Angela always dreamed of owning a home—just like her mom did. But the road wasn’t easy. Her first attempt at homeownership with a big bank didn’t work out. A few years later she was accepted into Habitat’s homeownership program. This time, her own doubts kept her back.

“I was afraid I didn’t have all the tools and resources, so I kept pushing it back.”

But Angela persevered.

Years later, she re-applied for Habitat and qualified for the brand-new Advancing Black Homeownership Program. This innovative program was co-designed by and for foundational Black households—those who are descendants of slavery in the U.S. and have been the primary targets of racial discrimination in housing for generations. The program’s unique peer support and coaching, more flexible mortgage criteria, and additional financial resources were exactly what Angela needed to achieve her dream.

“I learned that I was not the only one who had these fears! I wasn’t the only one that had the barriers—I didn’t even really understand that there are barriers to this whole process.”

Finally, after years of perseverance, Angela did it: she became a homeowner. And the Habitat team was with her every step of the way—including you!

“Habitat needs to show up differently in community.” That’s what Shereese Turner said when she joined Twin Cities Habitat to lead Programs & Services in 2018. Fueled by her own journey with housing, Shereese challenged Habitat to build deeper, more trusting relationships with Black communities and other communities of color. She pushed us to listen better, have seats at more tables, admit when we’re wrong, change course when needed.

Shereese’s calls echoed what we heard from you, our dedicated Habitat community. You pushed us to take bigger strides in our work for racial equity. And you stepped up your generosity to make it happen.

You make it possible to sponsor community events, like Live Your Healthy Lyfe, Selby Jazz Fest, and A Night at the Q. You unlock creative partnerships, like a new collaboration with Minneapolis Public Housing Authority and Twin Cities R!SE, dubbed Pathways to Success. You fund our participation in Black-led initiatives, like the Minnesota Business Coalition for Racial Equity and 9000 Equities, and you provide critical anti-racism trainings for staff and volunteers.

Perseverance is about doing whatever it takes to reach the finish line—whether you stick to the course you know or find a new path. Habitat is finding that new path with more partners than ever, while sticking to the goal of advancing racial equity through homeownership. Thank you for your support.

You might think a groundbreaking ceremony marks the start of a project. But when we sunk shovels at the site of the future 17 Harrison Townhomes in August 2022, we’d already come a long way through the pandemic's difficult homebuilding environment.

The vision was clear: build 17 new townhomes and make them affordable to people living in the Harrison neighborhood. And each step of the way, Habitat and our partners kept moving forward to build homes and invest in our community. Like Angela and all our clients, we dream big, then do whatever it takes to make that dream come true.

But it’s not just staff who brought this vision to life. YOU—our community of supporters—rolled up your sleeves, too. During Give to the Max Day in November 2022, we told you that this project was facing a funding gap and you rose to the occasion.

Now, the project is well underway, and volunteers are busy installing flooring and painting—doing the sweaty, hard work of creating new homes for our neighbors.

We've learned a lot through this project. And that has equipped us to dream big and take on another major development, up to 150 units at The Heights on St. Paul’s East Side.

If there’s one thing that sets you apart as a Habitat supporter, it’s perseverance through a challenging issue. Volunteers put in full days of hard work on the build site. Donors give year after year at rates higher than the industry average. Habitat advocates help pass major housing legislation. Those acts of dedication to Habitat’s mission are exemplified in Barry and Sharon Mason.

The Masons’ introduction to Twin Cities Habitat was, like many supporters, through volunteering with their church. Annual donations quickly followed.

"Because we are totally committed to the mission of Twin Cities Habitat, we are determined to invest both our time and our financial resources,” Sharon says. “They go hand in hand. And together, they both positively impact the important work toward justice and equity in homeownership that Habitat is accomplishing in our community."

As the Masons’ awareness of housing issues grew, so did their support for Twin Cities Habitat. They stretched to increase their giving. Barry joined the Board of Directors and served as Board Chair, and Sharon served on several Board committees. They’ve traveled for Global Village trips and they advocate at Habitat on the Hill each year. Sharon is a long-time Women Build team leader and Barry started a Regular Volunteer Crew in 2019. And last year, they realized a dream to fully sponsor a Habitat home.

Habitat supporters like you and the Masons know that expanding homeownership opportunities takes perseverance. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. When you show up again and again, incredible things can happen.

For 16 years, ReStore has persevered through changes and growth—from a small outlet opened just before the recession to the multi-million-dollar operation it is today. 

The original Twin Cities ReStore Home Improvement Outlet opened in north Minneapolis, and soon after moved to New Brighton. Despite starting small, ReStore staff and supporters kept at it—and their dedication paid off. By 2016, a second ReStore location opened in south Minneapolis. In 2020, the New Brighton store was renovated to offer a larger showroom and more inventory. And more growth is on the way.

The ReStore team has expanded from four employees to 25 and counting. Ten donations per day was once the norm; now, 40 donations is considered a slow day. ReStore’s mission impact has grown, too. In this most recent fiscal year, sales from our two ReStore locations helped Twin Cities Habitat build five homes for local families.

This story of perseverance is made possible by our amazing donors, volunteers, and team members. From those who have been at ReStore since the beginning to new members of this community, supporters like you keep us going. Long-time regular volunteer Donna describes it well: “They really have roots in the community. It’s inspiring what people have done to make ReStore full of good things.”

Thanks to you, 2023 was ReStore’s most successful year yet!