Introducing the Hearts & Hammers Safe Access Initiative Most Hearts & Hammers projects focus on painting, siding, deck repairs, landscaping, and other exterior maintenance. But two recent homeowners showed us a need that our traditional program is not set up to address. Both needed a safe way to enter and leave their homes. We could […]

Hearts & Hammers reflects on the Camden News’ lasting community impact (Reprinted from the Camden News, Vol. 50, No. 8) As the Camden News prepares to publish its final editions, Hearts & Hammers – Twin Cities is reflecting on the role the newspaper has played in connecting North Minneapolis homeowners with free home repair services. […]

When Hearts & Hammers first visited Christine Johnson’s White Bear Lake home, we were concerned about the condition of the deck that provided access to her back door. It had deteriorated to the point that repairing portions of it wasn’t enough – the deck needed to be completely rebuilt. It was also the kind of […]

Hearts & Hammers was honored to welcome a brand-new Home Sponsor and volunteer team from Land O’Lakes, Inc. in 2025, led by Team Captain Leah McKeon, Senior Community Relations Specialist. Their inaugural project brought together 40 volunteers working in two shifts, all showing up with energy, compassion, and a shared commitment to making a meaningful […]

Two Hearts & Hammers Family Groups, One Coincidental Connection Some coincidences just feel meant to be. This fall, two of Hearts & Hammers’ longest-running volunteer groups – each with deep roots in our history – went out on the very same weekend. They didn’t meet on the job site or plan it that way, but […]

A Fresh Coat of Red and a Legacy of Service   This fall, the Lake Phalen neighborhood of St. Paul was filled with the sound of paintbrushes, hammers, and laughter as more than 40 Kraus-Anderson employees, family members, and friends joined Hearts & Hammers to restore the home of Frances Gandy. Frances, a 60-year-old disabled […]

 On July 25, nearly 40 volunteers rallied together to transform the longtime home of Jean McLaren, a 69-year-old Minneapolis resident and lifelong member of the community. Perkins & Will generously sponsored the project day, with additional volunteer support from Emanuelson-Podas. Team Captain Jared Kaesmeyer led the charge. “What a day! We transformed Jean’s home. We […]

Every year, our friends at McGough go above and beyond by creating what has become a Hearts & Hammers tradition: the McGough Signature Home. This special project brings together McGough and a team of trusted partners to deliver not just repairs, but a complete home transformation for one very deserving homeowner. This year, that homeowner […]

On May 8, Braun Intertec pulled off something pretty remarkable. While most companies might plan a single volunteer day and call it good, Braun Intertec went bigger – organizing two home projects in two different states on the same day. One team worked in Minnesota. The other in Texas. The mission? Help two longtime homeowners […]