Habitat DIY Youth Event a Success

On April 22, 19 youth participated in Habitat for Humanity’s 2nd DIY (do-it-yourself) Youth Event. The youth ripped apart pallets to recycle the wood into planters and then received flowers and dirt to complete the project. These events were designed with the idea to get youth out and involved in the building process. Many youth don’t have the opportunity to build due to lack of tools, understanding, and access to material. By hosting the DIY Events we are introducing the trades programs to youth and giving them an opportunity to try something new. Each event brings a variety of youth accompanied by adults with little to no hands-on experience to those who can’t get enough. Watching the confidence of these attendees change from unsure of what to do to the confidence they leave with their finished project is incredible. These events have been made possible through sponsorships from Amesbury Truth, Guardian Energy, United Prairie Bank, 1st United Bank, Bremer Bank and Hy-Vee Owatonna and with support from Alexander Lumber, Court Sports & More, Einhaus, Mattison, Carver & Haberman, P.A., Owatonna Area Business Development Center, Rush Creek Lumber and Tim’s Auto Service.

Our next event will be Saturday, June 24th at the Owatonna Area Business Development Center from 9:30 am to 12 pm (rain or shine). In groups of 3-5 we will build dog houses and cat towers. This project will not be an individual take home project but there will be a chance to win one at the event. This event will be an opportunity to build something bigger for the community. There will be a smaller project for the youth to take home to complete for themselves with the skills learned that morning. Space will be limited, register at www.habitatswa.org, email communityengagement@habitatswa.org or call 507.446.0112 ext. 2.