Habitat for Humanity
On Wednesday October 17th we heard from Rice County Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Dayna Norvold. Dayna gave us some back ground on Habitat with some worldwide stats, and filled us in on what is happening locally in Rice County.
Founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller, on the idea that families that were given a hand up could make a better life for themselves. Habitat for Humanity is in 70 countries worldwide, and contrary to popular belief, they don't give away homes. (again, offering a hand up, not a hand out). 100% of Habitat for Humanity home owners are employed. The program is funded by some State and Federal assistance, but primarily by donations.
There are about 30 affiliates in the state of Minnesota, with Rice County being one, the Twin Cities affiliate being the largest in our state. Affiliates build 1-7 homes a year, and the Twin Cities affiliate builds between 40 and 50.
Since 1976 13.2 million people have been helped. Annually 2.1 million volunteers participate in helping to build a habitat home. It takes 2500 volunteer hours to build one house.
Rice County's affiliate with Habitat started in 1991, and our first home was completed in 1993. Since then 46 new construction homes have been built. Of those 46, 3 have been foreclosed on, and 1 has been sold because the person moved on to better circumstances. Rice County Habitat for Humanity serves Northfield, Faribault, Dundas, and many other communities in the county. Looking forward Habitat has been fortunate to find land for a good price on the North side of the city of Faribault and will start construction on a number of new homes in the near future.
Dayna is a fellow Rotarian and a member of the Northfield Rotary. Thank you for joining us Dayna! We hope to see you again soon - hopefully on a build site!