Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County's History
Inspired by the need for affordable housing in the community, Dave Anderson, Bob Loucks, and John Aponte, of Alexandria, held a meeting in the basement of First Lutheran Church. The group worked diligently for more than a year to become a recognized 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. On January 31, 1997, Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County, Minnesota was established.
Looking back, it is inspiring to see how far the organization has come through hard work, dedication, and passion. While many pieces of the organization have transformed, the intangibles have remained steady: the heart of Habitat volunteers, the generosity of donors, the leadership of the board of directors and committee members, and the ambition of homeowner families.
Thank you for building strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter for local families!
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1996
A few committed people start meeting and contact Habitat for Humanity International to learn more about the process to establish a local affiliate.
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January 31, 1997
Habitat is formally incorporated under the laws of the state of Minnesota with a local board of directors. First Lutheran Church provides space for the first Habitat office.
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1998
A home was donated and moved to Osakis. Volunteers, including Alexandria Technical College carpentry students, were recruited to rehab the home. DECA students from Jefferson High School host an open house. The first home dedication was celebrated
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2004
The Habitat board of directors hires the first employee, Lori Anderson, as Executive Director. The office moves to a 400 square foot office at First State Bank in Alexandria. Habitat participates in the AmeriCorps VISTA program to expand capacity and participates in the program for 10 years.
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2005
Habitat celebrates the dedication of the 10th home.
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2006
Habitat is selected to participate in the Thrivent Builds program. The program increases capacity and Habitat expands to building three homes annually. The first Hard Hat Breakfast is held. Habitat moves to a new office at 911 Hwy 29 N, Alexandria.
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2007
Millard Fuller, Founder of Habitat for Humanity International, is the keynote speaker at the Hard Hat Breakfast.
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2012
Habitat’s first all-women-built house is completed in Alexandria. Habitat participates in a Blitz Build, building two homes in one week.
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Habitat purchases a 12,500 sq ft. building for office and future ReStore space at 1211 N Nokomis NE, Alexandria.
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May 2014
The ReStore opens and exceeds first-year business plan thanks to community support.
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2016
Habitat celebrates serving the 50th family!
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2017
Habitat launches the Aging in Place program - affordable repairs for those age 65+ focusing on safety, accessibility and other minor repairs.
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2019
The first homeowner to pay off her Habitat mortgage celebrates at the Hard Hat Breakfast by shredding her mortgage.
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2021
Habitat celebrates important milestones by serving the 100th family locally, the 100th family internationally, and the 20th home built in partnership with the Thrivent Faith Builds program.
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2022
Habitat celebrates 25 years of building strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter in Douglas County.
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2023
The Alexandria City Council approved a planned unit development enabling Habitat to build 42 homes in Summer Meadows. The City Council also approved TIF financing to support the construction of the development.
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2024
The second homeowner pays off her mortgage in full and celebrates by shredding her mortgage.
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2025
Executive Director, Lori Anderson, retires after 21 years of service with Habitat.
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Christine Reilly becomes the new Executive Director.
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