WORTHINGTON -- The Southwestern Minnesota Chapter of Habitat for Humanity is planning to do something this year that it has never done before -- complete homes in two different counties.
The chapter, which consists of Nobles, Rock and Pipestone counties, ordinarily operates on a three-year rotation, building one home each summer. Last year's Habitat house was built in Worthington after Rock County had no applicants, and a home was constructed in Pipestone the year before that.
But an interesting opportunity arose this year when the family of a Pipestone woman decided to donate memorials from her funeral toward the completion of a Habitat house in the community. The Zona and Neil Quinn memorial fund will finance the entire Habitat project in Pipestone.
As a result of the Quinns' generosity, the chapter is considering doing two homes this year, with Rock County next in line to sponsor a Habitat house.
Don Basche, president of the Southwestern Minnesota Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, said the organization has already received several applicants for a Habitat home in Luverne.
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"They're excited about it and we're excited about it," said Basche. "You build a house in a community with that community's support. The Pipestone people will do 90 percent of the building and, if we (build a home) in Luverne, it will be the same situation."
Dan Delaney, a Habitat chapter member from Pipestone County, said their organization is looking to purchase an existing home in the community and remodel it to Habitat standards. Though this particular process has always been available through Habitat for Humanity, it would be the first time the Southwest Minnesota Chapter has done this type of project.
"The Quinn family has offered to donate money for the purchase of the home, and the money to remodel it," said Delaney, adding that members have found a home they are interested in, although nothing has yet been finalized.
"Not a lot of work would need to be done to the home," Delaney said.
At least two applications have already been received from families interested in owning a Habitat house in Pipestone. Delaney said they expect to choose the recipient in March.
As for the Quinn family's donation, Delaney said the community is very appreciative.
"I knew Zona personally -- she was a neighbor of mine," he said. "She was very supportive of the community."
Zona Quinn was a life-long resident of Pipestone County. She and her husband raised all seven of their children in Pipestone.
