Thrivent commits to building four homes in 2014

Thanks to the Thrivent Builds with Habitat partnership, volunteers from more than 50 different Lutheran congregations, Thrivent members and representatives will build new homes in Coon Rapids, Crystal, Minneapolis and St. Paul this year. Minneapolis-based Thrivent Financial for Lutherans committed more than $357,622 to sponsor the homes.

The home being built in Coon Rapids is right down the street from two other Habitat homes built in the last couple years. A multi-generational family with a grandparent will be buying this home so extra thought has been given to accessibility. Modifications for the home include a zero-step entry that will allow for wheelchair access along with arm bars in the bathroom and kitchen.

The Thrivent-sponsored home in Minneapolis is being built in partnership with Green Homes North. This city initiative will build 100 energy efficient homes over the next five years to revitalize neighborhoods in North Minneapolis. Launched in 2012, funding has been awarded to five developers to build 27 homes to date.

Furthermore a property donation from Bank of America for the Crystal build has taken shape. There was a dilapidated existing structure that Twin Cites Habitat worked with the city to tear down. New construction is slated to begin in Crystal this summer. 

In addition to building new homes, Thrivent Financial will also be supporting efforts to assist current homeowners through a relatively new program called Thrivent Builds Repairs. This program sponsored five home repair projects last year.

This past year was extra special for Thrivent supporters with the construction of Habitat’s most energy efficient home ever. Our first ever Net Zero Energy House was designed by architects and engineers form the University of Minnesota. The goal is for the home to generate all the energy the family needs through sustainable methods.

The story behind the Net Zero Home has generated a number of media outlets to pick it up. Just yesterday a few different news organizations produced content about the family moving into their new home.

KSTP - Channel 5

If your faith-based group is interested in partnering with us in support of local families please contact Stephanie Nelson at stephanie.nelson@tchabitat.org or call 612-305-7124.