Home dedication: A true community collaboration

Volunteers, corporate sponsors, Habitat staff, family and friends braved a wintery rush hour to congratulate two hard-working families in need of affordable housing. The Marshall and Mohamed/Olson families' home dedications were held on the site of the Net Zero Energy Home, the most energy-efficient home ever built by Twin Cities Habitat. It’s called a “Net Zero” home, because the house should generate as much power as it uses. And because it doesn't use natural gas or electricity from coal, the home’s carbon emissions will also be zero. Designed by a class at the University of Minnesota, this north Minneapolis house serves as a true testament to Habitat’s green living philosophy.

Lucas, the professor of the class that designed the home, brimmed with passion when he described the house’s many amazing features:

“The house is special for two reasons: it is the most energy-efficient home ever built by Twin Cities Habitat, and it presents a unique opportunity for the family,” he said.

All of the energy-efficient elements – the siding, solar panels, super-insulated walls, etc. – will not only lessen the impact of the house’s energy usage (thereby lowering the carbon footprint and reducing environmental harm), but will also greatly benefit the family, helping them to save money on energy costs.

Sarah Olson and Abdi Mohamed are the homebuyers moving into the Net Zero Energy Home. In it, they will be raising their four-year-old twins, Jamal and Sofia. Their six-year-old nephew, Yahya, will also be living with the family.

Right now, all three children are sleeping in the same bedroom. There is no room for their daughter to have her own space.

“I am so grateful that my daughter will be able to sleep in her own bedroom. She is turning five and needs privacy – and a break from the boys,” Abdi said.

The apartment isn’t just cramped; it’s also unsafe, and presents the family with numerous health issues. Mold covered walls provoke Sarah’s asthma attacks, and causes everyone’s allergies to flare up. Abdi’s car has been broken into twice and the apartment's windows are cracking. Needless to say, it's hardly a fit place to be raising their children.

Joining them not only at the dedication, but as their new Habitat neighbors, are Ardest and his son Ardest Jr. Ardest Sr. is a single father originally from Chicago, Illinois, who made the decision to move to Minnesota to find better employment and a better living situation. Ardest Jr. is a full-time student at Minneapolis Community Technical College. Ardest Sr. wants a safe and stable home for his son to grow up in and space for his grandchildren to be able to visit in the future.

Special thanks to major and legacy home sponsors Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, General Mills and the Builder's Circle.