My name is Theresa, and I'm the Volunteer Coordinator at Twin Cities Habitat. I connect with volunteers through orientations, emails, and phone calls and help plan and lead the Volunteer and Learn program, our monthly homeowner workshop series. We created this program because we never want you to feel alone on your homeownership journey. Volunteer and Learn is an amazing opportunity to learn practical maintenance skills, ask questions, try new tools, learn together, and connect with other homeowners. Please come say hello at our next event—I would love to meet you, chat about questions, and hear your ideas. See you soon!
Join us for a hands-on Station Learning event focused on essential home maintenance skills! Start with tool safety training and rotate through interactive stations to gain practical experience. Lunch will be provided. This is a popular event – register today!
Get ready to vote! During this webinar, you'll learn the voting basics from registration to casting your ballot and learn how to create a voting plan. This free webinar is presented by Melanie Hazelip, Voter Outreach Director for the MN Secretary of State’s Office.
Monthly Maintenance
Safe and Healthy Homes: Everybody wants a safe, healthy home, but what does that mean? According to the National Center for Healthy Housing, a safe and healthy home is “dry, clean, ventilated, free of pests and contaminants, well maintained, and thermally comfortable.” Use this to guide your home maintenance strategy if you’re looking for a place to start.
Fall Deep Clean: As the weather gets cooler, we spend more time indoors, so why not get interior spaces ready? Consider a fall deep clean to reset your home for winter and make a clean, cozy place for you and your family.
Secure Chemical Cleaners and Medication: You may not think about chemical cleaners or medications often, but they could be toxic to children or pets. Make sure cleaners and medications are in a locked or out-of-reach place to prevent unnecessary and tragic accidents. If you think your child has ingested chemicals or medications, call the Minnesota Regional Poison Center at 800-222-1222. For pets, call the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at 888-426-4435.
Check Locks on all Doors and Windows: To ensure your home's security, periodically check windows and doors to make sure they close and lock. Check locking mechanisms to see if they’ve loosened over time and check latches to make sure they’re aligned.
Remove Fall Risks: Fall risks are around us outside our normal field of vision but shouldn’t be ignored. Make sure clutter is off the floor. Secure transitions from one flooring style to another—i.e., from carpet to vinyl flooring—with transition strips. Proper lighting will also go a long way to prevent falls.
Mold Mitigation: Mold mitigation is about managing how much moisture is in the air. Check your bath and kitchen fans to make sure they’re working and run them while using those spaces. Open windows when possible to generate airflow. When running air conditioning or heat, consider running a dehumidifier to draw out excess moisture.
Fire Extinguisher: Fire extinguishers can make all the difference between an easily contained fire and a dangerous blaze. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher that (a) easy to find—usually in the kitchen, often under the sink and (b) hasn’t expired.
Furnace Filters:Check your furnace air filter and replace if necessary. HVAC filters get clogged over time and need to be replaces at least every three months to keep your furnace functioning properly. While this buildup isn’t flammable, it will damage your furnace.
Money Minute
September is National Life Insurance Awareness Month—a great time to consider plans to protect your family in the event of your death. Purchasing a life insurance plan is commitment to protecting your family’s financial wellbeing. Navigating the life insurance market can be confusing. You might already have coverage from your employer, but it may not be enough to cover all your family’s expenses if something happens. Learn more about life insurance.
Habitat News
Elections Resource Center
Election Day 2026 is on Tuesday, November 4! Visit our Elections Resource Center for all the information you need to make your vote count. You can pledge to vote, research candidates, and verify your registration status. Note: Early voting begins on September 18, and the last day to register in advance is October 13.
Partner Spotlight
The Minnesota Secretary of State’s office oversees elections, supports businesses and organizations, processes notary public applications, oversees the Safe at Home program, and more. On September 21, Melanie Hazelip, Voter Outreach Director for the Secretary of State, will host a free webinar about voting preparation. Register here!
Share Your Story With the Habitat Community
Everyone has a story of home. Stories bring our mission to life. From homeowners to volunteers, donors, partners, and community members, every person connected to Twin Cities Habitat helps build stronger communities through homeownership. Sharing these stories helps others understand what safe, stable housing makes possible. It builds connection, deepens understanding, and inspires more people to get involved. Share your Habitat story!
