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The writings of author C.S. Lewis were paraphrased at the dedication for the completed East Central Habitat for Humanity house, by the group’s executive director Wayne Eller.  He compared the craftsmen, city officials, the companies that donated goods, and hundreds of volunteers on the project to the players in a divine orchestra.  This house being the equivalent of their musical composition.  

Eller said everybody brought different talents and skills;  motivated by the holy spirit in the express purpose of helping the recipient family overcome difficult times.

Life’s not going to be without bumps in the future, but this injured serviceperson and his wife, and four children, at least have an energy efficient (the most economical home to operate in the city, according to Eller) and a suitable  place to lay their heads at night.  

The symbolic Habitat for Humanity housekey, a Bible and commemorative quilt donated by Fish Lake Lutheran Church quilting ladies were handed over to Eric and JoAnn Trudeau  as Eric told the 30 or so people gathered that he thanks everybody for a second chance to get his life back on track and for the family to start fresh.

Ground was broken in April once the Board of Directors for East Central Habitat selected this family from submitted applications.  

Eller said Habitat looks for people who will pitch-in on the house project and be good stewards. After seeing how hard the whole family worked on all aspects of this project, and how the kids even lent a hand, he is convinced the Board made the right choice.  The organization makes no profit and there is no interest on the house payments creating a homesite that is very affordable.  As house payments are deposited the money is funneled back into other Habitat for Humanity sites.

Pastor Amanda with Fish Lake Lutheran Church spoke the blessing. And, North Branch Mayor Kirsten Hagen Kennedy presented flowers to the family while reminding the audience of the sacrifice of Eric’s wife, JoAnn and the kids, who provided support while he was serving.

“This is the best of North Branch,” she stated, looking around those assembled in the Trudeau’s  living room “...and the best of the country.”
Eller said Habitat and North Branch worked very well together, commenting,  “I have never had a city step up in so many ways.”  

The city donated the lot for the house and waived permit fees.  Richard Hill, interim administrator, made hurdles go away and Habitat is “so humbly grateful for that.”  Eller also noted city employees took up a collection and contributed a washer and dryer.

The East Central Habitat Board acknowledges
~ Erin Wilkerson, TitleWerks of Wyoming, for no charge closing service
~ Hydracon for water and sewer connections
~ Gustafson Excavating
~Amcon Block for foundation
~Branch Landscaping for prepping for sod
~ North Central States Regional Council for carpenters
~ Up Top Construction for roofing labor
~Lamperts in North Branch for various discounted materials
~ Plumbers and Gasfitters local #34 who installed plumbing and also donated bathroom fixtures etc.
~ IBEW #110 for electricians and materials
~ Aire Serv Heating & AC in North Branch
~ Uponor in-floor heating
~Whirlpool donated refrigerator
~ ECE donated water heater
~ Hunter Douglas donated privacy blinds
~ Dow for rigid insulating foamboard
~ Square D donated circuit breakers and panel
~ Valspar Paints gave indoor paint materials and North Branch Andersen Window employees painted
~ Cemstone for discounted concrete costs
~ Donated surveying and staking APA Consulting Engineers & Surveyors
~ ‘Pain Free Patriots’ living room furnishings
~ Universal Spray Drywall provided finished ceilings
~ Aker Garage Door donated and installed door and opener
~ Crew 2 Inc. of Mpls donated carpet, vinyl and installed
~ North Branch High School JR ROTC donated hours
~Erickson Design donated blueprints
~ And to any members of the public who gave time or money-- thank you.

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