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 $67,257, meaning housing costs absorb a significant portion of local earnings (Census.gov+2Data USA+2Data USA+2). Monthly owner costs with a mortgage average $1,542, while those without a mortgage still pay around $570 for upkeep and taxes. Renters face an average gross rent of $991/month (Census.gov).

📈 Market Trends & Inventory Challenges
Local real estate data shows that the median sale price in April 2025 reached $285,000, up 5.1% year-over-year, with homes selling in under 50 days on average (Zillow+3Redfin+3Realtor+3). Zillow data places the average home value at approximately $258,256, reflecting a 3.9% increase over the last year (Zillow).

But numbers only tell part of the story. A recent Bemidji Pioneer article highlights a stark housing divide: lakefront properties command top dollar, while non-waterfront homes face tight inventory and are increasingly unaffordable for average families—especially first-time buyers under income stress (Bemidji Pioneer+1Reddit+1).

With new housing permits limited—and construction costs continuing to rise—many working families in Beltrami County find themselves priced out of both new builds and the resale market (en.wikipedia.org+9City-Data+9Bemidji Pioneer+9).

💬 “We literally had nothing to lose—and everything to gain.”
One Habitat homeowner, part of our community since their application in 2005, shared:

“We tried the traditional route, but our lack of credit and inability to afford a down payment made a home loan almost impossible… we would’ve had to save for over 10 years.”

After applying to Habitat while expecting their first child, they worked tirelessly—even during near 70-hour workweeks—fitting sweat equity hours into life’s daily pressures, all while building their dream home and another Habitat build in the same year.

They reflect gratefully on the staff who helped them push through challenges:

“Despite staff changes and obstacles, Geri Hickerson and Doug Roberts kept the ball rolling during those critical months.”

🛠️ A Foundation for More Than a Home
​Once in their Habitat home, the ripple effects were profound:

“We finally had a reliable vehicle; my wife could go back to school to chase a dream; we started paying off bills we could never afford before. It gave us stability so we could dream again.”

Before Habitat, they didn’t fully grasp the local housing crisis:

“I thought housing was just debt for life. But I now see how many people have the will but not the means.”

🌱 Why Habitat Still Matters
Even with home values below the national average, Beltrami County’s residents face a persistent affordability gap. Many families supporting themselves via modest incomes—often around $60K—can’t qualify for traditional financing, especially with rising home prices and limited inventory.

Habitat helps bridge that gap—building affordable, energy-efficient homes that provide a springboard for financial stability and personal growth.

💡 Get Involved—Change Lives, Including Your Own 
Volunteer, donate, or simply spread the word—help unlock brighter futures for hardworking families in our community.

“If you have dreams but don’t know how to get there, Habitat offers the stability to chase them. You literally have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”

Visit habitatbemidji.org or call us at (218) 751‑4649 to learn how you can be part of the solution.

For Jozlynn and Jamethin, Habitat for Humanity isn’t just a program—it’s a part of their family’s legacy. Their journey to becoming homeowners is one of resilience, deep roots, and hope for a brighter future. And although the walls of their new home are still going up, the story behind them is already rich with purpose.

In February 2024, Jozlynn and Jamethin applied to become Habitat homeowners. They were officially accepted into the program just two months later, in April. Seven months after that, they welcomed their second child, Oliver, who was born on Thanksgiving Day. The months leading up to his birth were difficult, with complications in the pregnancy forcing Jozlynn to pause her volunteer hours. But as soon as she was able, she jumped right back in, continuing her commitment to building a better future for her family.

By April 2024, they were officially accepted into the program, joining a path already familiar to Jozlynn. Her connection to Habitat began long before she submitted her application. Her grandmother has served as the Executive Director of Northwoods Habitat for Humanity since Jozlynn was just three years old. “I never really ‘learned about Habitat,’” she told us. “It’s always just sort of been a part of my life.”

When Jozlynn was twelve, her mother was approved for a Habitat home after years of instability—moving 24 times and living in unsafe conditions. That experience left a lasting impact. “It felt pretty amazing to have a place we could call ‘home’ for the first time,” she shared. Now, years later, Jozlynn is creating the same opportunity for her own children—Braxton and Oliver.
Currently, the family rents a small house that is in such poor condition it is scheduled for demolition once they move out. It’s simply not suitable for a growing family. Their dream is to move into a safe, stable, and affordable home on 19th Street NW in Bemidji—a street already home to several other Habitat families.

They’re not just waiting for that dream to come true—they’re working for it. Since being accepted into the program, Jozlynn and Jamethin have poured their energy into completing their “sweat equity” hours. You’ll find them helping at the ReStore, handling administrative tasks, mowing lawns on Habitat-owned lots, and helping build their own home alongside staff, volunteers, and subcontractors. Construction began in late May and is expected to wrap up this fall.

For Jozlynn, the motivation is clear. “To waste thousands of dollars a year on renting is crazy to me,” she said. “Becoming a Habitat homeowner, I am most looking forward to having a bedroom and living room again, a clean and safe living space, and a yard I can play with my animals and kids in.” She’s even taken her commitment one step further—recently becoming the ReStore Manager so she can be more involved, and expressing her hope to one day mentor other future Habitat families.

Of course, balancing full-time work, parenting, and volunteer hours isn’t easy. “The hardest part is probably juggling it all,” she said. “But to buy an affordable house in the end—it’s worth it!”

Their expectations for their new home are simple and deeply meaningful: a safe neighborhood, enough space for the boys to have their own rooms, closets (a must!), and a yard where their family can play and grow together. As Jozlynn put it, “The list is endless.”

Once construction is complete, Habitat will hold a home dedication ceremony to celebrate alongside their family and the many supporters who made this dream possible. From there, Jozlynn and Jamethin will begin paying an affordable, zero-interest mortgage to Habitat—and truly begin their next chapter.

We’re proud to walk alongside them in this journey, and we hope their story inspires others. If you—or someone you know—are dreaming of a safe, stable, affordable place to call home, we invite you to learn more about how Habitat can help. Visit habitatbemidji.org/homeownership to find out how to apply.

At Northwoods Habitat, we’re not just building homes. We’re building opportunity, dignity, and lasting change—one family at a time.

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 of Paying Rent
When you rent, your monthly payment disappears into someone else’s pocket. But when you own a home, every mortgage payment builds equity—meaning you are investing in your own future. Over time, your home becomes a financial asset that can provide long-term stability and wealth. This is especially important for families looking to break cycles of poverty or create opportunities for future generations.

Equity can also act as a safety net. As the value of your home increases, you build financial security that renters often lack. That security can support future education costs, retirement, or other dreams.

2. Creating Stability for You and Your Family
Homeownership offers something that renting rarely does: stability. Instead of facing rising rents or the possibility of a landlord selling the property, homeowners have more control over their living situation. Children who grow up in stable homes tend to do better in school and experience fewer behavioral problems. Adults feel less stress and more rooted in their community.

It’s about more than a house—it’s about a safe, reliable place to come home to every day.

3. Learning Skills and Building Character
Becoming a homeowner is a learning journey. You begin to understand how your home works—from managing a budget to tackling basic maintenance and repairs. These life skills build confidence and self-sufficiency.

Habitat homeowners often talk about the pride they feel when they take care of their home—mowing the lawn, fixing a leaky faucet, or planting a garden. These tasks may seem small, but they foster responsibility, problem-solving, and a strong sense of ownership.

4. Becoming Part of Something Bigger
When you own a home, you're not just investing in yourself—you’re investing in your community. Homeowners are more likely to vote, volunteer, and engage in neighborhood activities. You get to know your neighbors. You care about the schools, parks, and local businesses. In this way, homeownership strengthens the fabric of our community.

At Habitat for Humanity, we also know that the journey to homeownership builds lasting relationships. From volunteer teams to mentors to sweat equity hours, you become part of a supportive network cheering you on.

Homeownership is About More Than a House
​
It’s about hope, dignity, and the chance to build a better future. That’s why we’re committed to helping individuals and families in Bemidji and beyond become homeowners—not just for today, but for generations to come.
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning your own home, we invite you to explore the possibility. Habitat homes are simple, decent, and affordable—and they come with a whole community of support.

Learn more and start your application process here: https://www.habitatbemidji.org/home-buyers.html