Itasca County Habitat for Humanity

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.

08/27/2026

Itasca County Habitat for Humanity is excited to welcome Arthur W Schoonmaker as our new Volunteer & Community Outreach/Marketing Coordinator!

Art brings a diverse background in nonprofit work, community outreach, graphic design, communications, and volunteer engagement. A U.S. Navy veteran, he has spent much of his career working in roles centered around helping people, strengthening communities, and bringing people together around a common purpose.

Habitat’s mission is also one Art has experienced firsthand. Years ago, he had the opportunity to participate in a Habitat for Humanity build in Trinidad, an experience that left a lasting impression and makes joining the Habitat team feel a little like coming full circle.

In his new role, Art will help connect volunteers with opportunities to make a difference, share the stories of Habitat’s work throughout Itasca County, build community partnerships, and help more people discover ways they can be part of the mission.

When he isn’t working, Art enjoys spending time with his family, graphic design, fishing, collecting comics, and an ever-growing list of projects that probably started with the words, “You know what would be cool…”

He’s excited to get to know Habitat’s volunteers, homeowners, supporters, and community partners—and to help build not only homes, but stronger connections throughout our community.

08/26/2026

Whether he’s at the Itasca County Habitat for Humanity ReStore or out in the community, Josh is always going above and beyond.

Josh is a true blessing and a role model for us all—showing every day what real hard work, selfless dedication, and having the biggest heart looks like. Long after his regular workday ends, he keeps giving his all to make our community a better place.

If you see Josh around, join us in thanking him a million times for everything he does! 💙🔨

Some people call him Josh, some people call him Heath. No matter what you call him he is the most dedicated, passionate and inspirational person I have ever known. Go thank him a million times! He put in serious work after his regular work.
Josh Protelsch

08/25/2026

What does volunteering with Itasca County Habitat for Humanity look like?

It might mean helping build a local home. It could be lending a hand at the Itasca ReStore, helping with an event, sharing a professional skill, serving on a committee or simply giving a few hours when you can.

There are many ways to make a difference with Habitat, and you don’t need construction experience to get involved. Whether you’re volunteering individually, with friends, or as part of a workplace or community group, we can help you find an opportunity that fits.

Explore the possibilities and get started:

https://www.itascahabitat.org/volunteer

08/24/2026

A big thank you to the United Paper Mill - Blandin volunteers who recently spent the day working with Itasca County Habitat for Humanity!

Their team helped install siding on one of our local Habitat homes, putting their time and talents to work to help build a stronger community.

Volunteers make Habitat’s work possible, and we’re grateful to UPM for stepping up and lending a hand.

Interested in getting your workplace, organization, or group involved? We’d love to find a project for you.

Contact Art at 218-999-9001 or visit ItascaHabitat.org to learn more about group volunteer opportunities.

08/21/2026

Save the Date! Building for Tomorrow Fundraiser

Join us for an evening of community, celebration and building a brighter future for local families.

Thursday, October 29, 2026

More details—including location, time, tickets and sponsorship opportunities—will be announced soon.