Marathon, WI – A home of one’s own: it’s a dream that feels out of reach for many families today. But with the generous help of County Materials and its philanthropic arm, the Sonnentag Foundation, Habitat for Humanity is helping turn this dream into reality for low-income families across Wisconsin. In 2015, the Sonnentag Foundation has contributed a total of $17,500 to four Wisconsin chapters of the non-profit organization, which works on a community level to provide decent housing for disadvantaged people.
Barron County Habitat for Humanity received a $2,500 grant, which helped fund two projects. Half the funds were used to help build a home in Cumberland, WI, providing a Habitat partner family the opportunity to be a homeowner for the first time. The donation was used to purchase concrete for the home’s poured foundation from County Materials. This will be the 20th home built by Barron County Habitat, and coincides with the chapter’s 20th anniversary.
The remaining $1,250 helped repair a home that was donated to Habitat. Profits from the sale of this home will be used to purchase materials for new Habitat homes. The funds were used to purchase materials and labor for masonry work on the home. “County Materials staff has been very supportive of Habitat and it's been great to work with them,” says Jon Schack, Executive Director of the Barron County Habitat chapter.
Habitat for Humanity of Wausau utilized its $2,500 donation to purchase concrete from County Materials for the foundations of three homes. Two of these were built in partnership with students from DC Everest and Mosinee High Schools. The third home is located on 21st Place in Wausau. “We’ve appreciated the partnership with County Materials for many years,” comments Construction Chair Berland Meyer.
In addition to providing homes for families in need, the St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity is working hard to build a more sustainable future. Their $2,500 grant dollars were used to purchase FEMA approved steel doors for the Eco Village, a Habitat for Humanity subdivision in River Falls, WI designed to be on the cutting edge of sustainability and energy efficiency. Since the 18 homes in the project are built on slabs, they are each equipped with a special, tornado-proof “safe room.” The doors will be installed on these rooms. The Eco Village is a recipient of Green Builder Magazine’s Green Home of the Year Award for Best Affordable Project. “We want these houses to be long term sustainable and look great for years and years. Every dollar they save on energy can be used for education or something else (for these families),” says executive director Dave Engstrom.
LaCrosse Habitat for Humanity is also helping to turn the dream of a sustainable planet into reality. In collaboration with the LaCrosse Urban Stormwater Group, they are building a storm water management education center onto the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Onalaska. The project will demonstrate storm water best management practices. However, says project manager Nancy North, the goal is to not just manage storm water but to create beautiful and practical places for people. The $10,000 donation from the Sonnentag Foundation is being used to purchase permeable pavers from County Materials for the installation of a permeable paver demonstration and learning site for storm water best management practices in the region. The design also includes perennial and annual food crops and native plants, and installation, harvest, and long‐term maintenance plans include engaging children, youth, elders, and others for learning, community, and therapeutic purposes. “We are very grateful for the Sonnentag Foundation. They were the first foundation to step up and support the project,” says North. “This project just shines with hope,” she adds. “Every person who gets involved just starts to sparkle. They work so hard and they know that it matters. It’s a gift that will keep on giving.”
About the Sonnentag Foundation:
The Sonnentag Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization located in Marathon, WI. The Sonnentag Foundation’s philanthropic interests are strategically focused on supporting programs and projects that empower and inspire people. Preference is given to regional construction and landscape oriented projects that serve the broader community in locations where County Materials Corporation has major facilities. 100% of funds donated to Sonnentag Foundation go to support charitable causes. For more information, visit www.sonnentagfoundation.org.
