Mom Gets Help Building Her Own Home in Minnesota

Josie Klinzing has spent four years searching for an affordable home for herself and her son in northern Minnesota. Last Sunday, she picked up a hammer and started building one herself.

Construction kicked off on Klinzing's new home at 25 N. 3rd Ave. W. in Ely, with support from Northern St. Louis County Habitat for Humanity. The organization connects families who need affordable housing with volunteers who help build or improve homes.

"You just gotta do it," Klinzing said about the construction process. "I can totally handle that."

Executive Director Nathan Thompson hosted the groundbreaking event, which drew community members including Ely Mayor Heidi Omerza, who lives around the block. Thompson said he was thrilled to work in Ely again, calling it a place where neighbors help neighbors.

The house is one of five Habitat is currently building across northern St. Louis County. The organization hopes to complete Klinzing's home by spring 2027.

The Ripple Effect

Habitat for Humanity welcomes volunteers of all skill levels to help with construction. Whether someone brings lunch or swings a hammer, they gain hands-on skills they can use beyond the build site.

For the next two weeks, the Care-A-Vanners program will assist with construction, limiting capacity to three extra volunteers daily. After that, the organization will need more daily helpers.

Community Resources Manager Tucker Nelson emphasized that everyone can find a way to contribute. The volunteer opportunities offer people a chance to directly help their neighbors while learning practical construction skills.

Anyone interested in volunteering can reach Nelson at tucker@nslchfh.org or 218-780-4594, or fill out the form on the Northern St. Louis County Habitat for Humanity website.

By spring, Klinzing and her son will move into a home built with their own hands and the care of their community.