HOMEbuyers BLOG

Established in 2007 Fawn and I first met in early 2004. We had both just come out of difficult relationships and were initially looking for friendship rather than anything romantic. Life, however, has a way of surprising you, and things don’t always unfold as expected. We met through mutual friends at a local gathering and immediately clicked. At first, Fawn didn’t see the potential for a relationship, but I sensed a spark in her personality that made me believe there could b

Established October 31, 2025 As a child, I moved around a lot. My mom was a single parent raising my sister and me, and by the age of 12, I had moved 24 times. Everything changed when we moved into our Habitat for Humanity home. For the first time, we had stability, a safe and decent place to live, and a home we could truly afford. When I became an adult, history seemed to repeat itself. After moving out on my own, I relocated three times before having my first son, Braxton.

Home ownership is the key to independence and intergenerational wealth. It also forges a path for lifelong friendships - Jozlynn and Rachel, both Habitat partners, are helping each other build their homes (summer 2025)!

Strength lies in a solid foundation. My name is Melissa and these are my two daughters Izabella and Jozlynn. We helped build our home in 2016, a Habitat Blitz Build home. I cannot explain how much it means to me and the girls that we had this wonderful opportunity to build a home not only with each other but with family, friends and the community. When I was a young girl I had the typical dream of going to college, getting a great job, falling in love and then having a fam

Volunteering can be one of the most fulfilling ways to spend your time. It allows you to connect with your community, meet new people, and make a tangible difference in the lives of others. If you are looking for a meaningful way to give back, consider volunteering with Northwoods Habitat for Humanity. This organization is dedicated to building homes and communities, and they rely heavily on the support of volunteers. In this blog post, we will explore various volunteer oppor

When a family partners with Habitat for Humanity, they don’t simply purchase a house. They build it — with their own time, effort, and heart. That investment is what we call sweat equity, and it’s one of the most unique and meaningful parts of the Habitat model. Sweat equity goes far beyond a simple requirement. It is a cornerstone of Habitat’s mission, helping families develop pride in homeownership, learn new skills, and build lasting connections with their community. But w

At Northwoods Habitat for Humanity, volunteers are the foundation of everything we build. While Habitat must purchase building materials, pay for permits, hire subcontractors for specialized work, and employ a skilled construction manager to oversee projects, it is our volunteers who put in the bulk of the hours that make affordable housing possible. ​ On average, volunteers contribute 2,500 hours of service to each home we build. They are on site nearly every weekday from 9

Have you ever driven past a Habitat for Humanity build site and wondered what it really takes to turn a bare lot into a home filled with love and laughter? At Northwoods Habitat for Humanity, building a house is more than hammering nails. It’s a carefully orchestrated process that blends professional expertise, community spirit, and the dedication of our partner families. Step 1: Planning & Preparation Before the first shovel of dirt is turned, our team works behind the scene

Beltrami County’s housing market is under pressure. In 2023, the median property value stood at $222,300, a nearly 9% increase from the previous year, even while homeownership rates held steady at around 69.5% (U.S. News+13Data USA+13Bemidji Pioneer+13). Housing costs remain a real burden: roughly 15.7% of residents experienced severe housing problems, such as cost burden or overcrowding (Bemidji Pioneer+2Data USA+2Data USA+2). Meanwhile, median household income is just $67,2

At Northwoods Habitat for Humanity, we believe that everyone deserves a decent place to call home—and not just because shelter is a basic human need. Homeownership is a foundation for strength, stability, and self-reliance. It’s a powerful way to transform lives, families, and even entire communities. But what makes owning a home so important? Let’s take a closer look at the long-lasting benefits of homeownership and why it’s worth working toward. 1. Building Equity Instead o

Becoming a homeowner through Northwoods Habitat for Humanity is a life-changing journey—one filled with support, education, and partnership every step of the way. If you've recently been selected to partner with us, congratulations! You're about to begin a meaningful process that leads not only to a house, but to a place you can truly call home. Here’s what you can expect after you’re selected as a Habitat homebuyer: Phase 1: Welcome and Orientation Once you're selected, a Ha

Partnering with Northwoods Habitat for Humanity for Safe, Affordable Housing At Northwoods Habitat for Humanity, we believe that everyone deserves a safe, decent, and affordable place to call home. We partner with individuals and families in Beltrami and Clearwater Counties to build homes, community, and hope. If you or someone you know is living in inadequate housing and looking for a long-term solution, you may be eligible to become a Habitat homeowner. Here's a step-by-ste

Are you dreaming of owning your first home but unsure how to begin? At Northwoods Habitat for Humanity, we believe that everyone deserves a safe, stable, and affordable place to live. If you're a first-time homebuyer or currently struggling with high rent, becoming a Habitat homeowner could be the opportunity you've been waiting for. A Truly Affordable Path to Homeownership One of the biggest challenges facing low-income families is the cost of housing. With rent prices const