As we step into a brand-new year, it's natural to reflect on the past, set personal goals, and think about the ways we want to grow in the coming months. For many of us, this time of year is about self-improvement—whether it's adopting healthier habits, learning new skills, or taking on exciting challenges. But this year, please consider making a resolution that not only benefits you but also makes a lasting impact on the lives of others.
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In Itasca County, we have an opportunity to make a meaningful difference by supporting something truly special: Itasca County Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that helps build and improve homes for local families who are in need of safe, decent, and affordable housing. The goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their income, has a place to call home.

This year, let’s make it our resolution to come together and support Habitat for Humanity’s efforts in Itasca County. Here’s how you can make a big impact:
1. Donate
One of the most straightforward ways to help is by making a financial contribution. Donations go directly toward the cost of building homes and providing critical repairs for families in need. No donation is too small, and every dollar brings us closer to building a future where everyone has a place to live.

2. Volunteer Your Time
If you have skills to share—whether it's construction, painting, organizing, or even offering moral support—your time is invaluable. Habitat for Humanity welcomes volunteers of all backgrounds and expertise. You don’t need to be a professional builder to make a difference; the effort and passion you put in will be felt by the families whose homes you help create.

3. Shop or Donate to the ReStore
The Itasca County Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a nonprofit home improvement store and donation center that sells gently used furniture, appliances, building materials, and more. When you shop at the ReStore, you’re not only finding affordable items for your own home, but you’re also helping fund Habitat’s mission. Better yet, if you have items you no longer need, consider donating them to the ReStore!

4. Spread the Word
Even if you’re unable to contribute financially or physically, you can still help by raising awareness. Share Habitat for Humanity’s mission with your friends, family, and social media circles. The more people who know about the great work being done, the more support we can rally for this vital cause.

5. Advocate for Affordable Housing
You can also make a resolution to advocate for affordable housing in our community. Speak to local policymakers, participate in community meetings, or join efforts that promote affordable housing as a priority for Itasca County. Everyone deserves a safe and stable place to live, and it’s important that our voices reflect that truth.

Why It Matters
The need for affordable housing is a growing issue in many communities, including Itasca County. Families across the region struggle to find safe homes that they can afford. By supporting Itasca County Habitat for Humanity, we are investing in the future of our community. When families have stable housing, they are better positioned to succeed—whether that’s securing a stable job, supporting their children’s education, or simply living without the constant stress of worrying where they will sleep at night.

A Resolution to Build Stronger Communities
This New Year, let’s make a resolution that not only changes our own lives but also helps build stronger, more vibrant communities. By supporting Itasca County Habitat for Humanity, we are giving back to those who need it most, and we are ensuring that the foundations of our community are built on kindness, generosity, and hope for a brighter future.
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Let’s make 2026 the year of making a real difference—one home, one family, one community at a time. Together, we can help build homes, change lives, and create lasting impact.

To our Habitat Family,

As we close the doors on 2025 and look toward a new year, I find myself reflecting on the word "foundation." At Itasca County Habitat for Humanity, we spend a lot of time pouring concrete foundations, but this year has shown me that the strongest foundations in our county are built from partnerships, education, and people coming together.

It has been a landmark year. We successfully broke ground on four new houses and celebrated a historic milestone: the completion of our 51st home and first Net Zero home. Most importantly, these numbers represent a human impact that fills my heart—we have now helped 65 families achieve the safety and dignity of a place to call their own.

But our mission has grown beyond the job site. We believe that homeownership starts with empowerment, which is why I am so proud of our new financial readiness class. Launched in partnership with Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, this program isn't just for our partner families; it is a resource open to every member of our community to help build a more secure financial future for all.

Our leap into the future of construction wouldn't have been possible without incredible mentors. I want to share my sincere gratitude to Sam Friesen, who has been a vital guide in teaching our Affiliate how to build Net-Zero homes. Because of his expertise, we are building houses that are as kind to the environment as they are to a family’s monthly budget. Furthermore, our growing partnership with AEOA YouthBuild continues to inspire me; seeing these young people gain vocational skills while helping us house their neighbors is a beautiful reminder of the power of community.

To our volunteers, ReStore shoppers, and donors: you are the heartbeat of this organization. You help us prove that when we come together, we aren't just building houses—we are building hope, stability, and a stronger Itasca County.

Thank you for an unforgettable 2025. I can’t wait to see what we build together in 2026.

​Jamie Mjolsness, Executive Director

As the year draws to a close, we reflect on 2025 as one of our most impactful years ever. With community support, dedicated volunteers, partner families, and generous donors, Itasca County Habitat for Humanity took historic steps forward — building more homes, pioneering sustainable construction, and strengthening the foundation of safe, affordable housing across Itasca County.

Milestones: Building More Homes Than Ever

• This year, for the first time in our history, we built four homes — an all-time high for a single calendar year.
• That brings our lifetime total to 50 completed homes, each representing stability, opportunity, and community for local families.
• Through the collaborative “sweat-equity” process — where partner families work alongside volunteers — each home built becomes more than just a house: it’s a shared achievement. 

These homes give families a chance to put down roots, stay near extended family, schools, and jobs — helping ensure the next generation of Itasca County residents can thrive where they grew up.

Toward a Greener, More Energy-Efficient Future: Net-Zero Homes
One of the most exciting developments of 2025 was our commitment to sustainable construction. In May, we broke ground on our 51st home and our very first net-zero home, built to drastically reduce energy use.
This home includes triple-pane windows, R45-insulated walls and R70 roof insulation, and extra slab insulation, LED lighting, and other energy-saving features.

With solar panels funded in part by a grant from our utility partner, families moving into these homes may pay little to nothing monthly for electricity, and in some cases, may even see a small income (for example, via selling excess power back). Building high-quality, energy-efficient homes has become for us not just a matter of cost-saving, but a strong expression of community values: sustainability, equity, and long-term stability. 

More Than New Homes — Preserving, Supporting, Recycling

• Our ReStore continued to be an important part of how we serve the community. In 2025, we maintained regular hours and kept recycling building materials, furniture, and home goods, giving residents affordable options, while reinvesting proceeds back into building homes.
• The ReStore isn’t just for shopping, it’s a way for donors to give back, for materials to be reused instead of sent to landfill, and for community members to volunteer with meaningful impact.
• Through our volunteer program, individuals continue to play vital roles, in construction, home preservation, family support, and more.

By combining new builds with preservation and reuse efforts, we aim not only to expand housing stock, but to make our community more resilient, sustainable, and connected.

Community: Partnerships, Volunteers & Shared Commitment
None of this would have been possible without the community. 2025 saw strong collaboration:

• Volunteers from across the county, from seasoned builders to first-time helpers, donated hundreds of hours of labor on construction projects and in the ReStore.
• Partner families stepped up, contributing sweat equity, learning important home-building and financial-management skills, and preparing to become homeowners.
• Donors, local businesses, and supporters helped fund construction, provide materials (some of which end up in ReStore), and spread the word about our mission.

In doing so, we've reaffirmed what our organization stands for: that safe, affordable housing is a human right; that community support can transform lives; and that hope, love, and faith — together — can build more than houses, but truly uplift whole families.

Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond
As we close 2025, our focus stays clear: build more, build sustainably, build for families who need a chance to thrive. With interest growing in energy-efficient homes, and the support of heartfelt volunteers and donors, we are preparing to continue expanding our impact in the county.

We invite you, our neighbors, friends, and supporters, to join us. Whether you volunteer your time, donate materials, buy from ReStore, or simply help spread the word: you are part of this community-building effort. Because together, we’re not just building houses, we’re building hope.

Thank you for being part of the 2025 story of Itasca County Habitat for Humanity. Here’s to 2026 and a home for everyone.