Larsen inspires donations to local Habitat for Humanity

Marlette Larsen’s $10,000 matching grant to Habitat for Humanity Northwoods Wisconsin has inspired over 40 donations, large and small, resulting in a total of over $30,000 in donations, the nonprofit announced in a press release.
In February, she challenged everyone to donate what they could by June 1, and if the cumulative total was at least $10,000, she would match that amount with another $10,000. The community came through and then some. Snow was still on the ground when Larsen was motivated to make her $10,000 donation challenge.
“I know every dollar donated sparks wider change, and I wanted to get our community more involved,” said Larsen, “I hoped this would do it, I think it did,” with her eyes twinkling and a bright smile.
“One in three of us around the globe still don’t have a safe, affordable home,” the release states. “This not only forces individuals and families to make tough choices in their personal lives, but can also create a barrier to strong, stable, thriving communities and economies. Oneida County saw a 27.1% increase in median home prices year-over-year in April 2025. Similarly, Vilas County’s median home sale price rose by 13.2% in the same period. The bottom line is, low inventory and rising prices have made homeownership increasingly challenging for residents, especially those with median incomes.”
Habitat for Humanity knows that a home is the foundation on which we all build our lives.

“Fixing the housing challenge is not going to be easy, but we are not afraid of hard work,” said Dave Havel, Habitat Northwoods Executive Director. “Together, we can build a world where everyone has a safe, affordable home, and we are proud to help in Oneida and Vilas counties.”
For more information about Habitat for Humanity Northwoods Wisconsin, visit habitatnorthwoods.org. To inquire, email Dave.Havel@habitatnorthwoods.org, or if interested in volunteering, email volunteer@habitatnorthwoods.org.