Thank you for an unforgettable year!

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