Ali/Elmi Family and Ahmed/Ali Family Homes

The faltering economy continues to impact our community-presenting both challenges and opportunities.  Recent reductions in state and federal funding has forced the closing of several transitional and homeless shelters in St. Cloud.  We ask that you pray for those who were displaced. 

Thanks to the flexibility and co-operation of several agencies and organizations, the closing of one shelter means an opportunity for home ownership for two Habitat partner families.  Because the families meet low income criteria, liens on the property will be forgiven-and Habitat has been able to purchase the property at a low cost.  A HUD Community Development Block Grant will help ensure the home is energy efficient and structurally sound.  And a Thrivent Builds grant will pull it all together to make it a reality!

This is the fifth year of a Thrivent Builds partnership with Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity.  Originally planned for the construction of one home, this project has turned into a two-fer...two families will be served through the same grant!  Volunteer hours and a match of $20,000 will still be needed from Lutheran churches.

The shelter will be turned into two single family homes for two large families.  Four adults and fourteen children will be home owners.  The project will begin with demolition, then both homes will be weatherized while all care will be taken to ensure the structures will last for decades.  Finally, the interior will be finished to prepare for the families moving in some time in the fall.

Join us for a kickoff event on Tuesday, April 13th at noon. Lunch will be provided by the Somali Cafe and there will be tours of the homes. Hope to see you there!

8th Ave S Ribbon Cutting Event

Click on the photo to see more pictures from the Ribbon Cutting event for the Ahmed/Ali and Ali/Elmi Family Homes.

Progress So Far

Click on the photo to see more pictures of our progress so far on 8th Ave South!