The construction on the twin home began on April 24, 2026 with volunteer groups from Treasure Island Resort and Casino and with the Red Wing Go 2 Team. The Red Wing Go 2 Team is a group of retired volunteers who have played a vital role in the construction of Habitat homes for many years. The group has been volunteering twice a week to complete homes and various repair projects at different sites in Goodhue County.
Most members of the group start with limited construction experience and over time have become skilled volunteers. These volunteers include Darwin Bartlett, Daniel Bender, Ron Bongard, Wade Borg,Jerry Cook, Dennis Clossen, Russ Ehlers, Roger Johnson, Dallas Larson, Gary Nelson, Bruce Ohlhaber, Gerald Ruether, Dan Saande and Gary Stone.
Since the first volunteer build day with Treasure Island, Goodhue County Habitat has engaged six different organizations for a total of 16 days at HOPE Heights. These organizations include ADM, Red Wing Shoe, Blue Rose/Hedge Star, the Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva (Illonis), the First Presbyterian Church of Red Wing and the RiseUp Partnership.
Local contractors are also stepping up in a big way. Both Kleese Construction set the roof trusses and sheathed the roof, and Renner Roofing sealed and shingled the roof. Both companies generously donated either materials or labor or both.
Rachel Hauschildt, Community Engagement and Marketing Manager for Goodhue County Habitat, said, “From my seat, I get to watch the community champion the HOPE Heights project.” If you are interested in scheduling a build day or joining the Red Wing Go 2 Team, contact Rachel at rachelhauschildt@gchabitat.org to learn more.
On the fundraising side, Goodhue County Habitat has also made progress. At the groundbreaking ceremony on April 29, Paul Redding, the HOPE Heights capital campaign chair, announced that a generous donor made a commitment that they would match funds up to $50,000 from the community to put towards HOPE Heights. As of June 15, the community met the challenge grant and raised $100,000 towards HOPE Heights.
This past July, Paul Sorenson sponsored a performance from Divas Through the Decades at the Sheldon Theatre of Performing Arts that distributed the proceeds from the event to three different organizations including Goodhue County Habitat for HOPE Heights.
HOPE Heights is one way Goodhue County Habitat for Humanity works to strengthen the community. The organization also works to improve the living conditions for homeowners in need of critical home repairs and for seniors to age well in their homes
Goodhue County Habitat is seeking applicants for the Red Wing Owner-Occupied Home Repair Program. The ideal applicant lives in Red Wing, owns their own home and has a home repair project such as a need for a ramp, walk-in shower, furnace replacement, siding repair, roof repair or other work.
Habitat for Humanity also serves areas in Goodhue County outside of Red Wing with their Aging in Place and Critical Home Repair programs.
If you are interested in learning more about any of the Goodhue County Habitat for Humanity Home Revitalization programs, reach out to Tammy either by email at tammyrindahl@gchabitat.org or by calling 651-327-2566.