Habitat for Humanity is an internationally recognized organization that has made home ownership attainable for individuals and families for decades. Locally, 2018 marks the 30th year of service in Richland County and four years since the agency merged with neighboring Crawford County to officially become Habitat for Humanity of Richland and Crawford Counties.
While many recognize Habitat for building homes and selling them to families in need at 0% interest, there is more to it than that. The following is an excerpt from the Application Process page on Habitat.org:
“At Habitat for Humanity, we know that families in your community and around the world have the potential to stand on their own. All they sometimes really need is a helping hand, a way to help themselves so that they can build that better life.
There is no typical Habitat family. The families who partner with us to build and improve places to call home come from a variety of backgrounds and are selected at a local level. We partner with teachers, musicians, policemen, pastors, office workers and more. The basis for a family’s selection is their level of need for better housing, their willingness to partner with us and work alongside volunteers, and their ability to pay an affordable mortgage.”
Habitat for Humanity of Richland and Crawford Counties knows that these families exist across Mid-Ohio and is always accepting applications for partner families. Executive Director Veronna Drane encourages individuals or families to contact the Habitat office at 419-524-8361 to discuss the opportunities and application information. “The need is overwhelming. Right here in our counties, tens of thousands of people are paying too much for housing, are living in unsafe or unhealthy conditions, or overcrowded situations. We are here to give them a hand-up, not a hand out.”
In July of 2013, Habitat for Humanity added another level of service to the community with the opening of The Habitat ReStore. Now located at 2151 Stumbo Road in Ontario, The ReStore accepts donations of, and re-sells, new and gently-used furniture, appliances, home accessories, building materials and more. Not only do the proceeds of the store go back into the organization to help support the mission of Habitat, but the environmental impact on the area is felt as well. An estimated 621 tons has been kept out of local landfills over the last five years through the store’s efforts to promote recycling, reusing and repurposing.
“With Earth Day and spring cleaning upon us, it is a great time to remind everyone that we are here – and that we are ready to take your donations,” shares Habitat for Humanity of Richland and Crawford County Board President Katie Welch. Pickups are even available one day a week and can be scheduled by calling the store at 419-524-8416. Drane adds a reminder to those looking to shop, “Inventory changes daily, so we may not have what you are looking for on the first visit but keep coming back to check things out because that will change.” The Habitat ReStore is open to the public and hours are Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4p.m. and on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Although the ReStore does help fund some of Habitat’s projects, the organization relies heavily on donations and fundraising activities. The annual Hard Hat Gala coming up on Wednesday, May 9th at Deer Ridge Golf Club is their biggest fundraiser of the year and includes hors d’ oeuvres, live music, raffle items and a cash bar. Tickets are $25 and are available at the ReStore or by calling 419-524-8361.
For more information on applying as a partner family, volunteering, donating, and/or the ReStore, visit the Habitat for Humanity of Richland and Crawford Counties affiliate site at www.habitatofrcc.org or www.habitat.org.
