The Northern Lights chapter was one of more than 230 Habitat for Humanity affiliates awarded a grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation as part of its nationwide initiative to build and improve homes for low- to moderate-income families.

The grant to Habitat for Humanity Northern Lights went to repair a wheelchair ramp on a house built by the chapter in 2015 in northwest Minot. Last Thursday, seven Wells Fargo employees from Minot branches joined Habitat for Humanity to repair and stain the ramp and help with other minor exterior repairs.

Joining them was Tim Barnes, who with his wife, Kelly, owns the Habitat home. Although no family members use a wheelchair, Kelly Barnes uses a walker and is helped by having the ramp.

The Wells Fargo funding in Minot is part of a $7.75 million donation to Habitat for Humanity International through the Wells Fargo Builds program to support the construction, renovation and repair of more than 350 affordable homes across the U.S. 

Submitted Photo Nancy Cervelli, Jennifer Grant and Bailey Hanson strand next to the Habitat for Humanity Northern Lights sign outside the organization’s latest home.

Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization that works in partnership with people in need by building simple, decent and affordable housing as well as helping with exterior home repairs. The houses then are sold to those in need at no profit and with no interest charged.

At least one in 11 North Dakota households spend more than half of their income on housing, and the number of Minot families who are struggling to afford rent is on the rise, according to Habitat for Humanity.