Habitat for Humanity Builds First Home in Evansville
Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County and the Douglas Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans have accomplished what they set out to do six months ago—build a home with a family in urgent need of one. The newest Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity Home in our community was dedicated on September 24, 2009 at 7 pm. The dedication was attended by a house packed with construction and program volunteers, Thrivent Financial representatives, donors, and the excited partner family. They gathered to celebrate the hard work, the generous financial backing and the community support that made this home possible. Homebuyers, Jaimie and Heidi Englund, are more than just a little eager to move into their new home. They have completed 400 hours of “sweat equity” helping to build the home, a basic tenet of Habitat for Humanity.
John Loken, Habitat Board Member, presented the Englund Family with a new bible and said, “Jamie and Heidi and their family will now make it a home.” The Englunds thanked the Habitat volunteers for all their hard work. They are looking forward to moving in their new home.
Gerald Hansen and Stan Franek, Thrivent Financial representatives presented the family with a hammer and shared a poem written by Thrivent Financial staff members.
The new home, located at 618 Borgrud Lane in Evansville, is a result of an alliance between Habitat for Humanity International and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Called Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity, this alliance has resulted in hundreds of decent, affordable homes across the country since 2005. Thanks to its 2.6 million members who own financial products with the organization, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is able to contribute to the improvement of communities like Evansville. Thrivent Financial contributed 65 percent of the house costs—a total of $82,616 and is also engaging local volunteers who are members of Thrivent Financial, members of area Lutheran churches and members of the community at large, to donate additional funds and volunteer their time to work alongside the partner families to build these homes.
Doug and Sandy Alvstad, family mentors, partnered with the family to plan sweat equity hours during the construction of the home and will work with the family after moving in to ensure a smooth transition to home ownership.
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Photo Caption: Left to Right: Stan Franek, Thrivent Builds Specialist, Englund Family: Jamie, Heidi, Torrie, Braydon and Caleb, and mentors Sandy and Doug Alvstad.
In addition, to the celebration of the new Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity Home, the affiliate also took time to acknowledge the 24 homes the Douglas County affiliate has helped
build overseas. Lori Anderson, Executive Director said, “Our affiliate participates in the home for a home campaign. Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County donates 10 percent of its general
contributions to help support the building of homes with families in need in Latin America and the Caribbean.”
Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County is hosting informational meetings for individuals and families interested in learning how Habitat works and to hear how they may be eligible to partner with the organization to build a simple, decent, affordable home in Douglas County. Application Orientation sessions will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2009, 6:30-8:00 pm at First Lutheran Church, 822 Douglas in Alexandria and on Saturday, October 10, 2009, 10:30 am – noon, at New Life Christian Church, 1910 Hwy 27 E, Alexandria. Free childcare provided; advance registration appreciated but not required by calling Habitat for Humanity at 320-762-4255. Anyone interested in learning about Habitat’s family selection process is encouraged to attend. For more information, call 320-762-4255 or email at
About Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County
Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County has been an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International since 1997 and has built 24 homes. Homeowner families are selected according to established criteria: need for housing, ability to partner with Habitat and ability to pay. Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with people in need to build and renovate decent, affordable housing. Partner families purchase the homes from Habitat with no-profit, zero-interest mortgages. Volunteers provide most of the labor. Tax deductible donations of money, land and materials are provided by individuals, organizations, churches, foundations and businesses. For more information on how to support Habitat or get involved contact the affiliate at 320.762.4255, e-mail or visit the website at http://www.hfhdouglascounty.org
About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built more than 250,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1 million people. For more information, visit http://www.habitat.org.
About Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is a not-for-profit membership organization helping nearly 3 million members achieve their financial goals and give back to their communities. As a not-for-profit fraternal benefit society, Thrivent Financial sponsors national outreach programs and activities that support congregations, schools, charitable organizations and individuals in need. Thrivent Financial has main offices in Minneapolis, MN, and Appleton, WI. For more information, visit http://www.thrivent.com.