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How does this work?
Home Ownership with Habitat
At St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity, everyone is welcome.
We believe Everyone deserves a safe place to live. And partnerships require shared effort and investment. Habitat does NOT give away homes for free. Approved family partners, who meet low-income guidelines set by HUD, show need for safe, affordable shelter, pay an affordable mortgage, contribute hundreds of hours to help build their home.
Need
Families may find themselves in need of decent shelter due to a variety of circumstances — unpredictable rent increases, overcrowded living conditions, damaged or dilapidated structures, unsafe neighborhoods, or lack of access to land and affordable financing.
When families partner with Habitat, they start down a new path — one with far fewer barriers to a better, healthier, more financially stable life.
Income-guidelines and Financial Expectations
Prospective households are low to moderate income. We partner with families whose income does not exceed 60% of the area median income as defined for the area by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Homeowners must also be able and willing to pay an affordable mortgage. Habitat makes a reasonable effort to ensure that an affordable mortgage does not exceed 30% of the homeowner’s gross monthly income. Mortgage payments are cycled back into the community to help build additional Habitat houses.
Willingness to Partner
Habitat homeowners play a hands-on role in the homeownership process, beginning with the sweat equity hours they perform. To fulfill sweat equity hours, they work alongside volunteers to help build and renovate the places they will call home. Some also work toward this requirement by putting in time at our Habitat ReStore, while others may serve on committees or help out in our local Habitat office. Future homeowners are also required to attend financial education and budget-planning classes.
Staff and Board of Directors
STAFF
Kristie Smith, Executive Director
Kristie has a background in nonprofit work and communications, after spending more than 30 years in media, marketing, project development and organizational leadership. Her family includes five grown-up kids. In her free time, Kristie spends as much time outdoors as she can, reads historical fiction and writes a bit.
Kailey Nourse, Resource Development Manager
Kailey was introduced to the nonprofit world of 4H at an early age and always knew it was a world she wanted to stay in. Her Bachelor Degree in Mass Communications and time in construction offices led her to St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity. In her free time, Kailey bakes cupcakes and enjoys golf.
Dave Christensen, Construction Supervisor
Dave joins Habitat with a goal to share his 30 years of construction experience with his appreciation of supporting the mission of safe, affordable housing and giving back in a nonprofit environment. Dave is a Hudson resident who lives with his wife and two dogs. Currently, he is helping Ray, the puppy, master the art of riding shotgun in all the ways a good dog does.
Jessie Timme, Construction Assistant
Jessie loved serving our affiliate as an AmeriCorps member so much she took the opportunity to continue working with construction and volunteer services. In her free time, she's mastering the art of gardening, singing in The River City Chorale, spending time with her new husband and their dog Toshi.
Barbara Mlinar, ReStore Customer Service
Barbara comes to the ReStore as a retired special education teacher. She lives in Hudson with her husband Jim, and their three rescued mutts. She and her husband own several rental properties that they have renovated. In Barbara's free time, she enjoys yoga, walking her dogs, upcycling furniture in her "She-Shop" and spending time with her husband and their two grown children.
St. Croix Valley Habitat’s Board of Directors & Executive Committee are volunteers who come from a variety of backgrounds with the resources, wisdom, and passion to lead in constructive, effective, and meaningful ways.
Our board is charged with long-term planning and governance, as well as overseeing the organization’s interests and well-being including policy and strategic development, governance, financial management and fund raising, among other activities. Board members take the lead in welcoming new home buyers, conducting home dedications to recognize and thank sponsors as well as chair volunteer committees.
For more information on board service, email Kristie at executivedirector@scvhabitat.org.
