Steve Arbour, volunteer with Habitat for humanity for almost 20 years, has made a living by helping community members in Itasca County. You may have met him during his 34 years in the banking industry, or his 6 years with Gemini Sport Marketing and almost 6 years consulting for IEDC. More importantly, you may have met someone that’s life has been changed because of volunteers like Steve. He started volunteering for Habitat for Humanity when he was the president of Wells Fargo Bank in the early 1990’s. Wells Fargo (then Norwest Bank) provided funding and volunteers for homes being constructed. Even at that time he could see the need for affordable housing in this area and supported the Habitat program because it also provided a project that local employees could participate as a team. Since then, Steve has made it a habit to be involved in the building, searching for funding sources and as the treasurer to support families that partner with Habitat for Humanity.

Steve and his wife, Barb, have been longtime residents of the Grand Rapids Area. They have two children, Heather and Stephen, as well as four grandchildren living in the cities. The best part about volunteering for Habitat for Humanity is “giving back to the community and helping families realize the American Dream of owning a home,” Steve explained. Helping others. Being part of a team. Making a difference.

All things that volunteers do every day at Itasca County Habitat for Humanity. Whether it’s helping on a build site, volunteering at THE RESTORE, or sitting on a committee. Lives are changing every day because of volunteers like Steve Arbour.

Habitat Has Global Impact

Grand Rapids, Minn. - Since its founding in 1992, not only has Itasca County Habitat for Humanity built 28 homes in Itasca County, but through its Tithe Program, the affiliate has been responsible for funding an additional 26 homes in Mexico.

Itasca County Habitat for Humanity is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a global non-profit organization that works to eliminate substandard housing worldwide. The affiliation agreement states that all Habitat affiliates must tithe 10 percent of their non-designated funds they receive to Habitat International.

The affiliate TITHE program offers a way for Habitat affiliates to serve families outside their area through donations. 100% of all tithe gifts travel to the destination chosen by the affiliate donor – as long as the destination is a place where Habitat is active.

All of the affiliates funds are locally raised, and community members partner with those in need to build homes. With a goal of three houses per year, the affiliate is currently seeking volunteers, committee members and donations. Please visit www.itascahabitat.org or call 218/999-9001 for more information.

Habitat Seeking Riders for Habitat 500

Grand Rapids, Minn.- Itasca County Habitat for Humanity is seeking bike riders to participate in the Habitat 500 Bike Ride Fundraiser. The 500 mile bike ride (not race) is seven days and will take place July 11-17, 2010.

Now in its 18th year, approximately 120 riders will raise an estimated $300,000 for Habitat for Humanity Affiliates across the state of Minnesota and globally. Riders will ride approximately 71 miles per day starting and ending in Sandstone, MN. Other towns on the Habitat 500 Bike Ride include Isle, Hill City, Grand Rapids, Hibbing, and Esko.

This is a fully supported ride which includes a professional bike mechanic and supplies, massage therapists, daily route maps, marked roads, emergency phone numbers, sag vehicles to carry your personal gear, and overnight camping sites with showers. Breakfast and dinner are provided by local groups in our host towns and there are regular food and water stops along each day’s route. Cyclists are responsible for supplying their own toiletries, sleeping bags/bedding, clothing, bikes and lunches.

For more information on participating in the Habitat 500 Bike Ride visit the website at www.habitat500.org or call the Habitat office at 218-999-9001

Founded in 1992, Itasca County Habitat for Humanity is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a global non-profit working to eliminate substandard housing worldwide. Since organizing, the Itasca affiliate has built simple but adequate homes for 28 local families. Through its contributions to international work, it has also built more than 26 homes in Mexico. All of the affiliates funds are locally raised, and community members partner with those in need to build homes. The homes are sold to the Partner Families with a zero percent interest, 25 year mortgage. The affiliate is currently seeking volunteers and committee members. Please call 218/999-9001 for more information.