Eighteen years after Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) was founded in Americus, Georgia in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller, residents of the Marshfield area began the effort to establish a local Habitat presence. Rev. Bob Jacobs, former pastor at First Presbyterian Church, and Dave Schindhelm, the church’s business manager, held a meeting early in 1994 to discuss the possibility. The flame flickered briefly, but didn’t begin to burn until later that year, when Barb Mahler called friends together at the church to lay the foundation for a Habitat program in Marshfield.
Affordable Places for Our Community
Marshfield Area Habitat for Humanity (MAHFH) formed in 1994, is served by a local board of directors. We are affiliated with Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. HFHI seeks to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. We invite people of all backgrounds, races, and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need. Together, we bring people together to build homes, communities and hope to make the world a better place!
MAHFH partners with families in need, volunteer workers, and local businesses to build, renovate and/or repair simple decent houses with the help of families, volunteers and donations. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit. They are financed with affordable, no-interest loans. The homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments, along with material and financial donations and volunteer workers, are used to build still more Habitat houses.
Building Strength, Stability, Self-reliance and Shelter
No matter who we are or where we come from, we all deserve to have a decent life. We deserve to feel strength and stability day after day. We deserve to know we have the power to take care of ourselves and build our own futures. At Marshfield Area Habitat for Humanity, this is what unites us. Our shared vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Because you, me, we – we’re all humans. And every single one of us deserves the opportunity for a better future.
STRENGTH
A Habitat home is a strong foundation for a family, an opportunity in which they can build a better life. Strong and stable homes help build strong and stable communities.
STABILITY
A Habitat home is a stabilizing force for a family. Better, affordable living conditions lead to improved health, stronger childhood development and the ability – and financial flexibility – to make forward-looking choices.
SELF-RELIANCE
Through shelter, we empower. A decent place to live and an affordable mortgage help homeowners save more, invest in education, pursue opportunity and have more financial stability.
New Builds
In partnership with a qualifying family, we build a new, affordable home. Qualifying families are required to invest sweat equity and pay for the cost of materials and land.
Habitat for Humanity builds houses at no profit and finances mortgages with 0% interest to Partner Families who are selected through an application process based on need for adequate housing and ability to afford the monthly payments. Partner Families also put in at least 200 hours of “sweat equity” in building their homes or the homes of other Habitat families. Habitat holds a 2nd mortgage on all of our builds to reach the Fair Market Value of each house, this ensures that homeowners cannot “flip” a Habitat house for profit once it is finished. Mortgage payments received by Habitat are used to help fund the building of more houses.
Critical Home Repair
Habitat for Humanity provides subsidized critical home repairs and modifications for seniors, those with disability or low income circumstances
Board of Directors
Gisele Berninghaus
Ashley Fredrick
Kent Mueller
David Murphy
Ed Plotka
Vicki Roder
Jill Schulz
Brent Ystad
Don Zais
Our Timeline History
1976
1994
1996
1997
In August, 1994, Marshfield Area Habitat for Humanity came to life as Barb and a dedicated group of early leaders laid groundwork for the nonprofit organization and sought to become an official HFHI affiliate. Initial board members struggled to raise funds, recruit volunteers, become a legal entity and handle the paperwork to meet HFHI requirements for affiliation.
On January 1, 1996, our organization became the 24th affiliate of HFHI in the state of Wisconsin, which now has 44 Habitat affiliates. Affiliation allowed Marshfield, as an autonomous local, nonprofit organization responsible for its own activities—including fund-raising—to work in partnership worldwide with HFHI. The standard Habitat method of operation was established. Through volunteer labor and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, the new affiliate would work with families in need, “partner families,” to build or renovate simple, decent housing. The houses would then be sold to partner families at no profit, with affordable, no-interest mortgages. Board members annually sign an Affiliate Covenant pledging to live up to certain Habitat standards.
Marshfield Area Habitat volunteers worked alongside our first partner family and their 3 children to build a home in Spencer, dedicating it on December 15, 1996, in time for Christmas. The following year, our second partner family and their two children moved into their Habitat home in Marshfield on October 1, 1997.
1998
1999
2001
2004
In the meantime, Marshfield Habitat’s board of directors continued to expand its vision, as well as the number of volunteers and donations. Ken Neumann suggested applying for a Wisconsin Local Housing Organization Grant (LHOG) to “expand capacity.” He wrote a successful $22,000 grant application and, as a result, Marshfield Area Habitat for Humanity was able to employ an office coordinator ten hours a week from April 1998 to March 2000. Meanwhile, HFHI provided support through regional affiliate manager Jan Nigh, who entered the scene in 1998. By the end of 1998, a third partner family and their three children moved into a Habitat home built on Marshfield’s east side.
In 1999 the board instituted several administrative changes. Board terms established in the by-laws were changed from two to three years, to prevent the possibility that half the board could change in one year. Partner family “sweat equity” hours were reduced from 500 per family to 200 hours per adult with a maximum of 400 hours. The board also decided not to accept donated homes that had to be moved to a new site, having found that initial costs were often higher, and realizing homeowner maintenance and heating costs were likely to be higher. Throughout its history, the board passionately debated many policies. Although Marshfield, like many Wisconsin affiliates, disagreed with national HFHI home design guidelines specifying no garages or basements, it nonetheless eliminated garages from its designs unless homeowner disabilities required it. Basements, however, were sometimes included as a common-sense choice.
By the end of 1999 another home was completed in Marshfield and another partner family had become homeowners.
In 2000, HFHI built its 100,000th house, while Marshfield Area Habitat for Humanity celebrated by dedicating its fifth home.
To build Habitat houses in other countries, Habitat affiliates are asked to set aside 10% of the funds they raise. This money—designated as the tithe—joins all Habitat partners together in a worldwide vision of eliminating poverty housing. By providing $74,815 of tithe since 1996, Marshfield Habitat has served an estimated 22.4 international families.
In 2001 and 2002, two more partner families purchased Habitat homes in Marshfield. Sadly, as the 2002 project was nearing completion, Vice President Dick Strand passed away. A memorial donation made in his name provided landscaping for homes constructed during his board terms.
In 2002, the board discussed with Pittsville Mayor Dave Lyonsthe the possibility of extending the Marshfield Area Habitat’s boundaries to include Pittsville’s school district. The city combined with Wood County to donate a lot and, in 2003, a home was dedicated in Pittsville. A local Pittsville committee coordinated key aspects of the build, showing the board that the affiliate could successfully build anywhere within its 17-mile radius service area.
In 2004 it was decided to build Energy Star-rated homes, to reduce future energy costs for Habitat families. Homeowner amenities and land contract versus mortgage were also debated. Throughout, the board attempted to honor the concept of “simple, decent housing” and remain faithful stewards of donated funds. Each year, the board votes on family selection, as well as both practical and policy issues that come up in such areas as house design, sweat equity requirements and mortgage payments.
New board members are welcome to join at anytime. The Board meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month except December. The Executive Committee and Committee Chairpersons are elected at the Annual meeting held each July.
Chronic challenges are finding families to meet Habitat criteria, obtaining affordable land and keeping building costs low. Local volunteers, individual donors, churches and businesses have generously supported Marshfield Area Habitat for Humanity. In the early years, Saint Joseph’s Hospital provided not only several years of five-figure financial support, it also donated a house, and employees of the hospital led by Mike Blackwood constructed another. Large gifts from local family foundations, businesses and individuals have been augmented by numerous small gifts from supporters passionate about helping others. Grant income is also brought in. Whirlpool Corporation provides basic appliances and Kohler provides plumbing fixtures to Habitat homes nationwide.
In 2004 a land swap between Habitat and the City of Marshfield was made possible by a generous private real estate donation. The resulting two lots on East 4th Street became the location of the affiliate’s largest home yet: a four-bedroom, two-bath. In 2005 the second lot became the location of a new home which featured a unique set of disability accommodations.
2005
2022
2024
The year 2005 marked not only the 10th anniversary of Marshfield Area Habitat for Humanity, it brought the self-imposed challenge to build two homes. Qualifying for HFHI’s capacity-building Open Door Challenge Grant, our affiliate raised $20,000 in matching funds. A second home was dedicated in November for a family in Pittsville.
As of the end of 2022, Marshfield Area Habitat for Humanity has built 19 homes and completed 9 rehabs to serve 25 Partner Families in Arpin, Pittsville, Stratford and Spencer as well as Marshfield. While our parent organization celebrates over 1 million homes built, residents of the Marshfield area can take pride in being a part of an effort that has provided over a million people worldwide with safe, decent, affordable shelter.
Thank you to Forward Bank for their recent donation!
Congrats to our recent debt-free homeowners!
2024
2024
We have approximately $21,000 in donations since January 1, 2024 if you want to add that to the donation goal.
A new event happening soon!
© 2024 WEBSITE BY THE UNGLITCH
© 2024 WEBSITE BY THE UNGLITCH
Affordable Places for Our Community
The Marshfield Area Habitat for Humanity (MAHFH) formed in 1994, is served by a local board of directors. We are affiliated with Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. HFHI seeks to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. We invite people of all backgrounds, races, and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need. Together, we bring people together to build homes, communities and hope to make the world a better place!
MAHFH partners with families in need, volunteer workers, and local businesses to build, renovate and/or repair simple decent houses with the help of families, volunteers and donations. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit. They are financed with affordable, no-interest loans. The homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments, along with material and financial donations and volunteer workers, are used to build still more Habitat houses.
Building Strength, Stability, Self-reliance and Shelter
No matter who we are or where we come from, we all deserve to have a decent life. We deserve to feel strength and stability day after day. We deserve to know we have the power to take care of ourselves and build our own futures. At Marshfield Area Habitat for Humanity, this is what unites us. Our shared vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Because you, me, we – we’re all humans. And every single one of us deserves the opportunity for a better future.
STRENGTH
A Habitat home is a strong foundation for a family, an opportunity in which they can build a better life. Strong and stable homes help build strong and stable communities.
STABILITY
A Habitat home is a stabilizing force for a family. Better, affordable living conditions lead to improved health, stronger childhood development and the ability – and financial flexibility – to make forward-looking choices.
SELF-RELIANCE
Through shelter, we empower. A decent place to live and an affordable mortgage help homeowners save more, invest in education, pursue opportunity and have more financial stability.
New Builds
In partnership with a qualifying family, we build a new, affordable home. Qualifying families are required to invest sweat equity and pay for the cost of materials and land.
Critical Home Repair
Habitat for Humanity provides subsidized critical home repairs and modifications for seniors, those with disability or low income circumstances
Our Timeline History
1976
1994
1996
1997
Eighteen years after Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) was founded in Americus, Georgia in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller, residents of the Marshfield area began the effort to establish a local Habitat presence. Rev. Bob Jacobs, former pastor at First Presbyterian Church, and Dave Schindhelm, the church’s business manager, held a meeting early in 1994 to discuss the possibility. The flame flickered briefly, but didn’t begin to burn until later that year, when Barb Mahler called friends together at the church to lay the foundation for a Habitat program in Marshfield.
In August, 1994, Marshfield Area Habitat for Humanity came to life
as Barb and a dedicated group of early leaders laid groundwork for the nonprofit organization and sought to become an official HFHI affiliate.
Initial board members struggled to raise funds, recruit volunteers, become a legal entity and handle the paperwork to meet HFHI requirements for affiliation.
On January 1, 1996, our organization became the 24th affiliate of HFHI in the state of Wisconsin, which now has 44 Habitat affiliates. Affiliation allowed Marshfield, as an autonomous local, nonprofit organization responsible for its own activities—including fund-raising—to work in partnership worldwide with HFHI. The standard Habitat method of operation was established. Through volunteer labor and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, the new affiliate would work with families in need, “partner families,” to build or renovate simple, decent housing. The houses would then be sold to partner families at no profit, with affordable, no-interest mortgages. Board members annually sign an Affiliate Covenant pledging to live up to certain Habitat standards.
Marshfield Area Habitat for Humanity’s first partner family was Dave & Bev Williams and their three children. Habitat volunteers worked alongside the family to build a home in Spencer, dedicating it on December 15, 1996, in time for Christmas. The following year, partner family Ben & Linda Beaudry and their two children moved into their Habitat home in Marshfield on October 1, 1997.
1998
1999
2001
2004
In the meantime, Marshfield Habitat’s board of directors continued to expand its vision, as well as the number of volunteers and donations. Ken Neumann suggested applying for a Wisconsin Local Housing Organization Grant (LHOG) to “expand capacity.” He wrote a successful $22,000 grant application and, as a result, Marshfield Area Habitat for Humanity was able to employ Sharon Schaefer ten hours a week as Coordinator from April 1998 to March 2000. Meanwhile, HFHI provided support through regional affiliate manager Jan Nigh, who entered the scene in 1998. By the end of 1998, partner family James & Dawn Wolk and their three children moved into a Habitat home built on Marshfield’s east side.
In 1999 the board instituted several administrative changes. Board terms established in the by-laws were changed from two to three years, to prevent the possibility that half the board could change in one year. Partner family “sweat equity” hours were reduced from 500 per family to 200 hours per adult with a maximum of 400 hours. The board also decided not to accept donated homes that had to be moved to a new site, having found that initial costs were often higher, and realizing homeowner maintenance and heating costs were likely to be higher. Throughout its history, the board passionately debated many policies. Although Marshfield, like many Wisconsin affiliates, disagreed with national HFHI home design guidelines specifying no garages or basements, it nonetheless eliminated garages from its designs unless homeowner disabilities required it. Basements, however, were sometimes included as a common-sense choice.
By the end of 1999 another home was completed in Marshfield and partner family
Charlie & Debbie Bennett and their two children had become homeowners.
In 2000, HFHI built its 100,000th house, while Marshfield Area Habitat for Humanity
celebrated by dedicating its fifth home
with partner Barb Zellner and her two children in Arpin.
To build Habitat houses in other countries, Habitat affiliates are
asked to set aside 10% of the funds they raise.
This money—designated as the tithe—joins all Habitat partners
together in a worldwide vision of eliminating poverty housing.
By providing $70,015 of tithe since 1996,
Marshfield Habitat has served an estimated 21.3 families overseas.
In 2001 and 2002, Russell & Barbara Peterson and their son Justin; and Tom & Jenny Hilber purchased Habitat homes in Marshfield. Sadly, as the 2002 project was nearing completion, Vice President Dick Strand passed away. A memorial donation made in his name provided landscaping for homes constructed during his board terms. In 2002, the board discussed with Pittsville Mayor Dave Lyonsthe possibility of extending the Marshfield Area Habitat’s boundaries to include Pittsville’s school district. The city combined with Wood County to donate a lot and, in 2003, a home for Emily Firth was dedicated in Pittsville. A local Pittsville committee coordinated key aspects of the build, showing the board that the affiliate could successfully build anywhere within its 17-mile radius service area.
In 2004 it was decided to build Energy Star-rated homes, to reduce future energy costs for Habitat families. Homeowner amenities and land contract versus mortgage were also debated. Throughout, the board attempted to honor the concept of “simple, decent housing” and remain faithful stewards of donated funds. Each year, the board votes on family selection, as well as both practical and policy issues that come up in such areas as house design, sweat equity requirements and mortgage payments. New board members are welcome to join at anytime. The Board meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month except December. The Executive Committee and Committee Chairpersons are elected at the Annual meeting held each July. Chronic challenges are finding families to meet Habitat criteria, obtaining affordable land and keeping building costs low. Local volunteers, individual donors, churches and businesses have generously supported Marshfield Area Habitat for Humanity. In the early years, Saint Joseph’s Hospital provided not only several years of five-figure financial support, it also donated a house, and employees of the hospital led by Mike Blackwood constructed another. Large gifts from local family foundations, businesses and individuals have been augmented by numerous small gifts from supporters passionate about helping others. Grant income is also brought in. Whirlpool Corporation provides basic appliances and Kohler provides plumbing fixtures to Habitat homes nationwide.
In 2004 a land swap between Habitat and the City of Marshfield was made possible by a generous private real estate donation.The resulting two lots on East 4th Street became the location of the affiliate’s largest home yet: a four-bedroom, two-bath for Dania Blume and her four children. In 2005 the second lot became the location of a new home, built with partner Robert Parise, which featured a unique set of disability accommodations.
2005
2022
2024
2024
The year 2005 marked not only the 10th anniversary of Marshfield Area Habitat for Humanity, it brought the self-imposed challenge to build two homes. Qualifying for HFHI’s capacity-building Open Door Challenge Grant, our affiliate raised $20,000 in matching funds. A second home was dedicated in November for the Ken Hahn family in Pittsville.
As of the end of 2022, Marshfield Area Habitat for Humanity has built 19 homes and completed 9 rehabs to serve 25 Partner Families in Arpin, Pittsville, Stratford and Spencer as well as Marshfield. While our parent organization celebrates over 1 million homes built, residents of the Marshfield area can take pride in being a part of an effort that has provided over a million people worldwide with safe, decent, affordable shelter.
Thank you to Forward Bank for their recent donation!
Congrats to our recent debt-free homeowners!
© 2024 WEBSITE BY THE UNGLITCH
© 2024 WEBSITE BY THE UNGLITCH