For more than 20 years, the BATC Foundation has tapped the talents and resources of the member builders, remodelers, and suppliers of the Builders Association of the Twin Cities to help families who otherwise might not have the opportunity to have a safe and affordable home. The Foundation builds, remodels and repairs homes for Twin Cities families in need, often in partnership with local charities and organizations.
The thousands of people who donate $5.00 to tour the Artisan Dream Homes and Artisan Dream Remodeled Homes during the Parade of Homes℠ are a major source of funds for the Foundation. Last year, visitors to the Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase® raised more than $100,000 during the Spring and Fall tours.
This year, the Foundation’s work is centered upon helping area Veterans:
New Partnership
On any given night in Minnesota, there are hundreds of military veterans who have no place to call home. The BATC Foundation has taken steps to address this need and the needs of other homeless populations by affiliating with HomeAid America, a national organization that focuses on providing services such as remodeling and construction to local service providers.
Partnering with the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV), our first HomeAid Twin Cities project will provide the first family-friendly housing for MACV’s “Supportive Independent Living (SIL)” program. This program provides housing for at-risk, veteran-headed households for 18 months to two years. During that time, families receive financial counseling, family support, job training and health care, all designed to help the family get back on their feet.
Oak Park Heights Veteran Receives Needed “Houselift”
Jason and Genella are a blended military family who have experienced more than their share of misfortunes. Jason served eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps with three tours in Iraq. He currently serves in the Minnesota National Guard. Jason had difficulty finding work after his return from Iraq and was unemployed for several months. Genella was a college professor until she experienced numerous complications related to the birth of their son. Due to several surgeries, she now suffers from chronic pain and difficulties with lifting, movement and eating. The family has three children, ages 6, 6 1/2 and 8. Because of Jason’s unemployment and Genella’s health issues, the family does not have the funds for upkeep on their home. The BATC Foundation is helping Jason and Genella with window and door replacements, new kitchen and bathroom flooring and other maintenance.
New Siding for Oakdale Veteran in Need
Jonathan Bernal was a member of the Army Reserves when his unit was deployed to Iraq in July 2008. In December of that year, his left ankle suffered an avulsion fracture when he hopped off the back of a semi-truck’s flatbed. The pain from the injury did not go away and worsened after deployment. Jonathan was eventually diagnosed with regional pain syndrome and is now unable to work. The family has exhausted their savings. Partnering with American Building Contractors, Inc., the BATC Foundation was able to replace the siding on Jonathan’s home, which had deteriorated to the point where birds were living in the walls. Bernal said it will be a relief to have the house repaired because so many things could have gone wrong as a result of the deteriorating siding, including an electrical fire or mold damage. “I couldn’t afford any of this…I wouldn’t be able to get approved for a loan or anything,” he added. Jonathan is pictured above.
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The 2016 Fall Parade of Homes is sponsored by The Tile Shop and Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
