Meet the Nelson family. April and her two children are able to enjoy the security that is provided by finally having a true place to call home. As you can see from their story below, the struggles facing the family has had lasting consequences on their lives. Partnering with Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity has provided the family with an opportunity to create an irrevocable positive change that will affect every facet of their lives.

When families live in substandard housing, they often face challenges to their health, family stability, and children’s education. Constantly moving in order to find an affordable home also means it can be difficult to maintain steady employment, get credit and develop important relationships, all because they may have to move at a moment’s notice.

The options for families like Nelsons are few, if any.

They have to focus on surviving rather than thriving.

How can you make a difference? Your gift to Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity will help open the door to a stable future for more families just like the Nelsons.

By partnering with Habitat for Humanity, April finally knows the safety, stability and hope that she has not dared to dream of for so long.

Your gift has lasting returns because in partnership with Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity our families are set up for success. Each homeowner participates in Homeowner Education and financial management classes. Through contributing a minimum of 250 “sweat equity” hours, homeowners are able to directly participate in the construction of their home.

Your generosity makes it possible for April’s family, and others like it to experience the difference that a simple, affordable – and permanent home can have in their lives and in the lives of the generations to come.

The Nelson’s Story:

Five years ago, April Nelson and her two children escaped violent relationship and were living in a shelter. April was unsure if she’d ever be able to give her children a safe place to call home.

“I knew I had to leave that relationship for my kids,” she says. "I wanted to find some place better for them- something permanent. But I couldn't afford to buy a house on my own."

In 2011, April lived in a rented Moorhead townhome with daughter Brooke, age 10, and son Blake, age 6. She has been diagnosed with bi-polar disorder and depression, her daughter suffers from anxiety and her son has ADHD, anxiety and cerebral palsy. Some of the mental health issues are lingering after-effects of the domestic violence they suffered.

Things began to change for April when she heard of Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity. During the summer of 2012, members of the Home Builders Association and volunteers from the community came together with Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity and the Nelson family.

“It is amazing. One of my biggest dreams has been to own my own house. We have had to move so much. My daughter has been in five different schools,” she says. “This house gave my family a stability we’ve never been able to have before. My kids have a yard to play in and rooms of their own- and I know we are safe at night.”

April was able to fulfill her dream of providing her family with a safe, stable home because of supporters like you. Help Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity open the door to possibilities, hope, and stability for another family in our community.

Your gift can have double the impact on Give to the Max Day! The first $3,000 in gifts from individuals and/or business made to Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity on Give to the Max Day (Thursday, November 15, 2012) will be matched dollar for dollar by Wells Fargo. Together we hope to raise more than $6,000 on Give to the Max Day.