BLCTC Third Act Habitat for Humanity earns media recognition
The Bethlehem Foundation’s support for a Habitat for Humanity project last year earned mention in a story in Newsweek recently, about a remarkable Bethlehem member-led group called Third Act.
The article notes that Baby Boomers have been an easy target of late, blamed for high home prices, stagnant wages, and widening inequality. But the Third Act crew, founded by Bethlehem Lutheran Church Twin Cities member Barry Mason, is challenging that narrative by coming together to work on Habitat for Humanity homes every week and has also financially sponsored two homes, with donations exceeding $200,000 each in addition to their volunteered labor.
The $7,500 grant made in 2025 helped the Third Act sponsor a new Habitat for Humanity home in South St. Paul in recognition of the 35th anniversary of BLCTC’s partnership with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. The grant was matched by 39 BLCTC members who provided another $8,100. A family moved into the new home last December.
“The magnitude of the housing shortage is such that everybody has to be involved,” Barry told Newsweek.
BLCTC members in the Third Act crew include: Scott Elton, Dan Engstrand, Todd Johnson, Robert Kean, Barry Mason, John Porter, Craig Schiller, Mike Speca, and Steve Tjeltveit.
Read the article: Retired Boomers Using Their "Third Act" to Tackle Housing Shortage