Text Box: WRHFH continues to fulfill its mission in Burnett and Polk Counties. This mission remains simply to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness in our local communities and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Hundreds of volunteer hours were worked this year. Whether it is pounding nails on Cemetery Road in Siren or arranging flowers on the tables at the Valentine’s Dance, we continue to rely on our faithful supporters. We count on those of you who agree with us that all of our neighbors deserve to live in decent affordable housing. Thanks to everyone who has contributed to our mission this year, as well as our partner homeowners. A recent letter from one of our partner families included the following and reminded me of why we are here. “We are so blessed to have had each one of you touch our lives and so many others. This has been the most positive experience of my life and I thank all involved. God bless each and everyone of you for all you’ve done and all you do.” Please consider making a donation to our organization. We are reminded of the desperate needs of those in developing countries as well as the survivors of recent disasters. We mustn’t, however, forget those who live amongst us. I am reminded of the saying “Think globally—act locally.” I trust that we will move forward over the coming year counting on “the economics of Jesus.” That is, when we act in response to human need, giving what we have without seeking profit or interest, God will magnify the effects of our efforts. Text Box: A $2500.00 donation from US Bank given at the Valentines Dance is accepted by from left: Judge Michael Gableman, Chris Erickson from US Bank, and WRHFH Text Box: JoLouise and Jerry McNally enjoy themselves at WRHFH Valentines Dance, which raised $2000.00 for Habitat. The food, the lovely music, and overall fun and mood of the dance contributed to a great time for all, and a reason to repeat the dance in 2006. Text Box: President’s Report Gil Hoel

Shanty Town 2005

             The weather stayed beautiful and dry as the area church youth groups worked and played at Crooked Lake Park in Siren for the first WRHFH Shanty Town build. These enthusiastic workers and their chaperones worked on their shanties until the judging at 4 pm on Saturday, September 17. They ate a soup supper at the park shelter after an inspiring spiritual service led by Pastor Lucy Basler. Then it was bon fire, s’mores and sleep in their own shanties. They emerged the next day, none too worse for the wear, and with a better idea of what it means to be homeless. Awards were presented after a Sunday morning service. They are as follows:

  Most solidly Constructed Residential Shanty—Trade River Evangelical Free

  Most Solidly Constructed Community Shanty—Trinity Lutheran-McKinley

  Most Creative Residential Shanty—Trade River Evangelical Free

  Most Creative Business Shanty—Siren U. Methodist Church

  Largest Residential Shanty—Ortez family   Most Congenial Team—All teams

  Largest Church Shanty—Assembly of God-Siren

  Smallest Residential Shanty—Trinity Lutheran-McKinley

  Smallest Business Shanty—Jeff’s Appliance Service

  Most Money Raised by an Individual—Wendy Ortez

  Most Money Raised by a Team—Ortez family

  Sweat Equity Certificate—Ortez family

Trinity Lutheran Church, McKinley won the award for the Most Solidly Constructed Community Shanty. L to R Joel Barker, Nathan Weltzin, Matt Beecroft, Shane Beecroft, Ben Weltzin, Linnea Grenquist, Lacy Sellent, Kelly Grenquist, Allie Rouzer (front).

All Shanty Town Photos from Inter-County Leader.