Securian Financial knows the importance of building secure tomorrows. It’s our purpose. So, it’s fitting that we have long been a supporter of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, which creates, preserves and promotes affordable homeownership in the Twin Cities metro. After all, there is no place like home.
“We look at our community work as building secure tomorrows for all, and our support and partnership with Habitat aligns perfectly,” explained Tariq Malik, Securian Financial’s 2nd vice president and director of the Securian Financial Foundation, and a board member of Twin Cities Habitat. “Housing and home ownership are huge first steps to creating financial stability.”
Tariq took on the board position shortly after joining Securian last year, following a lengthy list of other Securian executives who have served.
“We have a long and close history with Habitat. We love it when we can partner with organizations in different ways on multiple levels. We have our annual employee build, ongoing board service, grant funding and employee annual giving. We’ve also committed $1 million to their current campaign, Build Forward Together.”
The Carter Work Project
This year’s partnership has been taken to an even higher level with sponsorship of the Carter Work Project. Twin Cities Habitat will host the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project, September 29 through October 4, 2024. October 1 is also the former president’s 100th birthday.
During its 40-year history, the Carter Work Project has traveled to 14 countries and brings together thousands of volunteers, celebrities, companies, elected officials, and other VIPs to build homes and cast a global spotlight on the urgent importance of affordable housing. The 2024 Carter Work Project will launch Habitat’s construction efforts at The Heights on St. Paul’s East Side, Twin Cities Habitat’s largest-ever development.
“This is a big project with dozens of corporate sponsors and over 700 volunteers on site per day,” noted Kate Mayer, senior consultant, Community Relations. “Securian will have eight volunteers on site for each of the five days. The volunteers are made up of associates from throughout the company, many of whom have been leaders on our past annual builds. We want to give associates this great opportunity as a thank you for their volunteerism and commitment to Habitat’s mission.”
This big project is also a big honor for our community and for Twin Cities Habitat. Twin Cites Habitat also hosted in 2010 when Chris Coleman, president and CEO of Twin Cities Habitat, was the mayor of St. Paul.
“President and Mrs. Carter have helped open doors for thousands of Habitat homeowners while advancing racial equity in housing,” said Chris. “It’s an honor to be selected to host the 2024 Carter Work Project, and we are so thankful for our generous sponsors, like Securian, who have helped make this historic and impactful event possible.”
The Heights will offer 150 affordable housing units
The Carter Work Project is taking place at The Heights, a development project of the 112-acre former Hillcrest Golf Course at the intersection of Larpenteur Avenue and McKnight Road that will prioritize community connectivity, affordable housing, and outdoor amenities to residents who live, work, and visit the area. Construction began this past summer and is expected to be completed in five to seven years.
Twin Cities Habitat will create 150 mid-density affordable housing units on 12 of those acres. The majority will be townhomes (twin homes, triplexes, and fourplexes), with some single-family homes. This will be the largest project in Twin Cities Habitat history.
Another important aspect of the Heights is that it is environmentally friendly – well beyond normal building practices. With these sustainable building efforts, The Heights has the potential to be one of the most energy efficient developments ever created in Minnesota with a Platinum LEED for Communities certifications.
“All that Habitat does is amazing. We have the Carter Project, the normal builds, and a $1 million commitment to the Twin Cities' Habitat campaign, which is focused on advancing Black homeownership,” said Tariq. “We are proud to have partnered with many families of color, but this program is specifically designed to close the racial equity gap in homeownership for foundational Black families.”
In addition to the Carter Work Project, dozens of Securian associates will be building at The Heights for 11 days in late October and early November.
