I'm going to do this one day: Arlisa's Homeowner Story
As a single mother of three kids, Arlisa knew she needed a home. She often thought, “I’m going to do this one day.” And one day, after years of hard work and sacrifice, she did.
Nonprofit Writing
Variety of writing samples for the nonprofit industry, specifically Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity and ReStore Home Improvement Outlets.
Get to Know Jenny Sanford, Homeowner Engagement Manager
The homeowner-Habitat relationship doesn't end when we hand over the keys; homeowners remain an important part of the Habitat community. Meet Jenny Sanford, our new Homeowner Engagement Manager!
Examining Minnesota's Current Homeownership Gap
We’ve come a long way in correcting the previous wrongs of racially based housing policies and lending practices like redlining and racial covenants, and the Twin Cities Black population has increased. But the homeownership rate is lower than ever. How can that be?
Local DIY Master Gets Inspiration at ReStore
Derek Lee Miller is a local Twin Cities carpenter, artist, theater set designer, and former professional puppeteer. He’s also an avid ReStore shopper. This DIY master shared with us his passion projects and what keeps him coming back to ReStore.
New Building Model Shines at Harrison Townhomes
In order to build 17 Harrison Townhomes by summer of 2024, Twin Cities Habitat needed a new approach to how we utilize subcontractors and volunteers. The new model is proving to be a success in keeping costs down, streamlining work, and creating a better experience for volunteers.
Honoring Orin Scandrett
A pastor. An author. A marathon runner. A builder. A counselor. There are many ways to describe Martin “Orin” Scandrett, but perhaps most fitting is “legend.” With sad hearts, the staff of Twin Cities Habitat learned of Orin’s passing earlier this summer.
Support & Celebrate National Homeownership Month
June 1 marks the start of National Homeownership Month! This year, we are focusing on celebrating community because when we come together to support affordable homeownership and racial equity in housing, we can build brighter futures for more local families.
Twin Cities Habitat Welcomes New Director of Equity and Inclusion
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is excited to announce Danielle Duncan as our new Director of Equity and Inclusion! Danielle has spent more than 20 years of her career as a public servant, working and volunteering in a variety of capacities – ensuring that at-risk individuals, families, and communities receive equitable access to a multitude of opportunities.
Habitat's New Partnership to Provide Pathways to Success
In an effort to increase homeownership rates and close the racial homeownership gap in Minnesota, three local organizations are teaming up to create Pathways to Success.
Spring Cleaning with ReStore in Mind
We're all looking forward to the snow melting, birds chirping, and the return of green spaces everywhere. Spring is also a time when we embark on a sometimes daunting indoor activity: spring cleaning.
The Home Loan Impact Fund Celebrates 500 Closings [VIDEO]
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity and Bremer Bank marked a major milestone in our partnership by celebrating 500 loan closings as part of the Home Loan Impact Fund. Our strong partnership allows TCHFH Lending, Inc. to provide low, fixed interest rate mortgages that are sized so families pay no more than 30% of their income on housing.
Pathways to Success Presentation Deck
Learn about the new Pathways to Success partnership between Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, Twin Cities R!SE, and Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity.
ReStore Joins Hennepin County's New Salvage Crawl
May is National Home Improvement Month, and this year, Hennepin County is hosting its first-ever Salvage Crawl! This month-long event encourages people to buy used building materials for their home improvement projects instead of buying new.
Business Donor Spotlight: Ridwell
While most of us try to be good about recycling cans, plastic bottles, and paper products, many struggle with hard-to-recycle items like batteries and plastic bags. That’s where Ridwell comes in.
Report Shows Recommerce Continues to Rise
The 2022 OfferUp Recommerce Report shows that recommerce – the buying and selling of used goods via online marketplaces – continues to rise as fears of inflation loom. This booming industry is expected to grow faster than the overall retail market, which is good news for both wallets and the environment.
Visit ReStore at the Minneapolis Home + Remodeling Show
Visit ReStore at the Minneapolis Home + Remodeling Show at U.S. Bank Stadium, Feb. 3 – 5, 2023! Stop by our booth to learn about ReStore and to vote for the winners of our latest DIY upcycle challenge: Big Ideas, Small Spaces!
Top 10 Stocking Stuffers from the ReStore
Looking for stocking stuffers or smaller gifts this holiday season? The Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity ReStore Outlets have lots of options for the home renovation enthusiast or DIY guru in your life. Browse our top 10 suggestions for stocking stuffers – they’ll help make your gift-giving fun and memorable!
ReStore by the Numbers
ReStore is nothing without our tremendous supporters who provide donations, volunteer their time, and make purchases. Take a look at all ReStore – and YOU – accomplished last year.
17 Affordable Townhomes Coming to Minneapolis
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is honored to partner with City of Lakes Community Land Trust to develop 17 townhomes in the Harrison neighborhood in Minneapolis now through 2023! Harrison is a culturally, racially, and economically diverse community, and we are excited to bring affordable homeownership opportunities to the area.
Travel & Tourism Writing
Variety of writing samples for the travel and tourism industry. From spotlights on local business owners to best foodie finds in the area, I've covered it all.
A Dream Realized: Meet Jamie Leopold, Owner of Mississippi Gardens
Located 15 minutes from downtown Minneapolis sits Mississippi Gardens, an elegant premier wedding and event center overlooking the banks of the Mississippi River. It’s a dream come true for owner Jamie Leopold – wife of former Minnesota Wild defenseman Jordan Leopold – to run a family business as her parents had while also making fairy tale events come true.
The Chalk of the Town: Shawn McCann, Artist-in-Residence of Chalkfest at Arbor Lakes
From humble Midwest roots, Shawn McCann has grown into an internationally known multi-media, multi-disciplinary artist who creates various forms of street art, fine art, murals, illustrations and commercial art. As co-founder and Artist-in-Residence of Chalkfest at Arbor Lakes, Shawn McCann reflects on his journey and gives an insider’s look at one of the best street art festivals in the region.
Cooking His Way to the Top: Pat Lundgren, Executive Chef
The Minneapolis Marriott Northwest is one of the most well-recognized hotels in the Twin Cities and outer suburbs. With a top-quality restaurant and more than 62,000-square feet of event space, it takes a master Executive Chef and a superb kitchen and wait staff to meet the needs of all diners and guests.
Discover Minnesota Fair Foods in Minneapolis Northwest
Skip the lines and the crowds at the State Fair and opt for the awesome fair foods in Minneapolis Northwest, including Nashville Hot Chicken, Duck Bacon Wontons, waffles, desserts, and more.
Find the Best Brunch Spots in MNW
Rise and shine! Brunch is the perfect meal for celebrating a special occasion, recovering from Saturday night festivities or just enjoying a meal out. We've cooked up our favorite brunch spots, so you can properly say goodbye to the week that was and say hello to the week ahead. From eggs Benedict to breakfast pizza, we’ve got you covered (in hollandaise)!
Metro Area Wineries Pair Vino and Events in Charming Settings
Summer has me imagining the charm of a winery, looking out over vineyards or sitting under a shady tree, appreciating the seasonal beauty with a glass of vino. I’m glad I don’t have to get on a plane to visit wine country when there’s a winery wonderland surrounding the Twin Cities.
Shop On at the Best Locally Owned Stores in MNW
Right now, it's especially crucial to support the local businesses that keep our cities thriving. Below are our favorite locally owned shops. Enjoy great gift ideas from hand-crafted jewelry, home goods, and bath products, to one-of-a-kind clothing, accessories, kitchen products, toy, and more.
Painted Turtle Chocolatier Makes Life Sweet in Minneapolis Northwest
Stepping into Painted Turtle Chocolatier in Osseo is like stepping into a corner of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, where nearly everything is either made of chocolate or covered, drizzled, dusted or sprinkled with chocolate. Patricia Godfrey, owner and expert chocolatier, shares her passion for sweets with the community. From truffles to turtles, her family owned shop does artisan chocolates right.
Plan a Vacation to Minneapolis Northwest
Natural beauty, international flavors, epic shopping, creative events, hotels to fit any budget – there are so many reasons to plan a trip to Minneapolis Northwest.
Tease Your Taste Buds With These 10 Locally Owned Eateries
Sometimes you want to tread off the beaten path and immerse yourself within the community at a locally owned eatery. Thanks to the diversity of Minneapolis Northwest, you can find truly authentic dishes from around the world, as well as some of your favorite comfort foods at these family owned and operated restaurants.
The Heritage Center Focuses on Sustainable Catering
The desire to plan environmentally friendly meetings and events has increased dramatically in recent years, and there is much to consider when taking on the challenge. The good news is that there are solutions available.
Yellow Tree Theatre Celebrates 10 Years of Storytelling
In the land of 10,000 theatres, Minneapolis Northwest boasts one of the best. Yellow Tree Theatre in Osseo celebrated its 10th anniversary during the 2017-2018 season with four stellar shows, delighting audiences around the Twin Cities.
Explore the Most Unique Places to Get a Good Meal in MNW
Craving a unique dining experience or an exciting meal out with fellow foodies? Visit Minneapolis Northwest, where you’ll find plenty of exceptional and tasty restaurants. Authentic, international dishes flourish in this area thanks to the mix of cultures and traditions, and you’ll find surprising twists on comfort food, great happy hour deals, and outstanding desserts.
Get Packing! Budget-Friendly Travel Tips
As travel begins to open up, this is the year you want to take your family on a safe and memorable vacation without breaking the bank. Take advantage of these budget-friendly travel tips as you start planning this year’s vacation (or vaxication) or road trip, and learn how venturing outside the big city can give you memorable surprises, as well as save you some money.
Enjoy the Best Burgers in the Northwest Metro
Hamburger or cheeseburger, mayo or mustard, onions or pickles – however you like ‘em, burgers are a staple of American cuisine. And when you’re in the mood for a hot and juicy patty, no substitute will do. “Ketch-up” on the best burgers in and around Minneapolis Northwest and kick your burger enthusiasm up a notch!
Restaurant Spotlight: 50's Grill
Take a step back in time and enjoy delicious home-cooked diner food surrounded by nostalgic décor at 50's Grill. This is not your everyday burger joint. You'll enjoy items such as hamburger steak, Grandma's meatloaf, a classic turkey dinner, BLTs, chicken sandwiches and burgers.