Latest Winneshiek Habitat for Humanity partner family selected

Holly, Savannah and Deanna Dahl

Work has begun on converting Hesper Friends Church into a home for Holly Dahl and her family.

Soon Dahl and her daughters—Deanna, 16, a junior at Mabel-Canton High School, and Savannah, 8, a third grader at North Winneshiek Elementary School—will have more space in which to live, play, and grow together as a family.

Winneshiek County Habitat for Humanity (WCHFH) recently selected Dahl and her daughters as its partner family for its latest project, the conversion of the century-old Hesper Friends Church into a single-family home. The Hesper Friends congregation donated the church building to WCHFH after closing its doors in late 2015.  

"I've tried to get a conventional home loan but was unsuccessful," says Dahl, when asked why she applied for a WCHFH home. "I'm very thankful for this opportunity because, as a single parent, the income only stretches so far."

Dahl has worked full time at DECO Products since graduating from North Winneshiek High School 18 years ago. She is currently a member of the company's Quality Assurance Department.
 
"We have never built in Hesper so we are thrilled by this opportunity," says WCHFH executive director Gus Johnson. "Habitat provides a win-win situation since families who meet the guidelines can help build their new house while also expanding the tax base for the community in which the house is located."

For more information on WCHFH and/or the Hesper project, visit www.winneshiekhabitat.org or contact Johnson at wchfh1@gmail.com or (563) 382-1802.