Habitat homeowner training to become homebuilder

For years, Heather Brierly was on the move.

Apartment to apartment, even moving in with family and friends when the safety of her living situation was unsure.

“I was calling the property manager and the police to complain about crime that I was witnessing right outside my door,” said Heather. “I felt like I was in this never ending cycle of bouncing around from place to place.”

At the suggestion of a friend who had visited the apartment, she went through the application process in hopes of partnering with Twin Cities Habitat. Within a year, Heather received word she had been selected for a home in Woodbury.

“When we were first told that we were chosen for a home in Woodbury I was overjoyed,” said Heather. “I was very familiar with the wonderful reputation the city had and it seemed like a solid place to raise a child.”

Heather worked diligently to complete her sweat equity hours. She attended the required homeowner training classes and volunteered during the construction process.

“Working with volunteers was really fun,” said Heather. “We especially enjoyed their interest, motivation, dedication and willingness to teach.”

With an affordable mortgage payment Heather has been able to put herself through school. She earned a degree in Construction Management from the University of Minnesota last April and is currently taking classes toward a Master’s in Architecture.

“My ideal job after I’m done would be doing the exact kind of work Habitat is doing,” says Heather. “Whether it’s in the office drafting the plans or being out on site, I enjoy it all.”

Heather spent the majority of this past summer volunteering with Twin Cities Habitat in Woodbury. She especially enjoyed working alongside the 3M CARES retiree volunteer group. A long-lasting bond formed between Heather and the members of the crew. Heather not only started getting invited to the group’s functions, but actually went and spoke at 3M to encourage current employees to give of their time and resources.

“I felt honored that the crew invited me to speak and tell my Habitat story,” said Heather. “It’s just something little I can do to an organization that’s given me so much.”

By Patrick Dunn, excerpted from the Habitat Herald, Spring 2012