Neighbors of MN
Linda from St. Cloud
Over the last couple years, we have seen more Somali families settle in and purchase homes in the St. Cloud area.
As our immigrant neighbors become first generation homeowners in the U.S., who can they turn to for advice on caring for their homes? When I bought my first house I would call my dad for advice.
Who can they turn to for advice on caring for their homes?
When one of my daughter’s Somali friends bought a home in her neighborhood, I had an idea. I would offer to teach her some basics of home ownership one weekend. She was so excited. She invited her four sisters and two cousins who had all bought new homes. It turned into a “New Homeowners’ Maintenance Class” before my own eyes!
I told these women that in my 40 years as a realtor, I had seen people cause enormous damage to their homes without realizing it. One of the biggest problems is water. Water is your enemy. I think I said this seven times in the class. Water is your enemy. People don’t leave their bathroom fans on long enough, so mold grows in their attic and ruins their ceilings.
If you take care of your homes they will last for your children, your children’s children, and your children’s, children’s children.
I also told them how to use their thermostats. 
To hose down their air conditioner every summer. Take care of their appliances. And other tricks that will keep their stuff in good shape, and increase their property values.
If you take care of your homes they will last for your children, your children’s children, and your children’s, children’s children.
It was such a delight to teach this class, I would love to do it again. I want my Somali neighbors to feel welcomed and to be part of our neighborhood.
I love those ladies so much. I look at them and think, I am so blessed to be where God’s got me. I can’t handle it. It makes me cry.
Linda is an Arrive Ministries volunteer and a realtor in St. Cloud.
