In The News!
Last Friday, July 24, 2026 was a truly special day for East Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity. We gathered with several of the founders and longtime leaders whose vision, faith, and determination built this organization from the ground up.
Listening to their stories of humble beginnings was both inspiring and humbling. They saw a need in our communities and rolled up their sleeves to help families achieve the dream of safe, affordable homeownership. Their legacy lives on in every home built, every family served, and every volunteer who continues this mission today.
Pictured are Wayne Eller, Executive Director for 22 years; Virgil Lindstrom, longtime board member and volunteer extraordinaire; and Lewis Leasure, dedicated board member and tireless volunteer. Their commitment helped shape East Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity into the organization it is today.
Also joining us were Bob Boese, our first Board President and one of the founding leaders who helped establish the organization, and Judy Hegstrom, a longtime board member who especially loved building homes. Having learned the building trades from her father, Judy found her greatest joy on the construction site. Unfortunately, they had already left before the group photo was taken.
To all of these remarkable individuals—and the many others who have given their time, talents, and hearts over the past 32 years—thank you. We are standing on the shoulders of those who came before us, and we are honored to carry your vision forward for the next generation of families.
Local Family Selected for Rehabbed Cambridge Home
Finding safe, affordable housing in East Central Minnesota remains a significant challenge, but for one deserving family, the future just got a lot brighter. We are thrilled to announce that the Ekstedt family has been selected to purchase a completely restored, rehabbed home in the Cambridge area.
For the past several years, the family has been working tirelessly to secure stable housing. When this property became available through our affordable ownership program, their application rose to the top.
The remarkable home transformation was made possible through a unique partnership with Pine Technical Community College students and volunteers, who helped gut and rebuild the property, along with the generous support of our donors and community partners like East Central Energy, Allina Health Care Medical Center and Long Lake Lutheran Church. And of course the family itself who invested 200 hours of sweat equity into the rehabilitation process, working alongside volunteers including students from Ogilvie Public Schools to prepare the house through painting, raking, clearing brush, and washing windows.
We congratulate the family as they prepare to move into their new home!
Remember to check out the news articles in isanti-chisagocountystar.com and https://www.hometownsource.com/county_news_review/.
July 2026
Tusen Tack Recognized in 2026 As Part of Initiative Foundation's 40th Anniversary Celebrations!
Tusen Tack, its founders and its volunteers are among four honorees recognized in 2026 as Good Neighbor Honorees as part of the Initiative Foundation's 40th anniversary celebrations.
Tusen Tack is a nonprofit that supports a number of community services, including a thrift store, food shelf, library, Kathy's Kitchen and the event center itself.
Susan Morris, Executive Director at East Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity, attended the event at Braham Event Center. The event celebrated Tussen Tack, Braham Event Center, Initiative Foundation and many other community partners in the region. Susan commented, "Thank you to all the amazing people who show up every day, do the hard work to help others and make our region totally awesome!
Event details are available at ifound.org/about/40th-year.
32 Years of East Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity: Celebrating Our Milestones and Habitat for Humanity's 50th Anniversary!!
As Habitat for Humanity celebrates 50 years of global impact, East Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity is proud to look back on our own 32 years of building strength, stability, and self-reliance.
Based in Cambridge, MN, the organization serves Pine, Isanti, Chisago, Kanabec, and Mille Lacs counties, dedicated to building affordable housing in partnership with families in need.
Zechariah 4:10
"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand."
East Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity was established and incorporated in 1994. Since our inception we have either built or rehabbed over 75 homes.
We proudly celebrate with Habitat for Humanity International the 50 years of milestones and the impact it has made on the global front, transforming lives by creating conditions that free families from stress and fear, helping build stability, helping homeowners feel more connected to their communities, and bolstering job opportunities and long-term career growth. Strong and stable households can help families flourish and are foundational to child development and growth.
As Habitat for Humanity looks to the future, we invite you to help build the next 50 years of affordable housing in Pine, Isanti, Chisago, Kanabec, and Mille Lacs counties.
