WELCOME HOME. The Chippewa Valley Habitat for Humanity org has built over 40 homes since its 1992 founding. Now, folks in need can apply for one of those homes – a similar build is pictured – ahead of the March 31 deadline. (Submitted photo)

Chippewa Valley Habitat for Humanity (CVH4H) has been seeking family applicants for its new twin home, slated to be built between this year and next, in Menomonie. The deadline for applications has been extended, most recently to March 31 – less than two weeks away.

Chippewa Valley Habitat for Humanity serves Buffalo, Chippewa, Dunn and Eau Claire counties. Since it began operating in 1992, when it became an official affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, it has built more than 40 homes and repaired dozens of others to provide affordable housing the area. 

The CVH4H Homeownership Program offers one path toward getting hardworking individuals and families into a home they can call their own, with no down payment required and fewer financial hurdles. Folks can learn more about the program from Marlie Sabelko, manager of the nonprofit's thrift shop, the ReStore (145 N. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire). 

Marlie Sabelko and her daughter pictured outside their home. (Submitted photo)

In 2019, Sabelko began searching for a home for her and her daughter. By February 2022, she had secured a remodeled home on the north side of Eau Claire, after partnering with CVH4H. Further collaboration between the Eau Claire Housing Authority (the home was in need of repairs) and Royal Credit Union (which set up Sabelko's financing) saw the home remodeled, with help from volunteers – as well as Sabelko, who put in her own 300 hours of "sweat equity." 

To celebrate, a house blessing ceremony was held. In an interview with WEAU-TV, Sabelko said, "it's been a long journey, but definitely worth it. I can't thank these people enough. I'm just super grateful, kind of at a loss for words." 

Yet, finding families in the Menomonie area to apply for CVH4H's Homeownership Program has, recently, been a challenge. According to Administrative Assistant Elizabeth "Libby" Gray, the organization has often found that families – especially single-parent households – have trouble asking for help. 

“A Habitat home is a hand-up, not a hand-out,” Gray said. “Applicants are hardworking families. They dedicate sweat-equity hours. They take out an affordable low-interest mortgage. We use grants, volunteers, and corporate partnerships. These help keep costs low and enable the families to obtain an affordable mortgage. Secure, safe, affordable, sustainable housing for the family, as well as generational wealth is the result.”

CVH4H provides a number of services and resources to the wider Chippewa Valley community including its Homeownership Program, home repairs projects, in-kind giving and more. 

Folks can support CVH4H by volunteering, spreading the word of the org's work, or shopping at its retail shop, the ReStore. All proceeds from the thrift and supplies store go right back into CVH4H's efforts. (Photo by McKenna Scherer)

 Interested in applying for Chippewa Valley Habitat for Humanity's Homeownership Program? Go to www.cvh4h.org/homeownership-program. Keep up with the organization on Facebook and learn more at www.cvh4h.org.