You have a chance to make a real impact here on the Iron Range during Habitat for Humanity International’s first Rural Rally, October 27–31. We’re excited to have one of our Virginia homes included in this national effort, which shines a spotlight on the need for affordable housing in rural America and ties into the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project.

In St. Louis County, over half of all renter households are cost burdened, meaning they spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing. Many of these families don’t have the resources to buy homes through conventional means. By participating in the Rural Rally, we’re promoting the work we do to make housing affordable and accessible for more of our Iron Range neighbors.

We have been involved in Habitat’s national efforts for years. Executive Director Nathan Thompson serves on Habitat’s Rural Advisory Committee, he and Construction Manager Isaac Mathison-Bowie volunteered at the 2024 Carter Work Project in St. Paul, and we have participated in state and federal housing advocacy events. This experience informs our work at home, where we partner with local families to build and rehabilitate homes.

The Carter Work Project is Habitat’s flagship build, celebrating the decades of volunteer service and advocacy by Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. This year, thousands of volunteers will build 25 homes in Austin, Texas, while the new Rural Rally component supports projects in more than 60 rural communities across 20 states—places where one in four households is cost burdened and millions of homes need repairs or safety upgrades.

You can join us at 229 2nd St. N. in Virginia, one of the two new homes we’re building this year. We’re also building in Hibbing, Buhl, and Aurora, and rehabilitating a home in Chisholm. Families contribute sweat equity, take homeowner education, and add to the local tax base.

Construction volunteers are needed October 27 and 29. No experience is required, but volunteers must be at least 18. Sign up by contacting Tucker Nelson, Community Engagement Coordinator, at tucker@nslchfh.org or 218-780-4594. Learn more and volunteer at www.nslchfh.org/volunteer.

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter were tireless advocates for decent, affordable housing and Habitat volunteers since 1984. Join us in their legacy by sharing your time to make a real difference in our community.