Habitat for Humanity Ready to Build No. 24 in Owatonna

The Habitat for Humanity of Steele-Waseca Area annual meeting was held in mid-June in Meriden. The organization's latest homebuyer was announced along with new board members and the volunteer of the year.

Habitat for Humanity home No. 24 will go to Daud Abuhasan, Nafiso Abdi and their seven children and will be built in Owatonna beginning in the summer. Abuhasan says their sons, who have Autism Spectrum Disorder, have shown sensitivity to the home in which they live now. They are thankful for this opportunity.

The 2015 Berlyn Staska Outstanding Volunteer Award went to Pastor Greg Schlicker of Good Shepard Church. He is willing to help out where he is needed and for his contributions as a board and committee member.

Habitat for Humanity of Steele Waseca Area announced new board members Jenne Wilkins and Paster Kristi Mitchell during their annual meeting. New officers were elected:

• President Taylor Herman
• Vice President Brian Deml
• Treasurer Derek Delaney
• Secretary Joe Fritz

Outgoing board president was Tom Tuma, and Dave Halgren. Dave Thomas is an outgoing board member.

Habitat for Humanity strategic plan for FY 2016-19 includes to serve nine families locally who are in need of affordable housing by 2019. In development within the organization will be a program for new homeowners focusing on financial literacy, which will be open to the public.

If you are interested in volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, call (507) 446-0112.

Habitat for Humanity Steele-Waseca area has been building or repairing homes since 1993. Habitat homeowners help build their homes with volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through new construction, home repairs and homeowner education, Habitat for Humanity works to build strength, stability and self-reliant homeowners throughout the communities.