EDGERTON - Southwest Minnesota Habitat for Humanity recently became an affiliate with A Brush with Kindness.
A Brush with Kindness is a home-repair program. Pam Dobson, the director of Southwest Minnesota Habitat for Humanity, said many homeowners within Rock, Pipestone and Nobles counties are struggling to maintain their homes because of age, handicaps or financial restraints.
“We are excited about the ability to help others,” Dobson said. “Communities are happy about it because we are helping neighborhoods look better, and families are definitely excited about it because now they can be proud of their commitment to their homes.”
Dobson said two elderly women in Edgerton will receive help from the A Brush with Kindness program Oct. 10.
Volunteers will paint window trim, do some light landscaping, replace a back entry light and complete many other tasks to help enhance the property’s curb appeal.
“Contractors today are so busy doing the bigger jobs, so with these projects we are looking for volunteers,” Dobson said. “Everyone knows how to use a paint brush. … This is a good entry level project for volunteers. It can be done in one day and is less stressful.”
To qualify for assistance with A Brush with Kindness, applicants must meet certain income guidelines to acquire a zero-percent loan through Habitat for Humanity.
“They do have to repay us,” Dobson said. “They have to have ownership in the program. So not only do they pay us back for the repairs, they also have to do sweat equity, which means putting in their own hours to the house repair and working alongside of us.”
Thrivent Financial is helping Southwest Minnesota Habitat for Humanity fund the program.
“They are really involved and have made a commitment to Habitat for Humanity International, so they will help us fund this,” Dobson said. “They do this to help incorporate their clients to become more involved in their communities. Charitable giving is a big aspect of what they do.”
Southwest Minnesota Habitat for Humanity is hoping to help more families with the new program, but also plans on continuing its main goal of building houses.
Dobson said the organization is currently raising money to build a house in Bigelow in 2017.
“We need to build at least one house every three years to be in good standing,” Dobson said. “We are always looking for more funding. I don’t think a lot of people realize that we don’t get funding from the state or federal government to accomplish our builds.”
Individuals interested in volunteering or donating may call Pam Dobson, (507) 215-2091.
