For almost 20 years, the BATC Foundation has tapped the talents and resources of our member builders, remodelers, and suppliers 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 Foundation couldn’t do this work without the support of the thousands of people who donate $5.00 to tour the Dream Homes and Dream Remodeled Homes during the Parade of HomesSM every spring and fall. This year’s spring Parade of Homes raised more than $30,000, and allow the Foundation to complete projects like this:
Building Zack’s House
The Foundation’s current project is the completion of an accessible home for Zack Mohs. In September, 2012, South St. Paul native Zack Mohs was struck by a hit and run driver as he was crossing the street. Zack suffered multiple life threatening injuries and doctors held out little hope that he would survive.
However, doctors didn’t reckon on Zack’s zest for life or his mother Cheryl’s sheer determination that her son would not only survive but would someday walk again. Cheryl’s dream was to build a home that would accommodate his needs, allow him to continue to work on his recovery and someday serve as a base for his dog-training business. Cheryl and Zack’s friends held multiple fundraisers and were able to get the house partially built. When funds began to run out, Cheryl approached the BATC Foundation for help.
Partnering with Rebuilding Together Twin Cities and Barn Raisings, the BATC Foundation is helping this determined young man on his road to recovery. Builder Partner, JK Anderson, stepped up to help complete the home, and many other BATC members have donated materials and labor to the project.
Visitors to the three Dream Homes during the Spring Parade of Homes are asked to contribute $5 to the BATC Foundation, the charitable arm of the Builders Association of the Twin Cities. The BATC Foundation combines those dollars with the contributions of other Dream Home visitors and the natural generosity of BATC’s home builders, remodelers and suppliers and turns it into something special – a new home where Zack can get started on the rest of his life. Zack’s House will be the featured project on Barn Raisings during the month of March. Barn Raisings is a new, Minnesota based, community fund raising site. Find out more about Zack’s project on Barn Raisings website beginning February 13th..
Visitors are Invited to Tour Zack’s Home During the Parade of Homes
Zack’s home, located at 408 12th Avenue North in South St. Paul. will be open during the last weekend of the Parade of Homes, Saturday and Sunday March 29-30 from noon to 6:00 pm. Visitors can learn more about the BATC Foundation by coming to see this unique, accessible home.
The 2014 Spring Parade of Homes is sponsored by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.
