Most of us know that the housing crisis is dire and that the path to affordable ownership is not open to all. For several years, we have worked to learn about the crisis in our hometown, Northfield, MN. We talked to city leaders, developers, neighbors, bankers, and realtors about ways to create an ownership opportunity for a deserving family who have been excluded from ownership, despite working multiple jobs.

Always impressed by Habitat for Humanity, we wondered if that “model” could be independently applied to remodel an existing home. Miraculously, we were able to purchase this vacant house at a reasonable price on December 7. We now begin Phase One of remodeling the Starfish House.*

We are not house flippers, and we are not giving away this house. Our plan is to clear a path for a deserving family by offering them a contract for deed at our purchase price and the cost of renovation, plus asking them to put in sweat equity. Our hope is that when the new owners have had time to obtain financing to buy the house, all proceeds from the sale of the first house would go into buying another house, to renovate for another family.

We are prepared to underwrite all the expenses of renovation, but the response to our plan has been remarkable. Because so many have asked to help, we created this Go-Fund-Me page. Any donations will go into the Starfish LLC, to purchase needed supplies. We attach a list of sample items needed for this first phase of remodeling, from a door to work gloves and appliances. We are calling this project the Starfish House, based on the essay by Loren Eisley.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who has stepped up and offered their physical labor, skills, or funding. You inspire us. Bless you!

Bob Thacker and Karen Cherewatuk

*STARFISH THROWER

One day, two boys were walking along the beach. The older one was skipping stones on the water, while the younger boy was gently tossing starfish into the sea.

“What are you doing?” The older boy asked.

“Saving starfish.” The younger boy said. “The tide is out, and if they are left on the shore, they will die.”

The older boy laughed and said, “Don’t you see there are miles of beach and thousands of starfish? You can’t make any difference.”

The younger boy bent down and picked up another starfish and tossed it gently into the water. Then he smiled and said, “I made a difference to that one.”

--Adopted from Nebraska poet Loren Eisley, “The Starfish Thrower”

WISH LIST:

As much as possible, we plan to purchase durable used appliances. Other items will be repurposed, used, and donated if possible. We will be using Amazon Paint, a specially formulated paint made from recycled high-quality paints.

Refrigerator - used 400.00

Range with microwave - used 400.00

Microwave /Range hood - 200.00

Dishwasher - 400.00

Washer - used 400.00

Dryer - used 400.00

Bathroom Vanity - (need 2) 200.00 ea.

Toilet (three needed) - 175 .00 ea.

Kitchen Door - 350.00

Back Door - 350.00

Hardware for existing cabinets - 75.00

Doorknobs and locks - 100.00

Garage Door Opener - 150.00

Light Fixtures (need 3 ) - used 40.00

Kitchen sink - used 75.00

Kitchen sink faucets - 75.00

Interior Door (need 4) - used 50.00 ea.

Paint (20 gallons) Amazon recycled - 18.00 ea.

Paint supplies, brushes and rollers

(need 6) - 15.00 per set

Drywall, many many sheets 12.68 per sheet

2x4’s - 2.99 ea.

Cleaning gloves - 3.99 ea.

Drywall tape - 8.98 pr roll

Carpet - 45 cents pr. Sq. ft.