We recently completed our latest project in Grafton, a two-family duplex in February of 2022. This exciting project kicked off in the fall of 2019. As soon as all of our permits were approved our team was pouring the foundation and joyously held our wall raising in October. 

Our determined volunteers made amazing progress over the last two years despite the many challenges they were faced with. Regardless of the challenges of a smaller crew due to COVID we are proud of all of their hard work! 

Volunteers spent around 3,000 hours in a compressed, seven-month period to complete a Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity home, a project that normally takes 12-15 months. Thrivent Financial has been a long-time supporter for Habitat; this is the first home in Ozaukee Country accomplished through the grant program.

Thrivent Financial takes a faith-based approach to helping families with financial advice to build promising futures. Members of the Thrivent community, along with homeowner Tammy's First Immanuel Lutheran Church congregation in Cedarburg, played an important role in home construction, representing more than 30 percent of the project's volunteer labor force.

In addition to a $45,000 home building grant, Thrivent also gave nearly $2,000 through member-directed Choice dollars, along with another $4,500 contributed by Thrivent member Action Teams. Jim Meyer, a Habitat board member and owner of Stone Creek Associates, a Thrivent company, led this incredible project with fellow board member and Thrivent coordinator Diana Eggold.

Construction manager and board member, Bob Meier, and his loyal building crew, as well as Howard Mulloy, Habitat's family selection chair and committee members Eileen Engl and Kathy Rowe, worked closely with homeowner Tammy throughout the process to guide her on key design decisions, material selections and financial paperwork.

This project offers a clear example of how Thrivent Financial is keeping the dream of homeownership alive through safe, affordable housing here in Ozaukee County!

Neither rain nor snow, heat or gloom of night could keep construction manager Bob Meier and his dedicated crew of volunteers from their weekly Wednesday and Saturday building rounds. Despite a very wet spring and fall, not to mention a flood caused by a broken pipe, this hearty team "endeavored to persevere."

Hats off to Bob and his crew who showed true grit throughout the building process; we appreciate their unwavering support every step of the way.

Our new homeowner and community members celebrated the project's completion at a Nov. 20 dedication and open house event. Habitat broke ground on this property, located on Wisconsin Ave. in Grafton, on Aug. 23, 2015. A future duplex is also planned for this site.