Goodhue County Habitat for Humanity hosted a dedication at its nearly finished home at 507 Park Avenue, Goodhue on July 24th. Nichole Brunkhorst and her daughter, Karlee welcomed visitors to the open house event. The organization’s programs made it possible for Nichole to purchase the home.
Brunkhorst said she really wanted to stop renting and own her own home but could not qualify for adequate financing. In June of 2024, she applied for help from Habitat for Humanity and was chosen to participate in their program. The organization partners with families to build or repair homes and create unique, affordable financing options for homeownership.
Nichole chose the home layout that worked best for her and Karlee. Working with construction manager, Bob Bidon, she helped with minor plan modifications and personalized the interior with flooring, cabinet, appliance and wall colors and fixture choices. The home features a one-and-a-half car garage, a laundry area, bathroom, and kitchen/dining/living space on the main level in addition to Nichole’s bedroom and small office. 11-Year-old Karlee is excited to move into the largest of the three lower level bedrooms and have her own bathroom.
Several local businesses worked on the home including Stern Heating and Cooling, Knobelsdorff Electric and Gadient Plumbing. The Habitat for Humanity staff acted as general contractor for the home built mainly by students in the Goodhue High School construction class. “The kids had a great year of experiences and we’re giving them a lifetime of experience,” said instructor, Mike Harvey who supervised the project. “These are the kids that come back to our community and start businesses and live here.”
The students and other volunteers help reduce costs and finish the job quickly. Construction manager, Bob Bidon said, “It takes a lot of bodies to get a home like this done. The biggest thing was the high school students”. Even though some had little or no experience in building a house, Bidon commended the class. “The six students that worked on it did an awesome job.” Adding, “As things go wrong, they had the opportunity to take a couple things apart and make it right. That’s just part of this process. “
Caden Lodermeier chose the construction project to fill his first and second class periods totaling about 100 minutes each day of his Senior year. He said the number one thing he learned was patience. Next years’ class will be taking on another habitat project—building a home on beams in Goodhue and having it moved to a lot in Lake City when it is completed. The woodshop class hopes to build cabinets for the home.
Pastor Robbin Robbert offered blessings at the dedication and Goodhue County Habitat for Humanity president, Bob Hawley thanked everyone who played a part in the project. “This home represents more than just the building with walls and so forth, it’s a symbol of the hard work and the partnership, especially with this being the first home that was built in large part by the students in the school. We’re happy that that was a successful venture”.
Home owner services manager, Angie Foss explained the traditional gifts she presented as: bread to never know hunger, salt to represent a life full of flavor, and sparkling water to know joy, love and celebration. Bob Bidon presented a flag, fire extinguisher and a fire blanket. Board member, Lana Huemann presented a painting exclusive to Habitat for Humanity home owners. The organization also provided a plant in memory of Nichole’s mother who recently passed away.
A native of Ellsworth, Wisconsin, Nichole chose to purchase her home in Goodhue where she works at the school and Karlee is a student. “Thanks to everyone in the community that’s put their hard work into this for Karlee and I. It’s a big dream coming true and I appreciate it so much.”
