Home Dedications from 2010

Oakdale – December 16, 2010
The last of four multi-unit buildings was dedicated in Oakdale. Five families will be moving into their new homes before the end of the year. Over 75 people showed up to welcome the homebuyers to their new home and celebrate the completed project. During the program, homebuyers Debebe Ejeta and Aynalem Agago shared their family’s story and their thoughts on entering the world of homeownership. John Winters, 3M CARES, and Jenni Wilken, Wells Fargo, also addressed the crowd. 3M CARES was a Cornerstone Sponsor of the project, and Wells Fargo was a Row Sponsor.

View photos from the night here.

Calvary Luthern Church of Golden Valley – November 18, 2010
This dedication celebrated the great partnership Twin Cities Habitat has with its sponsoring organizations, and in particular, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Their support not only offers a financial means to build simple, decent affordable housing, but it also provides a community of volunteers and advocates that support Habitat’s mission and families. Xarerin, a new homebuyer, delivered a heartfelt speech, where she walked everyone through her family’s journey, from being forced to leave their home in the war-torn Congo, to their transition time in refugee camps in Africa and shelters in the US, and finally to the fulfillment of their dream to become homeowners once again.

Richfield – November 10, 2010
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity celebrated a special home dedication in Richfield on a beautiful late fall day. The home, where new homebuyers Hana Guche and Aschalew Beyene will live, was given to Habitat by a longtime volunteer and donor, Larry Hossfeld. A retired engineer, Larry has volunteered at Twin Cities Habitat for many years, and this is the third house he has donated. Larry graciously spoke at the dedication and humbly said, “I am fortunate to have free time, and that I can spend it doing work on this house. I’m certainly happy that this family will live here.”
See photos from the day here.

White Bear Lake – September 16, 2010
On the night of the home dedication in White Bear Lake, more than 50 people gathered to celebrate a new beginning for a mother and her daughters. As the girls ventured around their new house, they kept exclaiming, “I love this neighborhood!” Many people spoke at the event to offer their words of congratulations and support. Site supervisor Floyd Hansen spoke to the crowd, along with Twin Cities Habitat President Sue Haigh, Board Member Peter Myers and Mayor Jo Emerson from White Bear Lake. Other notable attendees were Doug Biehn, White Bear Lake City Council Member and Janice Rettman, Chair of the HRA.

See photos from the evening here.

Prior Lake – July 22, 2010
Over 40 people gathered to celebrate Prior Lake’s first Habitat home, dedicated to Suzy Benjamin, David Lual and their four children. Donated by longtime Prior Lake residents Jerry and Terrie Schrank, this rehab represents a rare, but remarkable form of house recycling. In a touching speech, the couple traced the story of the home, from its “first heartbeat” – scribbled blueprints in their college dorm – to its 22 years of providing their kids a stable childhood. After selling their property and discovering the new owner planned to demolish the place, the Schranks approached Twin Cities Habitat. Thanks to a successful “heart transplant” to its new location, this house beats steady and strong, ready for its new life—and family. See photos from the evening here.

Shoreview – July 22, 2010
Last night Twin Cities Habitat dedicated its first home in Shoreview. Over 80 people joined to celebrate the dedication of five Habitat homes: a new build in Shoreview, three rehabbed homes in St. Paul, and one rehabbed home in West St. Paul. Attendees heard words of congratulations and thanks from site supervisors Rhonda Thorson and Dave Madzo, homebuyer Kate Fay, Jerry Peterson of North Como Presbyterian Church, Kerri Kolstad of the Women Build Regular Crew, and Shoreview Mayor Sandy Martin. The final litany and prayer were given by Sue Haigh, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity President, and Pastor Luther Dale of Incarnation Lutheran Church. See photos from the evening here.

Chaska – June 19, 2010
On the first sunny Saturday in June, 40 people joined to celebrate the dedication of two new homes. The sentiments of the new homeowners touched the hearts of those who gathered. Kejela Deressa, spoke from the heart about his family's sincere gratitude for the generosity of strangers. This concept of giving was new to him. Kejela explained that he now regularly employs "giving" into his everyday life and has found great joy in the process – an unexpected benefit! Along with volunteers and supporters in attendance, Board Member Darla O'Donnell, Site Supervisor David Michelson and the President of St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Mike Baumgartner welcomed the two families to their new Habitat homes. See photos from the morning here.

White Bear Lake – June 19, 2010
Saturday marked the second dedication of a beautiful Clarence Street home in White Bear Lake. Edgar d’Almeida, Noelie Dogbe and their three girls will be moving into their new home in July. The family is so excited for their new rooms, the neighborhood, and the apple tree that awaits them in their spacious backyard. The home is a buyback, which means that Twin Cities Habitat purchased the home back from a previous Habitat homeowner. In 2002, Doua Yang and Shoua Vang moved in to the new Habitat home with their small children.
See photos from the morning here.

Lowell Curve Block Party – June 14, 2010
Last night over 100 people gathered in the street on Willow Ave North to celebrate the completion of five Habitat homes and nine A Brush With Kindness homes in the North Minneapolis Area. The rain cleared up just in time for block party goers to hear comments from all our program participants: Habitat Homeowner Connie McClure, Andy Kroll (General Mills), Tara Beutelspacher (Ameriprise), Development Sponsor Janet Anderson, City Councilman Don Samuels, State Senator Linda Higgins, State Rep. Bobby Champion, Twin Cities Habitat President Susan Haigh and Board Member Wesley Walker. Reverend Lurah Bean of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church provided opening and closing prayers for the event. See photos from the evening here.

St. Francis – May 22, 2010
On Saturday Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity dedicated its first home in St. Francis, MN. Homeowners Amy and Bobby had already moved in and were gracious enough to invite everyone in, so guests were able to see how their house had already become a home to them. Speakers at the event were Pastor Harry Eklund and Donna Nelson from Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. Jerry Tveit, the Mayor of St. Francis, also gave his remarks. Thank you to all those who braved the thunderstorm to participate in the event!

Hopkins – May 15, 2010
Over fifty people gathered on Saturday for a home dedication in the city of Hopkins. This home will be the second single-family LEED certified house built by Twin Cities Habitat. Community members, family, staff and volunteers listened to remarks given by site supervisor Craig Norton, Keystone Sponsor and Board Member Mary Lynn Staley, Dave Hoover of Cargill and Twin Cities Habitat President Sue Haigh. Dale Fehrenbach of Cargill, Twin Cities Habitat Board member, also spoke to everyone and led the dedication litany. See photos from the morning here.

Case Ave & Jessamine Ave – May 6, 2010
The second three-unit townhome on Case Ave and a rehabilitated house on Jessamine Ave in St. Paul were dedicated last night. The Case Ave project has been seven years in the making. Originally serving as the unofficial dumping grounds for a construction company, this area has taken on new life as the final three families prepare to move in. This project is unique because it is Twin Cities Habitat’s first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified multi-family townhome development. The project recently won a 2010 Sustainable St. Paul Award for its environmental sustainability, cost-effective strategies and leadership in green building practices. See photos from the afternoon here.