I think it is important that as often as we can that we take time to recognize people and businesses in our community that provide resources and volunteer time to help improve the lives of our citizens. The support of the Albert Lea community is truly amazing in that we have so many businesses and people that we can count on to help out. The Albert Lea Housing Authority has a program called Homestretch that is intended to help first time homeowners through the process of finding, purchasing, maintaining and keeping a home. This program functions on donations of funding and volunteer time alone, and when asked, the community businesses and volunteers always step up to help out. In this writing I would like to thank and recognize the Albert Lea Medical Center, Mrs. Gerry’s, Total Glass Lock Inc. and the Trades & Labor Credit Union for their financial support of the Homestretch Program. It is important also to thank the volunteers who unselfishly provide their time and services to this program. Thank you sincerely to Dave Klatt, Beckie Blecker, Troy Thompson, Kathy Finley, Troy Ranum and the many other “behind the scenes” participants who help us make this program work.

Kristi Yost

Albert Lea

Housing Authority

Albert Lea