Wells Fargo Continues to Assist Homeowners in Need

Last month, we highlighted the hard work and support of Wells Fargo.  Their incredible volunteers continued to give of their time this month, providing much-needed repairs for Gloria in Minneapolis.  Over two days, 13 Wells Fargo volunteers converted a tub to a walk-in shower, painted a shed, installed a step that is easier to navigate, and completed several Safe at Home modifications, including installing CO2 detectors, grab bars, motion lights, and a fire extinguisher.

Wells Fargo volunteers also helped a Maplewood family of seven by installing drywall in the basement of their home. The family’s home had a flood last December, and everyone living downstairs had to move upstairs, crowding the single floor of the home. Now, this family is much closer to living in a safer and healthier home.

Thanks to Wells Fargo for continuing to partner with us to help homeowners in need in our community!

A Ramp for Richard

Donations Needed to Fund the Ramp Built for a Man who Brought Joy to Minnesota Through the Local Legend of Paul Bunyan and his Stories

Richard, a 75 year old resident of Burnsville, has shared his gift of storytelling to bring joy to the community. Now, the community has a chance to give back to Richard. Rebuilding Together Twin Cities is asking for donations to pay for Paul Bunyan’s ramp.

Over the years, many Minnesotans have stepped into the enormous shoes of Paul Bunyan – Minnesota’s largest legend. Some were born with a love for the character, while others have had it thrust upon them. Richard falls into the latter category, only discovering his passion for the legend after a former employer forced him to compete in a local Paul Bunyan look-alike contest. Much to his surprise he won, and ever since, Richard has embraced his role and found a love and passion for the local giant. Dressing in the well-known flannel shirt, overall, boots, and carrying a handmade ax, Richard drew upon his experience as a traveling pastor to entertain and inspire the imagination of both young and old through the legends of Paul Bunyan. Many newspapers, magazines, and other publications highlighted the work of Richard, spreading his story and affinity for the legendary lumberjack. In addition to his gift for storytelling, Richard’s passion for the folk hero is evident in his personal collection of Paul Bunyan memorabilia and books, which are displayed prominently in his home.

After many years of sharing stories and spreading joy, Richard now needs support in return. Though he lives alone, Richard enjoys the independence he has caring for himself in his mobile home. After recently suffering a stroke, Richard now experiences mobility issues and aphasia; additional challenges to his already bad knees and hips. These obstacles now make it painful for Richard to navigate his front steps, making entering and exiting his home difficult and dangerous which has prevented Richard from doing the things that he loves.

With the spirit of Paul Bunyan, Richard maintains his determination and optimism about life, and wishes to remain independent as long as possible. In order to help Richard with this dream, Rebuilding Together Twin Cities constructed a ramp leading to his front door. This ramp will enable Richard to recover from his upcoming hip and knee surgery at home while avoiding the expensive recuperation in a rehabilitation facility. With an impending surgery, the need for improvements to the front entrance was immediate. As such, several volunteers organized by Rebuilding Together Twin Cities came together to help build the ramp for Richard. Rebuilding Together Twin Cities is now asking for donations to cover the costs of the project.

Rebuilding Together Twin Cities is hoping to raise $1,800 by August 1st in order to pay for Paul Bunyan’s ramp. Please click here to donate to help Richard!

Wells Fargo Gives Back

We recently partnered with Wells Fargo on several projects, including Sano and Russell’s home in North Minneapolis.  Although most of their children have grown up and have moved on to college, Sano and Russell’s house is still busy with foster children, daycare children, and children in crisis. They have been foster parents since 2001, caring for children in the community for various periods of time. Unfortunately, early last fall a tree destroyed the thick landscaping that insulated their back yard from a busy adjacent city street.  In order for Sano and Russell to continue hosting children at their home, they needed a fence built to create a safe space for the children to play, learn and grow together.

Over two days earlier this month, volunteers from Wells Fargo helped build a fence and retaining wall at Sano and Russell’s home.  Sano made her famous jerk chicken for lunch for the volunteers on both days, and Sano and Russell and their daughter Jada and friend Josh worked side-by-side with the volunteers.  Sano sent us this note, “I just want to thank you all again for really blessing my family. Keeping kids happy and safe is our first priority. Thanks a million, and if there’s anything I can do to help others, please let me know. I can’t get over this blessing.”

Honeywell and Robbinsdale Cooper High School Team Up at Urban Roots

On May 12th, we partnered with more than 70 volunteers from Honeywell and Robbinsdale Cooper High School to make much-needed improvements and repairs to the facilities and grounds of Urban Roots, a Saint Paul organization with a mission to build vibrant and healthy communities through food, conservation and youth development. Urban Roots cultivates youth leaders and supports healthy communities on the Saint Paul’s East Side through paid internship programs that provide hands-on learning and foster critical life skills around entrepreneurial thinking, resilience and collaboration.  Their experiential “earn as you learn” programs are grounded in improving urban food systems, supporting and fostering connection to Saint Paul’s parks and green spaces, and promoting active living. They provide internship opportunities for 60 + youth annually.

Like many nonprofits, Urban Roots invests its limited funding into their programs. With the support of Honeywell and the hard work of Honeywell employees and Robbinsdale Cooper High School students, we were able to provide repairs and improvements, including building portable benches, constructing a storage shed, repairing and staining picnic tables, building a compost bin, cleaning and re-mulching the learning area, and painting a hallway and exterior stair rails.  Patsy Noble, Senior Program Director of Urban Roots, said of the work completed, “Wow it’s like magic! Every time I come out something new is done. We would never have been able to do this with our staff.”

Thank you to Honeywell and Robbinsdale Cooper High School for partnering with us to help ensure that Urban Roots can continue to serve Saint Paul’s youth!