GROUNDBREAKING FOR HOUSE #7!

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        On September 19, 2018, Mitchell Regional Habitat for Humanity celebrated one of our favorite events—a groundbreaking for a new home!  The event took place at 1212 South Kimball Street in Mitchell, the new home site.  Representatives from the Mitchell Chamber of Commerce, local businesses, and area residents attended the groundbreaking.

     Since Habitat is a Christian homebuilding ministry, the ceremony began with a prayer led by Pastor Chet Carlson.  ​Mitchell Habitat Board President Bonny Hansen then introduced the new partner family. 

​     Jean Hale was chosen as the next homeowner earlier this year after passing all qualification requirements.  Jean is a Mitchell resident raising three granddaughters, ages 3 through 12.              
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​     “Our hope for you and your granddaughters is that the homebuilding process will be fun as well as work, and that you will build great memories in the process,” said Hansen.  We hope your new home will be a place that is special to all of you, protecting you through good times and bad, and a place filled with love.”  After the introduction, Chamber and Habitat representatives joined the family for the official breaking of ground.

​     “We are so excited to work with Jean,” said Debbie Asmus, Mitchell Habitat’s director. “Our selection committee felt that she was an outstanding candidate, and our board agreed.  We can’t wait to work with her to give her granddaughters a safer, better place to grow up."

​     New homeowner families meet strict income and credit requirements, complete 200+ hours of “sweat equity,” and repay a no-interest mortgage to Habitat.  “This is not a giveaway program,” Asmus said.  “Our families work hard for these homes, and they pay for them once they are built.”
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     Since 2001, Mitchell Habitat has built or repaired 25+ nearby homes in cooperation with volunteers, donors, businesses, and partner families.​
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Mitchell Habitat's newest home at 615 West 4th Avenue.

Home Dedication Held

On Thursday, November 16, 2017, Mitchell Habitat held a home dedication ceremony at 615 West 4th Avenue in Mitchell to celebrate the completion of homes for the Hiles and Degen families. 

The house on West 4th Avenue was completed in November with the help of homeowners Mike and Shelly Degen of Mitchell.  Mike Degen is a longtime Mitchell contractor, and numerous friends and former coworkers volunteered their time to give this home some extra special touches as a tribute to the Degens.

Christopher and Melissa Hiles and their four children moved into their completed home on South Kimball early in 2017 due to an urgent housing need.  When the Hiles family applied for Habitat homeownership, the six family members were living in a camper.  Habitat gave them access to their new home upon completion in February, but their dedication service was delayed until November as the affiliate worked to resolve some land title issues.

"We are very excited at this opportunity to recognize the Hiles and Degen families for the work they have put into their new homes, as well as a chance to thank all of the donors and contractors who made this possible," said Executive Director Debbie Asmus. 

The event was open to the public, and a crowd of about 35 attended.  After the ceremony, they enjoyed tours of the home along with light refreshments.

Habitat Names New Executive Director

Debbie Asmus has been selected as Mitchell Habitat's new Executive Director.  Debbie has a long history with the affiliate; she was the clerical secretary to the Board during MRHFH's formative years and also chaired its Fundraising Committee for several years, creating the inaugural Taste of Mitchell event.

Prior to joining Habitat as its Executive Director in May 2017, Debbie was office manager at Mitchell Christian School for three years.  She has also served in administrative assistant positions at Dakota Wesleyan University and at several Mitchell businesses. 

Outgoing Habitat Board President Shane Michelson said that Debbie's organizational strengths and fundraising experience made her a great choice to helm the organization.  "We are very excited about Mitchell Habitat's future under Debbie's leadership."

Debbie and her husband Mike (a longtime Habitat volunteer) live in Mitchell and are the parents of four grown children.  Welcome, Debbie!