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Habitat for Humanity — our story

Habitat for Humanity is a Christian housing ministry seeking to put God’s love into action. With the utilization of volunteer labor, we build houses and sell them at no profit whatsoever to families who could not otherwise afford a home. Once the home is built, the Habitat homeowner will have a 20- or 25-year interest free mortgage. They are also responsible for the property taxes, and homeowners insurance. Our saying is, “this is a hand up, not a hand out.”

Habitat for Humanity undertakes our work to demonstrate the love and teachings of Jesus. By acting in accord with the belief that God’s love and grace abound for all, and that we are the “hands and feet” of that love and grace in this world. We believe through faith the miniscule will be multiplied to accomplish the magnificent and that in faith, respectful relations will grow among all people. Everyone should have a safe, secure home to dream in – not just the dream of a safe, secure home.

We advocate for a just fair housing policy to eliminate the constraints which contribute to poverty housing. Habitat will seek to put shelter within our hearts and minds in such powerful ways that poverty housing becomes socially, politically and religiously unacceptable. Twin Rivers Habitat for Humanity has a ReStore located at 118 N. 12th St. in Fort Dodge. The ReStore thrives through donations from local businesses and the community. We accept new and used building material and other items in good usable or salable condition. These items are sold at 50 percent to 75 percent less than retail. Usually in-stock items include windows, doors, plumbing, electrical supplies, appliances, kitchen and bath cabinets, heaters, air conditioners, a wide array of flooring and much more. If you are looking for items for a remodel job stop in and check out our inventory. You will be pleasantly surprised with the selection and prices.

We do need your help. Twin Rivers Habitat for Humanity only raises money through donations, fundraisers and grants.

When you donate to Twin Rivers Habitat for Humanity, each gift you make helps a family in need. All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law and will be acknowledged with a letter for those purposes. On-line gifts are safe thanks to our secure server capability.

There are several ways to donate; monetarily, building materials, and land for building homes. Our wish list consists of tools, equipment, and office materials. Another way to donate is through planned giving. Giving options include charitable bequests, gift annuities, and gifts of stocks and bonds.

As the Fort Dodge area continues to grow, securing land for home projects becomes more challenging. We welcome those who have land to contact us. After all, the soil is our foundation.

Habitat for Humanity believes that every person has something to contribute and something to gain from creating communities with affordable homes. We believe that dignity and hope are best achieved through equitable, accountable partnerships. With a minimal staff, we depend on the creativity, strategy, and technical skills our volunteers bring to the organization. We invite you to help us build, assist in our office, serve on committees and Board of Directors, as well as the ReStore. Time commitments vary – some give hours, days, and some dedicate much more. Whatever time you give is greatly appreciated.

We at Twin Rivers Habitat for Humanity have a mission to provide affordable homes for deserving families. To build not only homes and family values, but also community values. We all grow as one.

Howard Hartman is executive director of the Twin Rivers Habitat for Humanity.

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