USGBC Natural Talent Design Competition 2009 - Minneapolis/St. Paul Chapter

Design a Habitat for Humanity single-family 3-bedroom house, implementing energy- and material efficient design. Designs should be affordable, and should include recommendations for site selection criteria. The design should be specific to the selected site, but should also include an alternative 4-bedroom design, where a site with a basement is possible. The design should be easily constructible and should complement the architecture of the surrounding community.

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity Design Goal Statement:
To eliminate poverty housing from the Twin Cities area and to make decent, affordable shelter for all people a matter of conscience.

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity builds homes in partnership with families who demonstrate need and willingness to work with Habitat for Humanity by helping to construct their own housing. With a safe, decent and affordable home to call their own, families are then free to concentrate on parenting, employment, education and community engagement. Each Habitat build provides a setting for people from all walks of life to work side by side in partnership with future homeowners—finding common ground as they create quality, affordable housing.

Twin Cities Habitat relies on volunteer labor and tax deductible contributions of cash, materials, professional services and property to build simple, decent homes with low-incomes families. Working under the principle that no profit should be gained from assisting those in need, Habitat for Humanity charges no interest on the mortgages that it issues to homebuyers. In operation since 1985, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity has built more than 650 homes in the seven-county metro area.

Habitat for Humanity manages additional homeownership preservation programs that help low-income families keep their homes. The Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program offers assistance to residents of South and Southeast Minneapolis, providing intensive in-person counseling, phone counseling and referrals, negotiation with lenders, and financial assistance. A Brush With Kindness is a neighborhood outreach program offering painting, landscaping, and minor repairs to homes for qualifying low-income homeowners.

Brief (PDF)