Bring Zack Mohs Home

When Zack was hit and left for dead on an Anchorage street in September of 2012, doctors told his mother Cheryl Young that her son would not survive.  They would try to keep him alive until she could get there.

Cheryl never gave up her firm belief that Zack would not only survive, but that he would someday walk again. After getting Zack through his darkest times, Cheryl had him transferred to the Courage Center in Golden Valley for his long journey back to recovery. She then rallied friends and family around her personal dream – an accessible home for Zack that would accommodate his mobility needs and give him a place where he can continue his recovery.

However, times were tough.  The driver who hit Zack had no car insurance. Zack had no health insurance. Medical bills quickly ate up their savings, and neither Zack nor Cheryl could work.  With no big insurance settlement and no bank willing to give them a loan, Cheryl did whatever she could. House plans were donated, a lot in South St. Paul was purchased and a foundation was put in.  Through her own tenacity, she raised $100,000 towards a $220,000 home.

Last year, Cheryl approached the Builder’s Association of the Twin Cities (BATC) Foundation for help. Her story of steadfast belief in her son and his remarkable progress moved the BATC Foundation to come to Barnraisings and say, “if you can raise $60,000, we’ll match it, so Cheryl can finish Zack’s house.”

Amidst it all, Cheryl was diagnosed with cancer and was in a major auto accident herself.  Please visit Barnraisings for more information about Zack and Cheryl’s incredible story and to find out how you can help at www.barnraisings.com/campaigns/bring-zack-mohs-home.

Only 12 Hours Left to Help Yvonne Stay Safe!

Yvonne is a 73 year old woman who lives in East Saint Paul. She is very excited about her new shih-tzu puppy Allie that she adopted from a rescue just over a month ago.  Unfortunately, her garage is peeling and chipping lead paint.  In the interest of keeping herself and her new puppy healthy, Yvonne needs to have her garage scrapped and painted.  Her health is failing, and she can’t afford to do it herself.  Additionally, she wants to ensure that this is taken care of before the risk of a city citation presents itself.

Yvonne’s campaign on Barn Raisings expires today!  She needs $450 and 8 volunteers to complete this project.  Please help us to keep Yvonne and her puppy Allie healthy by making a donation to Yvonne’s campaign today!

Introducing Barnraisings.com – A New Way to Help Those in Need

We are positively thrilled to announce the launch of Barnraisings.com, the first crowdfunding and crowd volunteering site specifically for Minnesota nonprofit projects!

Here’s how it works:  Nonprofits submit the stories of their clients who are in need of something specific.  For example, if a wounded vet was in need of a handicap ramp, Rebuilding Together could submit the story, the need, the cost, and the number of volunteers required to complete the project.  Like Kickstarter, the project would only get funded if the entire amount is donated.  Projects have 90 days or less to reach their tipping point.

The idea of Barnraisings came about a year ago when Jim Rettew won the 2012 Minnesota Idea Open with his idea of “Multicultural Barn Raisings.”  The idea received a $15,000 grant for implementation (in partnership with Rebuilding Together), which supported the development of an online tool to match volunteers with “barn raising” projects.  Barnraisings.com is an independent evolution of that initial idea that embodies the spirit of coming together like a good ole fashion Amish barn raising.  People want to give to people.  They want to have a deeper, more meaningful, and more direct connection to the people they’re helping.  Barnraisings helps them do that.

Check out our homeowner stories at www.barnraisings.com – a new innovative way to connect your generosity to the people and stories that speak to you!

Introducing Barnraisings.com – A New Way to Help Those in Need

Kickstarter is cool, but wouldn’t it be nice if we could crowdfund something more consequential than smartphone robots and solar armbands?  Now we can, right here in Minnesota.

Launching today, Barnraisings.com is the first crowdfunding and crowd volunteering site specifically for Minnesota nonprofit projects, and Rebuilding Together Twin Cities is proud to be one of the first nonprofits to utilize this site.

Here’s how it works:  Nonprofits submit the stories of their clients who are in need of something specific.  For example, if a wounded vet was in need of a handicap ramp, Rebuilding Together could submit the story, the need, the cost, and the number of volunteers required to complete the project.  Like Kickstarter, the project would only get funded if the entire amount is donated.  Projects have 90 days or less to reach their tipping point.

The idea of Barnraisings came about a year ago when Jim Rettew won the 2012 Minnesota Idea Open with his idea of “Multicultural Barn Raisings.”  The idea received a $15,000 grant for implementation (in partnership with Rebuilding Together), which supported the development of an online tool to match volunteers with “barn raising” projects.  Barnraisings.com is an independent evolution of that initial idea that embodies the spirit of coming together like a good ole fashion Amish barn raising.  People want to give to people.  They want to have a deeper, more meaningful, and more direct connection to the people they’re helping.  Barnraisings helps them do that.

Check out our homeowner stories at www.barnraisings.com – a new innovative way to connect your generosity to the people and stories that speak to you!