Rice County Habitat for Humanity

Ron grew up outside of Faribault (just west of Faribault on Hwy. 60). When Ron and Clara got married they moved into Faribault for a while. Later, in 1991, they put a mobile home on land adjacent to the farmhouse he grew up on that his brother owned. The mobile home, although it was used, was a place they could call home. Over the years the mobile home has deteriorated. It’s to the point where the floor is falling through, the walls are thin and the roof can’t handle one more thunderstorm. Ron has tried hard to patch up the mobile home over the years but, at this point, it’s too far gone. For the last couple of years Ron’s sister has encouraged him to apply for Habitat for Humanity. When our Family Selection Committee interviewed Ron and Clara in their home we were impressed with how hospitable and welcoming they were. Even though the condition of the home wasn’t the best or shiniest – they welcomed us with open arms into their home. We look forward to the day when they can welcome YOU into their new Habitat for Humanity home.

There are three other points that are noteworthy about Ron and Clara.

1) They’ve been married for 35 years – to each other! It’s wonderful to see how their relationship has endured through the challenging times they’ve had together.

2) Ron has worked in the same place – Lakeside Foods in Owatonna – for 34 years! Ron is a loyal and hard worker. Even though he’s employed full-time his income just isn’t high enough to be able to afford homeownership through conventional means.

3) Clara has had over 12 surgeries in the last 10 years for various medical issues – the most serious being cancer (which is in remission). Ron and Clara have had health insurance that helped with the expenses – but they were still responsible for 20% and that added up. Clara has worked at several different retail or restaurant small businesses – but each, over time, has laid off workers and eventually closed their doors.

Ron and Clara’s situation is unique because they own their own land (through their family). Their dream is to have a decent and affordable home on the land that Ron grew up on. Habitat is going to make that dream come true this summer!

We’ll be building a new home with the Voegele’s at 22865 Dalton Avenue in Faribault, MN. We’re hoping to start in June and be done in early October. Please join us as we make the dream of simple, decent and affordable housing come true for Ron and Clara.

Learn more about Rice County Habitat for Humanity by visiting our web page: www.habitatricecounty.org