Prusi helps volunteers on local Habitat home

By LOIS FENNESSY, Habitat for Humanity

IRON MOUNTAIN - Last Saturday was a busy time for Habitat for Humanity's Legislative Build 2008.

Along with State Senator Mike Prusi, the Apostle Build's St. Mary Queen of Peace group worked on the interior of one habitat location while the Care-a-Vanners put up roof beams on the other site down the street.

Trusses, beams, drywall and staining the trim, everyone had a job and the two houses were filled with generous hearts and active bodies.

Northside Grill and Bar donated a superb box lunch for the senator, and our local officials who took the time to discuss the Historic Northside affordable housing concern and the newly renovated Northside park.

Northside Grill & Bar manager Tricia Cahee donated the generous and varied sandwiches and salads.

It takes a partnership of organizations like HFH, Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency, and the Neighborhood Partnership Program, besides volunteers of both individual and group to make a new home possible.

Funding from the religious community, individual donors as well as large corporations such as Thrivent Financial or Wells Fargo's housing foundation make a family's dream of homeownership a reality.

Habitat and the Neighborhood Partnership Program of Dickinson County have implemented a program called Vision 2020.

The long-range (15-year) neighborhood improvement organization working with volunteers improves the housing, parks, and infrastructure. Already, over $400,000 has been earmarked for improvement in the last three years.

Living in a good neighborhood can make all the difference. When people feel connected to their neighbors and feel empowered, they can and will be involved in improving their lives and their neighborhood.

Because of all the volunteers the Apostle Build group, and the Care-a-Vanners, the Legislative Build 2008 was a major success.

Living in a community of volunteers demonstrates they care for our city and its future.

We hope to find you will continue to support our commitment to affordable housing.