Habitat for Humanity set to make impact in Rushford area

By Lisa Brainard
for Bluff Country Reader

Bluff Country Reader/STPNS

June 23, 2008

SPRING VALLEY, Minnesota (STPNS) -- The Rushford area community has spirit and a good work ethic. It's something organizers at Habitat for Humanity in Winona had noticed over the years, as they thought about bringing the group to the Root River valley.

The determination and high morale of the community after the devastating flood in August of 2007 showed again what the people could do. It also showed the need for something Habitat for Humanity could do, and that's build homes for qualifying families.

The Web site www.habitatwinona.org shares the purpose of the group, stating, "Habitat for Humanity is a Christian housing ministry that builds housing funded by private donations and constructed with volunteer labor. Our purpose is to build homes in partnership with families and sell the houses at no profit and no interest to families who could not otherwise afford a home."

Eric David, a VISTA worker, is the Habitat for Humanity (HFH) community development specialist in Rushford. He arrived in February for a one-year term to develop a steering committee, raise funds, and seek affordable land. He wants "to build a sustainable network that Habitat for Humanity can operate through."

He noted that HFH is really needed now in the area, "We can help with the long term aspect of recovery. We are not just here for one or two houses. The first home will be a stepping stone."

David has found a lot of help in all areas. A Steering Committee has been formed. Also, they are discussing a possible acquisition or donation of land for the project from Rushford Village.

In the fund-raising area, the group will be selling raffle tickets for an elaborate playhouse at many summer events including Winona Steam Engine Days, Rushford Days, Houston Hoedown, Lanesboro's Buffalo Bill Days and more, as well as some area county fairs. Keep an eye open for the playhouse.

The drawing for it will be held at halftime of the first home football game, where the Rushford-Peterson Trojans will take on the Onalaska Luther Knights, on Aug. 29, at the Rushford-Peterson High School football field. The game starts at 7 p.m. The winner has the choice of the playhouse or 50 percent of ticket sales, to a maximum of $2,500. Proceeds from this raffle will help to build a Habitat home in Rushford.

David said that in Winona, the first home was completed in 1994. That community is now working on its 33rd and 34th homes.

While HFH is not quite ready to open the application process in Rushford, once land has been acquired it will be publicized and opened for one month.

There are three criteria, David explained. First, there must be a housing need due to issues such as - but not limited to - overcrowding, problems with heating or a leaking roof, and affordability.

Second, the ability to pay is considered with set income guidelines. David said the owner must be able to make mortgage payments. The owner will get a 30-year, no-interest loan, with a $1,200 down payment and another $300 needed at closing.

Finally, there needs to be a willingness to partner with Habitat. "We build a home with a family, not for them," stated David. They need to put in sweat equity of a minimum of 300 hours before they can move in. Up to 100 (one-third) of those hours can come from family and friends.

David said it's a great process. Through helping build the home, the purchasers indeed become owners of the home, having a good idea how it's laid out, how they might make repairs and maintain the home.

Meanwhile, other volunteers are certainly welcome to help. The Steering Committee sets up construction, volunteer, resources development, hospitality and publicity committees. The last one is actively seeking members now, David noted.

Construction is typically done on weekends with eight-hour shifts on both Saturdays and Sundays. Sometimes a group will set up a fixed time to work during the week. The time from the acquisition of land and finding the family to completion of the house usually takes around nine months.

For more information, to make a donation or to get involved, contact Eric David at (507) 458-2561.

SIDE BAR - PLAYHOUSE HISTORY

The history of the playhouse is interesting. Tom Walsky coordinated the efforts of building the playhouse, which was displayed and auctioned at the Rochester Area Builders Home Show.

It was one of six playhouses built to raise funds to support Family Services of Rochester. The playhouse was purchased and generously donated back to Habitat for Humanity - Winona County by Sid and Sig Scheurle.

All materials used in the playhouse were donated to Habitat ReStore. Special features of the playhouse include a 3-ft. round window, open vault ceiling with pine car siding, an antique doorknob dated to 1914, a skylite on the roof, cedar siding with shakes, cedar trim, architectural asphalt shingles, plywood and three-quarter-inch hard wood flooring. The interior