Howdy! My name is Tim Erkel, and I’m the Homeowner Engagement Coordinator at Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. I help tackle homeowner questions and concerns through proactive check-ins during your first year of homeownership. I also serve as the main point of contact for anything that comes up throughout your homeownership journey. If I can’t answer your question directly, never fear—I’ll figure out who on staff can. It’s so exciting to be in the post-purchase space with you and to be a resource as you continue to flourish in homeownership!
Join us for a hands-on Station Learning event focused on essential home maintenance skills to help you prepare for winter. Start with Tool Safety Training and visit interactive stations on caulking, energy efficiency, and avoiding ice dams. Each station is designed to build confidence and provide real skills you can use to care for your home. Participants will be able to visit all stations. Lunch provided. Registration closes Wednesday, October 7 – sign up today!
We're hosting another fun night at the Minnesota Children's Museum for homeowners like you!Get important tips and information at our Resource Fair, enjoy a free dinner and beverages, and bring any special kids along to explore the museum and pick up fun swag. Join other homeowners and families, along with Twin Cities Habitat staff, for this family-friendly evening. Learn more and register now!
Monthly Maintenance
Furnace Maintenance: With winter approaching, it’s important to ensure your furnace is ready to keep you and your family warm. Make sure to replace furnace filters every month and, if you’re able, schedule a technician to tune up the furnace. How to Replace a Furnace Filter
Rotate Tools: Before it gets too cold, it’s worth going through your garage or shed to position winter tools for easy to access. Since you won’t need gardening or pruning tools, move them to the back of your storage. Garden Tool Storage Ideas for Summer and Winter
Clean Gutters: Cleaning your gutters is one of the most important things you can do to prepare for winter. The sun can melt the snow on your roof even when it’s cold. If your gutters aren’t clean, there won’t be anywhere for that water to go, which can cause ice dams. Ice dams will damage your roof, causing leaks and potentially a collapse. How to Clean Gutters
Turn Off Exterior Faucets: Remove any hoses from exterior faucets and turn them off from the interior shutoff before the first freeze. This ensures there’s no water in the exterior faucet pipes that could freeze and burst. How to Winterize Your Outdoor Faucet
Check and Re-seal Exterior Caulking and Foundation: Go around and make sure your windows, doors, and foundation are properly caulked and sealed to prevent cold air from coming in and warm air from escaping. This will keep you more comfortable in the winter and keep energy bills low. Lower Your Energy Bills by Weatherizing Your Home
Air Exchanger: If you have an air exchanger, change the settings to 30-40% for winter. This video details how air exchangers work and includes some simple maintenance. Be sure to look at your manual for your specific unit.
Money Minute
Live in an HOA? Learn about new protections coming for Minnesota homeowners! The Minnesota Homeownership Center is hosting in-person info session on Tuesday, October 6, to help homeowners understand important changes to HOA laws taking effect January 1, 2027. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the HOA Reform Bill, what the new law means for homeowners, and rights and protections for HOA members.
Topics will include HOA fines and fees, fair payment rules, foreclosure protections, and more. Check out this flyer for details and dates. Whether you currently have concerns with your HOA or want to better understand your rights, these sessions can help you stay informed and prepared. Know someone who lives in an HOA? Share this info with them, too!
Habitat News
Elections Resource Center
Election Day 2026 is on Tuesday, November 3! 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. If you missed our recent Voting 101 webinar, you can watch it here. Note: Early voting began on September 18, and the last day to register in advance is October 13.
Partner Spotlight
The Minnesota Homeownership Center helps people achieve sustainable homeownership and build wealth through long-term homeownership. They support a network of professional advisors and offer free services and resources to help homebuyers. They also offer one-on-one help to prevent foreclosure.
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!
