about us
Every hand makes a difference
With your help, Habitat for Humanity of North Idaho can help homeowners achieve the strength, stability and independence they need to build a better home for themselves and their families.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF NORTH IDAHO is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Founded in 1988, our first new construction home was completed in 1991.
Habitat for Humanity of North Idaho gives a tithe of board-designated funds to Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) to help in Habitat’s work in other countries.
Habitat volunteers work side-by-side with selected Candidate families, who are required to complete sweat equity work before purchasing their homes. When the home is completed and all requirements met, the family buys the home from Habitat.
Habitat draws together people from all walks of life with the common goal of eliminating poverty housing. However, this is only part of the goal. Habitat also builds partnerships and community. People come together and get to know each other. Friendships are formed, and love is shared in the act of building a home.
Homeownership gives families self-esteem and the chance to have stability in their lives. Children grow up in the same house and neighborhood, forming lasting friendships.
Habitat house payments are usually lower than rent. This allows families to spend their money on better food, clothing, medical care, childcare, and education.
When you are chosen as a Candidate Family, you begin working with Habitat for Humanity of North Idaho (HFHNI) toward home ownership. You will get through the whole process by working with your Family Partner. You will learn new skills in building, home repair and maintenance, budgeting, and legal matters.
Volunteers play an important role in the operation of the affiliate. They are willing to help but not to do the job for you. Homeownership will bring many good things, but you will have to work hard, and it will not be easy sometimes. The hope of these volunteers is that you will become more productive, self-sufficient members of our community.
The volunteers benefit from being able to give a helping hand – not a handout. The volunteers want to donate their time and skills because they believe in you and want to help you own your home. Habitat wants to help you build a bright future through homeownership!
Inspire hope,
build homes,
empower families,
develop communities
Non-Discrimination Policy: Habitat commits to treating all applicants in an equal manner. The following attributes will NOT factor into any action for the Habitat homeownership program, including information-sharing, distributing applications, advertising or evaluating applications: race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial or marital status, disability, sexual orientation, age (provided the applicant can legally enter into a contract), income derived from public assistance, or a consumer who has, in good faith, exercised any right under the federal Consumer Credit Protection Act.
Board of Directors
Peggy Appleman – Board Chair
Peggy Appleman is a librarian whose last job before retiring was as a photo librarian of the local history division of the D.C. Public Library. She has worn several other hats including geologist, yarn store manager, and exhibits researcher at the Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural History. Peggy has a bachelor’s degree is in geology, an MA in history and a master’s degree in library and information science, specializing in archives. Since moving to Idaho in 2005, Peggy has volunteered at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library and has been an active member of the local AAUW. She has been a member of the Habitat of North Idaho board since 2020. Peggy enjoys traveling, knitting, and reading. She has one child, a daughter, who teaches chemistry at Sacramento State University.
Jeff Herrman – Vice Chair
Jeff Herrmann recently retired from a 40-year career in executive management with Boy Scouts of America. He served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Boy Scout Councils in Little Rock, Miami, Denver, and Santa Ana, California. He is widely known for his expertise in not-for-profit business management, board development, and expanding organizational capacity. Mr. Herrmann is a frequent lecturer on leadership development, fundraising and third sector management. He has led organizations to achieve top recognition by Charity Navigator and Best Places to Work. He was ordained as an Elder in the Presbyterian Church in 1983 and been a long-time lay leader at the local and denominational level. Mr. Herrmann has also served on the board of directors and in volunteer leadership capacities in number of community based not-for profit organizations. He currently serves as Region Director of the National Model Railroad Association and Board Chair of Lorica Resources, a Christian leadership development organization that works with pastors and church lay leadership. Mr. Herrmann is married and has four children and one grandchild. He and his wife Gail live in Rathdrum.
Brock Olson – Treasurer
Brock Olson is a Vice President/Commercial Banking Credit Portfolio Manager for U.S. Bank. Brock has a background in accounting and commercial banking with a specialized focus on commercial real estate lending and risk analysis. Brock is a graduate of the University of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Brock has lived in Kootenai County for the past 20 years and is a proud father of three boys.
Ben Simpson – Secretary
Bio coming soon!
Gary Louie – Board Member
Bio coming soon!
Doug Shoop – Board Member
Doug Shoop has 30+ years of leadership and management experience within the federal government, private industry and academia. Mr. Shoop was the Manager or Deputy Manager of the United States, Department of Energy’s (DOE), Richland Operations Office for over 11 years where he was responsible for the management and operation of the cleanup of the 586 square mile Hanford nuclear site. Mr. Shoop successfully led and managed a large diverse federal and contractor workforce comprised of over 5000 employees and an annual budget of over $1 billion. Mr. Shoop maintained a positive collaborative relationship with numerous federal and state regulators, several local Tribal Nations and numerous Hanford stakeholders. Mr. Shoop retired from the US Department of Energy in 2019. Prior to his work with DOE, Mr. Shoop worked for several large private construction and engineering firms. Mr. Shoop also spent several years in academia where he published numerous peer reviewed papers in nationally recognized scientific journals and presented numerous articles at large national scientific conferences. Mr. Shoop won an Emmy Award for a documentary depicting the history of the Hanford nuclear reservation and plutonium production. Mr. Shoop holds a Masters of Science (MS) in Environmental Engineering/Industrial Hygiene, a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Medical Microbiology and is a retired Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH). Doug and his wife Lisa live in Coeur d’ Alene and have 2 wonderful daughters and son-in-laws and 4 precious grandchildren.
Gary Pinkerton – Board Member
Gary Pinkerton is the Senior Vice President, Wealth Advisor, and Director of Institutional Investments for PRS. Gary owned a successful wealth management firm in Cleveland, Ohio since 2001, and merged his firm with PRS in 2014. He previously worked with various High Tech companies in the development of new products. Gary earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Harvey Mudd College, a BS in Economics from Claremont McKenna College, and an MBA from Colorado State University. He is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), and an Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst® (AIFA®). Gary is married to Paula, and has three children (Alexandra, Connor and Lauren). He and Paula enjoy traveling to interesting and unique places by sailboat if possible. He enjoys regularly spending time with his extended family and is an avid reader of books on business, investing, and a wide variety of other topics. To keep life varied and interesting, Gary is a marathon runner, Classical Violist, a Rotarian, an avid wood worker, and a black belt in karate.
Steve Anderson – Board Member
Bio coming soon!
Board of Directors
Key Staff
James Casper – Executive Director
James Casper has been the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of North Idaho (HFHNI) since November 2016. As an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, HFHNI works in Kootenai County to build and repair housing for low-income residents. Most recently, James has led the transition to HFHNI building condo units in conjunction with a land-lease structure that provides for cost savings and permanent affordability for new construction housing units. Prior to working for Habitat, James had worked in a variety of industries, including telecommunications, software sales, construction, and other community service organizations. James has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in public administration. Working for a Habitat Affiliate provides a rewarding and challenging environment where all of James’ experience has been put to use.
Chad Rekasie – Finance Director
Chad Rekasie began as HFHNI’s Director of Finance in 2019. He is a CPA and has a background in governmental and corporate accounting and finance, as well as public accounting. He believes in the Habitat for Humanity Vision of “A world where everyone has a decent place to live” and enjoys supporting HFHNI in its pursuit of that vision. Chad enjoys everything the North Idaho outdoors has to offer and loves skiing, biking, hiking, and hunting with his wife and two young daughters.
Board of Directors
Nancy Nassimbene – Development Coordinator
Nancy Nassimbene is passionate about helping people make a positive difference in their lives and future. She has 12-plus years of experience in fundraising and community outreach working with a nonprofit in Palos Verdes, California. Nancy also has 30 years of experience in sales and customer service and holds an Idaho real estate license.