Get to Know Jenny Sanford, Homeowner Engagement Manager

Meet Jenny Sanford, Twin Cities Habitat’s new Homeowner Engagement Manager! Jenny's role is to help current Habitat homeowners like you stay connected to our ongoing work. The homeowner-Habitat relationship doesn't end when we hand over the keys! As a homeowner, you remain an important part of the Habitat community even after you've closed on your new home. 

Incentives Make Going Solar More Affordable Than Ever

Recent changes to utility rebates and tax incentives make now a great time to explore going solar for Habitat homeowners:

• As of January 1, 2024, ALL Habitat homeowners are eligible for Xcel Energy’s Solar Rewards Program. This program provides a significant up-front incentive for installing solar panels PLUS a 10 year annual production incentive.
• The federal Inflation Reduction Act provides tax credits for solar installations at a minimum of 30% and as high as 70% of installation cost depending on location and income.

3 benefits of going solar:

1. Monthly savings on utility bills
2. Long-term protection from utility price increases
3. Reducing CO2 emissions is good for the environment

Twin Cities Habitat invites you to explore solar through one of our trusted partners:

Solar United Neighbors (SUN)

Bobby King: (612) 293-7267

SUN provides help for homeowners who either want to explore getting solar panels installed on their homes OR join a solar co-op, where a group of neighbors join together to purchase solar energy from a “solar garden."

Apadana Solar

Andy Goke: (612) 470-1393

Apadana is a local full service solar provider, helping homeowners to maximize their solar resources and navigate financial incentives. They are a certified small, minority owned business enterprise ranked highly by solar industry organizations.

All Energy Solar

Charles Mollenkamp: (612) 248-0560

All Energy Solar is a local provider that has been installing solar in the Twin Cities since 2009. They provide full solar panel installation service as well as financing. A new program offering could mean no-cost solar installation for a limited number of homeowners.

We encourage homeowners to get quotes from at least 3 companies before selecting any contractor. A full list of solar installers who have agreed to the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA) code of conduct can be found at: www.mnseia.org

Save the Date for the Spring Home Celebration!

Saturday, May 18, 2024 | 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

We invite Habitat homeowners to join Twin Cities Habitat for a fun, family friendly, interactive event that celebrates the joys of homeownership. Enjoy food and games, a photo booth, swag, and music and entertainment from Twin Cities Road Crew. Watch for your invitation and RSVP info in your email inbox and your actual mailbox soon. We hope to see you there! (Exact location TBD)

Continue your journey with Twin Cities Habitat as a homeowner through our new Volunteer and Learn program! Learn how to maintain your home, reach your next financial goal, volunteer on site and gain new skills, create your own projects, participate in exclusive events, and more. The best part? Connect with homeowners just like you! We have two upcoming opportunities to Volunteer and Learn - both are free to participate. 

Skill Build Day
Saturday, March 9, 2024
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Join us for an interactive day at Harrison Townhomes in North Minneapolis! Learn tips and tricks for painting, and get answers to your home maintenance questions. Register now!

Blooms & Beyond: Spring Yard Prep Workshop
Thursday, April 11, 2024
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Join us at Minneapolis ReStore to kickstart your spring gardening journey! Get expert tips on preparing your garden for flowers and vegetables - dinner will be provided. Register now!

A homeowner recently shared, “I know I need to do maintenance on my home, but I don’t know where or how to start!”  Maintenance is the work done on your home throughout the year to prevent repairs, improve efficiency, and increase your comfort. Each month, we’ll provide a checklist of typical seasonal maintenance projects along with a video tutorial to help you get started.

March Checklist
Minnesota winters make a great time to focus on the interior maintenance of your home. 

• Clean Cooktop and Filters – Clean your oven filters and range to remove grease build up that could be flammable. Video
• Clean the Inside of your Oven – To increase the lifespan of your oven, clean regularly.  Video
• Vacuum lint from your dryer and dryer vent – The dryer is one of the most flammable appliances in your home. Cleaning both inside the dryer and vent to the exterior will help keep your family safe. Video Vent, Video Dryer
• Check your furnace air filter and replace it if necessary. The filters for your HVAC unit should also be changed every three months. Video

Preparing and filing your taxes can be one of the most challenging parts of homeownership. You may be able to get free assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. You are eligible to get help at a VITA site if any of these apply:

• You are age 60 or older
• You are a person with a disability
• You speak limited or no English
• Your annual income is less than $64,000

Learn more about VITA and site locations on the MN State Department of Revenue Site. Whether you decide to get help or do it yourself, these documents are needed to prepare your taxes.

The MN Tool Library was founded to solve the homeowner’s dilemma—the need to buy and store tools you'll use infrequently. Members join for an annual rate and then borrow and return tools just like a public library. The online inventory allows you to search for and reserve tools for your project. You can also drop in and find what you need from the shelf. Hand tools, yard tools, electric power tools, saws and even carpet cleaners are just a few of the tools available.

Classes and a community woodshop are also available for those who prefer hands-on learning alongside skilled crafts people. Household memberships are well below retail or rental fees; and scholarships are available as needed too!

Share Your Story With the Habitat Community

Every Habitat homeowner has a valuable story to share. Publicly sharing your homeownership experience inspires our community, provides awareness of homeownership, and helps more families buy homes. There are many ways to share your story. If interested, please email Jenny Sanford: jenny.sanford@tchabitat.org.