habitat is extremely easy, just give us your name and email address and we will add you to the volunteer database.

Before leaving our site, click the "Volunteering" link at the right and when you reach that page of the site, click "Online Volunteer Training." This takes you to another sight where you complete a short training course on your computer. When you have successfully completed the training, our local Habitat office is notified and you will receive a "Certificate of Completion."

We currently do not have a list of regularly scheduled work days since we are not currently building a new home. We are screening home owners who are seeking assistance with our A Brush With Kindness program.

When a project is ready to work we email our volunteers to ask who is available for the scheduled work day. When you wish to volunteer for one of these events, call or email the Habitat office ( mailto:habitat@srt.com%20)and we will add you to the list for that day. Work days are normally held on Saturdays since 90% of our volunteers work their regular jobs on Monday thru Friday.

When you arrive at the work site, we will register you at that time. New volunteers must sign a waiver stating that they understand the following:

You are a volunteer and will not be paid for your work

You are assuming all risk of injury associated with your volunteer work

Habitat for Humanity does not provide insurance for volunteers

We may take your picture and use it on this website or other Habitat publications

After signing this paperwork, you are ready to get started as a Habitat for Humanity volunteer! You will be introduced to the team leader for the days work and get your assignment. This is a simple and easy process that works very well for quickly getting new volunteers involved with Habitat's mission. If you have never volunteered, give it try.

November Board Meeting

2009-11-11T13:10:00.000-08:00

The Habitat for Humanity November board meeting was held on the 10th in the Habitat office.

Local Boy Scout Chris Larsen opened the meeting with a very informative presentation detailing his Eagle Scout project. Chris is planning a Scout work day in support of Habitat for Humanity. The Scouts under Chris's leadership will install finish flooring for a local low income home owner. Habitat for Humanity is glad to have the support of Chris and our local Scouts.

The board also received updates on current and pending A Brush With Kindness (ABWK) projects. ABWK has attracted a lot of interest from low income home owners in Minot and the surrounding communities. Our affiliate is working hard to respond to the many requests for assistance that we have received from these home owners.

The December board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 1st at 7:30am in the Habitat for Humanity office. The meeting is open to the public.

Jammin' With Habitat Partners

2009-11-09T07:58:00.001-08:00

Our "Jammin' With Habitat" fund raiser owes its success to many supporters in the Minot community.

Thanks to the volunteers who collected donations and ensured that all went smoothly. We had some old friends on hand and were glad to welcome several new friends to the family of Habitat volunteers in Minot.

Thanks to Micah Scott and Jazmine Wolff for donating their time and musical talents to make this event a success.

Thanks to the Vegas Motel in Minot for donating space for us to hold the event.

Thanks to our friends at WGO radio and KCJB radio for donating air time to promote the event.

Thanks to the many, many, businesses in the Minot community who posted our signs and helped us to promote this fund raiser.

Thanks to the folks who attended and donated. All of the funds raised from this event will be used to support Habitat's work to improve low income family housing in the Minot community. Many folks came for the show and also signed on as Habitat for Humanity volunteers. Community minded volunteers and funding are the keys to helping our neighbors in need. This event was a win-win for the Minot community and Habitat for Humanity Northern Lights!

Jammin' With Habitat 2009

2009-11-09T07:18:00.001-08:00

Our first ever "Jammin' With Habitat" concert was held November 7 at the Vegas Motel in Minot. The event was a big success and we wish to thank local musicians Micah Scott and Jazmine Wolff for donating their time and considerable musical talents to support our cause. Micah and Jazmine are tremendous performers who play a variety of acoustic folk/rock/jazz/ and country. They gave us a great show, singing and playing their own material individually and as a duet. We look forward to having them perform again next year. To learn more, visit Jazmine's MySpace page at: http://www.myspace.com/jazmine0 om/jazmine0 and listen to her mp3s and then pick up her CD "Love and Other Stuff."

Halloween Flooring Project

2009-11-09T07:07:00.000-08:00

Habitat for Humanity volunteers Jordan Wiersch and Bill Murphy spent October 31st installing subflooring and new floor tile to improve the kitchen of a local Minot family participating in our "A Brush With Kindness" program. The family was very grateful for Habitat's assistance and we were glad be there for a family in need.

Thank You 5th Contracting Squadron Volunteers

2009-10-27T12:58:00.000-07:00

Our thanks to the 5th Contracting Squadron from Minot Air Force Base for their great volunteer work on Oct 23rd. This group of volunteer airman led the wallpaper removal work at one of our "A Brush With Kindness" homes and completed much of the wallpaper removal in a single afternoon. We had projected two days fur this work. We appreciate their support of Habitat for Humanity and the Minot community and hope to see you again!

Volunteer Day - Oct 24th

2009-10-21T13:38:00.000-07:00

Anyone wishing to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity is invited to 1611 11th St. SW in Minot between the hours of 9am and 4pm on Saturday, October 24th. Volunteers who cannot stay the entire day are welcome to participate for any time they have available.

Our job on Saturday is part of our "A Brush With Kindness" program and will involve removing wallpaper. Volunteers are asked to bring along wallpaper scoring tools and a putty knife, if they have these items. If you do not own these tools, your help is still needed. We will register volunteers at the work site and get you started right away. We have a lot of wallpaper to take down and our goal is to finish this house on Saturday.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided at the job site. If you have any questions, please email or call the Habitat for Humanity office at 852-9799

FREE CONCERT - November 7th at the Vegas Motel in Minot

2009-10-15T14:16:00.001-07:00

Everyone is invited to hear local singing talent Jazmine Wolff play a free concert to benefit Habitat for Humanity Northern Lights on November 7th at the Vegas Motel in Minot.

The "Jammin' With Habitat" concert begins at 6:30pm and will also feature "Micah Scott and Friends" and the Pride of Dakota vendors.

There is no charge to attend the concert, however, a free-will donation will be collected with all funds going to support Habitat for Humanity's work to improve low-income housing in the Minot community.

A Brush With Kindness

2009-09-18T13:06:00.000-07:00

A Brush With Kindness is a nationwide effort by Habitat for Humanity to serve low-income homeowners who struggle to maintain the exterior of their homes. This program is a partner to Habitat's core building program and focuses on services such as painting, minor exterior repairs, landscaping, weatherization and exterior clean-up.

Habitat for Humanty Northern Lights is seeking volunteers with home repair or construction experience to serve as Team Leaders. In this role, the volunteer will supervise and guide volunteer teams assisting low-income homeowners in A Brush With Kindness.

If you are interested in learning more and becoming a Team Leader or Crew Member in support of A Brush With Kindness, email or call the Habitat for Humanity office in Minot.

2009 Downtown Fall Festival

2009-09-14T07:48:00.000-07:00

The Habitat for Humanity booth was a big success at the Downtown Fall Festival this past Saturday. In spite of the cool and sometimes rainy weather many festival goers stopped by our booth to get information on Habitat's work in the Magic City. We also signed up several new Habitat volunteers.

Everyone who stopped by our booth was excited to learn about the "Jammin' With Habitat" concert coming up on Nov 7th. This will be a FREE music concert featuring the talents of Minot's own Jazmine Wolff and Micah Scott & Friends. Pride of Dakota vendors will also be on hand to display their products and services, and to show their support for Habitat for Humanity.

The doors will open at 6:30pm on November 7th, at the Vegas Motel in Minot and the music will last until 10pm. During the show, Habitat will ask for a donations to support our work for low-income families in Minot.

Downtown Fall Festival

2009-09-03T09:17:00.000-07:00

The Downtown Fall Festival on Main is scheduled for Saturday, September 12 from 10am till 5pm. Habitat for Humanity will be participating in this annual event to promote public awareness of our work to improve low-income family housing in the Minot community. We will need 6 volunteers who can man our booth from 10am-1:30pm or from 1:30pm-5pm. To volunteer, please call our office to schedule your shift.

The Passing of a Friend

2009-08-15T10:21:00.000-07:00

We were saddened this week by the untimely passing of Marvin Fettig. Marvin was a well liked and respected member of the community. He was also a good friend and supporter of Habitat for Humanity in Minot. He will be missed.

Online Volunteer Training Available

2009-05-29T11:29:00.000-07:00

New volunteers often have many questions and a little apprehension about their first time at a Habitat for Humanity construction site. To reduce that anxiety we have some volunteer information and resources available online. Just click the Online Volunteer Training link in the list to the right. This online training site provides an excellent orientation for the construction site as well as important safety information that will benefit new and experienced Habitat volunteers.

2009-05-20T07:35:00.000-07:00

2009 Home Application Cutoff Date
We have set June 30th, 2009 as the cutoff date for applicants wishing to apply for the next Habitat for Humanity home in Minot. This will be our ninth Habitat for Humanity home and we expect to begin construction this summer. Applications received after June 30th will remain on file and be eligible for the 2010 home.

A number of applications have already been mailed or emailed to families and these folks are urged to complete the applications and return them to the Habitat for Humanity office.

If you are interested in applying to the Habitat for Humanity program, please contact our office and request an application. The eligibility requirements are posted this website under the "Apply for Housing" link. Income limits have increased this year so many more families are eligible than in prior years.

Once we have our final pool of applicants, the Family Services Committee will begin the difficult process of screening applicants to find our next Partner Family. This process can take up to one month as all applicants are reviewed according to the program's selection criteria.

The family who is selected will then begin work in partnership with Habitat for Humanity to complete their "sweat equity" hours. which are required to receive a Habitat home. This will include home ownership and financial management classes as well as working alongside volunteers during the home build. Selection as a Habitat for Humanity Partner Family is a life changing event that requires a sincere commitment from our partner families who wish to become home owners.

2009-05-20T06:57:00.000-07:00

Looking For A Building Site
The summer construction season is underway and we are anxious to begin building Minot's next new Habitat home. Unfortunately, we are unable to find a suitable property for our ninth home. Our problem is that the price of property in Minot is higher than in previous years. That is great for sellers but, as a nonprofit, affordable housing advocate, we need a property for around $10,000. These have proved difficult to find. If you know of a vacant property, with access to sewer and water, selling in the 10k range please call the Habitat office at 852-9799.

We also remain hopeful that someone in our area be willing to donate a piece of property to us. Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 group which means your donation is tax deductible. A donor may also reduce the price of a lot as a donation to Habitat for Humanity. A partial or complete donation of property will reduce our final building cost and directly benefit the familiy receiving the home. As the national economy continues to slow, it is important to remember those less fortunate members of our community and step forward to help if you can.

The need for affordable housing in Minot as never been greater. The recent building boom in Minot has produced many new homes, but these are priced beyond the reach of low income families. The expected increase in personnel at the Minot Air Force Base is also impacting low income families as rental units are becoming extremely scarce and more expensive.

Habitat for Humanity remains committed to helping Minot's low income families find decent, affordable housing and we are asking for you help to succeed.

2009-04-09T12:36:00.001-07:00

Volunteer Work Temporarily Suspended
Habitat for Humanity is temporarily suspending our volunteer work to encourage all Habitat for Humanity volunteers to support sand bagging efforts on the Souris River. We encourage all volunteers to lend their efforts to preventing the expected flooding to the east and west of Minot. We will resume volunteer Habitat work on April 20th.

2009-02-27T14:57:00.000-08:00

Home and Garden Show
The weekend of March 7th and 8th, Habitat for Humanity will be at the Magic Place at Minot's State Fair Center for the annual Minot Association of Builders Home and Garden Show. Look for us in booth number 522 at the show. Thanks to all of the volunteers from Minot Air Force Base who will be manning our booth and helping to spread the word on Habitat for Humanity's work in the Minot community.

Habitat and YWCA Renovation Project
While searching for a suitable location for our next Habitat home build, we are taking on a renovation project at the YWCA's Florence Anderson Center of Hope. We are very happy to help out a fellow nonprofit group and to further serve the Minot community. We are working with the YWCA staff to finalize a schedule for volunteer work days. So please check back here for further news on this project.