Zieglers look forward to working on their new home

Lakes Area Habitat For Humanity (LAHFH) has started work on their first renovation project in Staples. James and Sheena Ziegler will be moving into the home, at 324 3rd St NE, with their three children, twins Landon and Lucas, age three, and Hayden, five.

The Zieglers currently live in Brainerd but were trying to move back to the Staples area to be near James’ family. “We have a really good support system here for our kids,” said Sheena.

Sheena’s brother, Shane Meyer, has a construction business and has worked on Habitat homes before. He suggested they check out the option for Staples. “We talked about it and decided to do it,” said Sheena.

After being approved, James and Sheena were able to go inside the house for the first time on Jan. 12. “It’s a nice, big house,” said James.

Touring the house with the Habitat For Humanity team, they found the house to be well-built with few structural issues but in need of repairs in several areas. They plan to do two major projects, moving the basement stairs and adding a bathroom. 

“It will take a lot of work, some hard work,” said Sheena. James added “We’ll be up to it.”

LAHFH Executive Director Kevin Pelkey said they will likely get plumbing and electrical work done first, then volunteers will be needed to complete some of the other projects.

LAHFH Director of Development Melissa Kaufenberg said they will need $40,000 in donations to complete the project. She said a renovation home costs less than building a new home from scratch. It also gives the family more options to tailor the building to their needs. The Zieglers will need special construction to accomodate one of their children.

Kaufenberg said anyone wishing to donate can make a monthly pledge to contribute to the project, either online at lakesareahabitat.org or by calling 218-828-8517.