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Faces of the BIA: Habitat for Humanity
Category: Member-Features03/31/2026
A milestone year, Jim Nelson’s retirement + more
Welcome to our “Faces of the BIA” series! We are excited to introduce you to the organizations and people behind our Building Industry Association. It’s all about fostering connections, celebrating our members and helping you get to know the incredible companies that make up our BIA family!
Cracked foundations or sinking concrete might grab one’s attention, but for many families, the greatest stress comes from simply not being able to afford a safe, stable place to call home. That’s where Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity steps in. Now celebrating their 35-year anniversary, this nonprofit has been a powerful force for families seeking affordable homeownership in the Fargo‑Moorhead area.
Founded in 1991 by Concordia College pastor Phil Holtan, the organization emerged after he attended a Peace Prize Forum at Augsburg College and heard President Jimmy Carter speak about Habitat for Humanity’s mission. Inspired to act locally, Phil helped launch a Concordia campus chapter but quickly learned it needed sponsorship from a regional affiliate. With the support of area churches and businesses, LAHFH became the 609th Habitat affiliate in the United States.
This year marks a major transition considering the upcoming retirement of Executive Director Jim Nelson, who has led the organization for the past nine years. A licensed architect with a career background in design, construction, corporate real estate and deep community service, Jim describes his time with Habitat as some of the most meaningful work of his life. He announced his retirement as executive director of LAHFH, effective June 30, 2026.
"The best part about working at Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity is meeting our future homeowners and witnessing their transformation,” Jim says. “When many of them first approach us, they’re insecure, feeling beat up by the world and uncertain about their future or their children’s future. Then, after their sweat equity, classes and construction, we get to see them become homeowners empowered with building skills and a real sense of community, opportunity and hope."
Under his leadership, LAHFH has grown its homebuilding capacity, expanded its ReStore operations and strengthened partnerships with volunteers, builders, churches and businesses across the region. As Jim prepares to close this chapter, he points to the power of community partnerships as the foundation of Habitat’s impact.
Upcoming events
1 morning. 90 minutes. 25+ tables. $80K raised for affordable homes.
As 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of Habitat for Humanity International and the 35th anniversary, local leaders are thanking their partners, launching a rebrand and annual fundraising program. They invite you to take part in building their future at the inaugural Hard Hat Breakfast. This event will be 7 – 8:30 a.m. May 12 at Bell Tower.
LAHFH invites area churches, businesses, nonprofits and individuals who care about housing and community to sponsor a table at the Hard Hat Breakfast or host friends, staff and other regional leaders with the capacity to provide a sustaining gift to our work providing affordable homes in the community.
Click here to register.
Empowering women to build homes and community
In conjunction with the anniversary celebration and the Hard Hat Breakfast, LAHFH is launching early fundraising efforts for their next major initiative: Women Build.
Projected to begin in July, women from the Fargo-Moorhead area will join for a multi-day effort to build a home alongside low-income hardworking families in the community. A committee of women and thousands of volunteers work together to raise the funds for the project. Monies raised will support the construction of new, affordable homes in Cass and Clay Counties.
More details and involvement opportunities can be found at lakeagassizhabitat.org/womenbuild
As LAHFH enters this landmark year, they are focused on honoring their past while building a stronger, more resilient future for families in our area.
This is a pivotal moment to support their mission. They’re inviting the community, builders, volunteers, donors, businesses, churches and individuals to join them in commemorating 35 years of life-changing work.
Because when a family has a safe, affordable home, everything changes. The best way to celebrate Habitat’s legacy is to keep building.
Written by Lydia McLaughlin, BIA-RRV Communications Intern