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What is Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity?
We are the local affiliate for Habitat for Humanity International. Our goal is to provide simple, decent and affordable housing to deserving families in our community.
How many homes has Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity built?
Our local chapter has built/rehabbed 40 homes in the area, and will build 5 more homes in 2011 located in Barnesville, West Fargo and Fargo.
What areas do Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity cover?
Where we build each year is affected by where we can locate affordable lots (land) to purchase and what will accommodate our partner families. To date, we have built in 5 communities throughout Cass and Clay counties including Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead, Casselton and Dilworth. We are building our first home in Barnesville, MN in 2011.
How does Habitat work?
Habitat operates through volunteers and donations of money and materials.
Is Habitat a giveaway program?
Habitat does not give handouts. In addition to a down payment and monthly mortgage payments, homeowners invest 250 hours of their own labor (sweat equity) into building their Habitat homes and the houses of others.
How much is a typical Habitat mortgage payment?
Homes are sold to partner families for the cost of construction. Through utilizing volunteer labor, LAHFH is able to keep the construction costs down. The final selling price of the homes varies depending on the size of the home, location, materials donated, etc. Habitat works hard to ensure that the mortgage payment is less than 30% of the partner family’s average monthly income.
How are the homes financed?
Habitat homes are sold to partner families at no profit and financed with affordable loans. The homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments are used to build even more Habitat homes.
Where do my monetary donations go?
Money donated to Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity supports the building of simple, decent, affordable homes for families in need in Cass and Clay counties. We also hold fundraisers and apply for grants throughout the year in order to support its mission. As you might know, the cost of building is on the rise, which makes all donations greatly appreciated. Furthermore, we operate the Habitat ReStore as a way of raising funds while helping the environment. The goal of the ReStore is to generate enough funds to cover all administration costs. This will enable every dollar donated to go towards building homes in Cass and Clay counties.
Do I need any experience to volunteer?
Habitat has wonderful crew leaders who take the time to teach all volunteers how to properly perform the tasks scheduled for a day. Volunteer Up lists the tasks scheduled for each day, so feel free to sign up only for days offering tasks you feel comfortable performing. For example, if you are afraid of heights, feel free to avoid roofing/shingling days.
We also have a variety of non-construction volunteer positions available, including: special event volunteers, Habitat ReStore, Committees, office work, etc.
How do I sign up to volunteer?
Click here to visit our VolunteerUp page, where you can see available times and sign up to volunteer.
What committee opportunities do you have?
With the exception of 6 paid staff, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity is basically run by volunteers. We have a Board of Directors and a variety of standing committees that represent various areas of Habitat. For a complete list of all committee opportunities available, click here. If you are interested in a committee opportunity with LAHFH, please email Katie at: katie@lakeagassizhabitat.org or call her at 218-284-5253 ext. 2.
What is the Habitat ReStore?
Habitat ReStore is a new and gently used building supply thrift store with the proceeds going to support the Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity mission of building homes in Cass and Clay counties. All people are welcome to shop the store. For more information about ReStore, visit their web site or follow them on Facebook.
Store Hours:
Monday-Friday 10am-7pm
Saturday 10am-4pm
Sunday Closed
How and what can I donate to the ReStore?
Donations can either be brought to the Habitat ReStore during business hours or call 218-284-5253 ext.3 to schedule a pick-up. All donations will receive a tax deductable donation receipt. Visit the ReStore donation page on the ReStore website.
