Itasca County Habitat for Humanity

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day from Itasca County Habitat for Humanity!

Today, we celebrate the hard work and dedication of workers throughout our community — including the volunteers, tradespeople, partners and supporters who help make our mission possible.

Every home built, repaired or improved is the result of people coming together and putting their time, skills and energy toward building a stronger community.

We hope everyone has a safe, restful and enjoyable Labor Day.

09/06/2026

Today is Read a Book Day, and if you're looking for something new for your reading list, Habitat has inspired more than a few good books over the years.

Here are four to get you started:

If I Had a Hammer: Building Homes and Hope with Habitat for Humanity — David Rubel, with contributions by Jimmy Carter

An illustrated look at Habitat's work through stories from volunteers and homeowners, with President Jimmy Carter sharing experiences from his decades of building alongside Habitat. Written with younger readers in mind, but a great introduction to the Habitat story at any age.

Our Better Angels — Jonathan Reckford

Habitat for Humanity CEO Jonathan Reckford shares true stories centered around seven virtues: kindness, community, empowerment, joy, respect, generosity and service. It's about what can happen when people from different backgrounds come together to help one another.

More Than Houses — Millard Fuller

Habitat co-founder Millard Fuller shares stories showing that building a home can build much more: stronger families, relationships and communities. The stories span Habitat's work around the world and the many people who have helped build the movement.

The Invisible Mountain: A Journey of Faith — Robert P. Vande Kappelle

In 1989, Vande Kappelle bicycled 3,400 miles across the country in a journey that helped launch a Habitat affiliate in Pennsylvania. Part adventure and part spiritual journey, the book tells the story of 42 days spent relying on strangers and discovering lessons along the way.

Have you read any of these? What would you add to our Habitat reading list?

09/05/2026

On International Day of Charity, we're reminded that generosity can take many forms — a donation, a few hours of your time or simply lending a hand when someone needs it.

At Itasca County Habitat for Humanity, that generosity helps local families build strength, stability and self-reliance through affordable homeownership.

You can be part of that work.

Donate today:
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/itascacountyhabitatforhumanity

Or learn how you can volunteer and help build a stronger Itasca County.

Thank you to everyone who gives, volunteers and supports our mission throughout the year.

09/04/2026

Do you know the difference between something that’s simply old and something that might be worth a little more?

We could use your expertise at the Itasca County ReStore.

We’re looking for an antique enthusiast to volunteer an hour or two each week helping our team identify, research and appropriately value vintage and antique donations.

The ReStore is a thrift store, and we want to keep great finds affordable for our shoppers. But making sure unique donated items are appropriately valued also helps us make the most of every generous donation. ReStore proceeds support Itasca County Habitat for Humanity’s work building and improving homes in our community.

If antique shops, estate sales and figuring out exactly what that mysterious thing in Grandma’s attic actually is sound like your idea of fun, we’d love to hear from you.

Call Art or Brandi at 218-999-9001 or visit www.itascahabitat.org

09/03/2026

A new chapter starts with a home.

Itasca County Habitat for Humanity is now accepting homeownership applications for our 2027 home builds in Deer River.

Interested in learning more? Join us for an Informational Session on Monday, September 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Itasca County Habitat for Humanity office. A virtual option is also available — email [email protected] with your email address to participate virtually.

Application packets are available:

At the Habitat office
At the Itasca County ReStore
By email upon request

Completed applications, including all supporting documents, submitted by October 31 will receive priority consideration.

Have questions or want an application packet? Contact us at 218-999-9001.

Your path to homeownership could start here.

09/02/2026

This fall, Itasca County will be the first stop on a nationwide Habitat for Humanity service journey for a team of AmeriCorps members coming to us from out of state.

We'd like to make sure they get a warm northern Minnesota welcome!

From September 17 through October 23, the crew will be working alongside Itasca County Habitat for Humanity before continuing on to serve with other Habitat affiliates across the country. We're looking for individuals, families, businesses, churches and community groups willing to provide lunch for the team on one of their workdays.

Each lunch will serve approximately 15 people, and it doesn't need to be elaborate. Sandwiches, pizza, soup, hotdish or another simple meal would be greatly appreciated.

Several lunches are already covered, but we still have dates available. Providing a meal is an easy way to welcome these volunteers to our community and thank them for choosing to spend part of their service journey right here in Itasca County.

Interested in providing a lunch?

Contact Art to find an available date: 218-999-9001 or 218-999-7973

Help us send them on to their next community with a great first impression of northern Minnesota.

09/01/2026

To all the parents and caregivers sending kids back to school today: we see you.

Enjoy that first quiet cup of coffee, uninterrupted conversation, or simply hearing absolutely nothing for a few minutes.

Wishing students, families, teachers and school staff across our community a safe and wonderful school year!

08/31/2026

Thank you KOOTASCA Community Action for everything you do in our communities.

People who feel included are more likely to believe in their ability to manage life stressors.

Join us today at KOOTASCA's main office building for a free community meal. Everyone welcome, including those in need of a hot meal and well as those interested in fellowship with community. Pre-registration is not required.

Location: 822 NE 5th Ave, Grand Rapids
Time: Mondays from 4:00 - 6:00

Menu 8/31: Taco bar, fruit, cookies
Beverages: Coffee, tea, water, lemonade

08/29/2026

Think you need a garage full of tools to volunteer with Habitat? Good news: you don’t.

You don’t need to be a contractor, own a tool belt or know your way around a job site before you volunteer. Habitat provides the tools and guidance you’ll need — you just need to come ready to lend a hand and learn.

Habitat for Humanity put together a helpful guide on what to expect and how to prepare for a day on a build site:

What to know before volunteering on a Habitat build site

https://ow.ly/Fpls50ZG7yv

08/27/2026

It's going to be a beautiful day Saturday! Here's a chance to spend it doing something that'll really make a difference in our community.