Family Stories
Trish
For years, Trish has fought to keep her family safe, fed,
and together through trials that would have broken many.
As a single mother of 4 boys, three that still live at home, she
has endured illness, abandonment, financial hardship, and
housing instability–all while fiercely protecting her children. Years
ago, a devastating battle with undiagnosed Lyme disease and a severe
co-infection left her bedridden and struggling to perform even the simplest tasks. As she slowly
regained her health, she faced another heartbreak: her marriage ended, leaving her to raise
her boys alone while battling the physical and emotional toll of her illness.
The last decade has been a daily fight for survival-navigating the trauma of her children’s loss
of two father figures, supporting a son in mental health crisis, and working tirelessly to keep a
roof over their heads. When severe mold was found in their rental home, the health of the entire
family was at risk. Desperate for a safe place to live, Trish found herself in a housing situation
that wasn’t ideal, but at the time felt like the only option to keep her children sheltered.
“I was out of choices, out of hope, and exhausted,” she says.
That all changed the day she received the call from Habitat for Humanity. Her family had been
selected for an affordable, safe home of their own. “I honestly cannot convey in words what that
moment meant to me,” Trish shares. “This home will always be a symbol of strength and hope–a
reminder to never give up, because your whole world can change in one moment’s time.
” For the
first time in years, she and her children can dream beyond survival.
Habitat for Humanity is giving Trish’s family more than a house-it’s giving them a foundation to
rebuild their lives. “The staff have made me feel heard, validated, and supported,” she says.
“They truly care.” Now, the Park Rapids community can rally around them-to swing hammers,
share skills, and donate so that this home can rise from the ground. Together, we can help give
this family the fresh start they’ve prayed for, and the hope for a future that Jeremiah 29:11
promises.
Trey & Laura
Alex and Jessica embarked on a journey that will redefine their family’s future.
With five daughters between them, they are a blended family held together by love. For Alex, the journey…
Sunny’s Family
Alex and Jessica embarked on a journey that will redefine their family’s future.
With five daughters between them, they are a blended family held together by love. For Alex, the journey…
Josh & Isabell
To have a sense of belonging is a critical component of life.
As an adopted child, Dani felt loved and cared for but always wondered why her birth family gave her up. In addition, her family moved a lot, so she was never able to establish roots…
Alex and Jessica’s Family
Alex and Jessica embarked on a journey that will redefine their family’s future.
With five daughters between them, they are a blended family held together by love. For Alex, the journey…
Cass Lake, MN and particularly the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe is facing a critical housing shortage
with the LLB itself identifying an immediate need of over 500 housing units in Cass Lake for tribal members.
In response, Cass County Commissioners dedicated American Rescue Act funds to assist with this housing crisis and convened a wide group of community stakeholders to find solutions.
Lakes Area Habitat For Humanity, as a part of this solution group, committed to building 4-5 homes per year for the next few years in Cass Lake. It’s a small step in helping with this crisis but an important beginning.
The first 4 of these Habitat homes in Cass Lake have started. Volunteers are desperately needed for these builds. Please contact us at 218-454-7021 to volunteer.
Tara’s Family
Alex and Jessica embarked on a journey that will redefine their family’s future.
With five daughters between them, they are a blended family held together by love. For Alex, the journey…
Candace’s Family
Alex and Jessica embarked on a journey that will redefine their family’s future.
With five daughters between them, they are a blended family held together by love. For Alex, the journey…
Petra’s Family
Alex and Jessica embarked on a journey that will redefine their family’s future.
With five daughters between them, they are a blended family held together by love. For Alex, the journey…