Habitat MidOhio Monthly Musing
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CEO Corner
It’s an energizing and fun time of year – children are returning to school and some organizations, such as Habitat MidOhio, are entering a new fiscal year. Fiscal Year 2027 will be a year of significant impact – we will build 27 homes; each of which will be sold to a family who will be impacted for generations.
While I’m excited for our year ahead, it’s important to reflect, honor, and celebrate the past. This month, I want to reflect on the successes of Fiscal Year 2026; our team, Board, and partners spent the last year diligently laying the foundation for what will be one of our biggest years yet. We will continue working with families to build homes, and we will continue to evaluate new possibilities for housing across Central Ohio.
With that in mind, I'd like to share a few statistics from Fiscal Year 2026:
- 10 new homes built
- 67 critical home repairs completed
- 35,708 volunteer hours
- 71 playhouses built for 198 children
- 573 donors invested in Habitat’s mission
- 189 donors were new donors
- $4.5M in ReStore sales, which resulted in diverting 1500+ tons of materials from landfills
We’re proud of those milestones, but we know that numbers don’t tell the full story. I invite you to read a few highlights below.
- We broke ground on multifamily housing in the Devon Triangle neighborhood, creating new opportunities for 14 families to achieve homeownership. This project is a practical innovation to the way we use available land within the city.
- We closed the Bethel Rd. ReStore and moved operations to a larger space at 5419 Roberts Rd. in Hilliard, enabling us to bring affordable building supplies, home furnishings, and more to a new part of Central Ohio.
- We welcomed 5 new board members to the Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio Board of Directors - Suresh Dandu, Grange Insurance, Mark DeCastro, OhioHealth, Doug Fell, Worthington Presbyterian, Stan Hendricks, Gilbane, and Jimmy Lump, Werth PR
And looking ahead to the near future: we’re thrilled to break ground on a new workforce development house with the students and faculty from Fort Hayes Career Center and representatives of the City of Columbus on Thursday, September 3rd. Students from Fort Hayes will build this home alongside the Habitat construction team and gain hands-on trade skills that they can carry into future careers. We’ve taken to using the mantra building what’s next when we talk about the future, and this is an opportunity for the students of Fort Hayes to be a part of that vision. We look forward to celebrating this occasion with you.
In Service,
Brandi Braun AL-Issa
President & CEO
Resource Development
August in Licking County
August has been a big month for Habitat-MidOhio in Licking County! On August 6th, we kicked the day off with a groundbreaking celebration on Webb St in Newark for the Kiger family. This home will be built with support from the City of Newark, The Energy Co-op, Licking Memorial Health Systems, New River Electrical, OCCH, and Park National Bank.
After our celebration, we moved downtown for the 2026 Licking County Playhouse Blitz Build, presented by Capital One, where we built 6 playhouses for local families. Thanks to our presenting sponsor – Capital One, and our playhouse sponsors – Licking Memorial Health Systems, Owens-Corning, and Park National Bank, for making this day a success.
There's still more to come in Licking County for Habitat-MidOhio. Next month, we'll break ground on a house for the Brailer family on Bolen Ct in Newark. Thank you to all our Licking County supporters!
ReStore
2026 Flower Sale Success!
The 2026 event proved to be our most successful as we sold over 7,500 flowers and plants, generating over $80,000 in total revenue! Thank you to all of our loyal customers for your support! We are extremely grateful for the hours all of our volunteers committed to the event. Our volunteers were amazing and this year marked the largest support we have ever had for our signature event! Our success is never an individual effort, rather the combined effort of our affiliate’s staff and dedicated volunteers. A special THANK YOU to our corporate partners: AmericanHort, Lettuce Works, Foertmeyer & Sons Greenhouse, Scott’s and Strader’s.
ReStore Locations & Hours
ReStore Westerville Road
3140 Westerville Rd, Columbus | Mon–Sat 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Donations 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
ReStore Roberts Road
5419 Roberts Rd, Hilliard | Mon–Sat 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Donations 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
ReStore Newark
1660 N 21st St, Newark | Mon–Wed 9 a.m.–5 p.m. | Thu–Sat 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
Donations 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Clearing out for Summer: Donate & Make a Difference
We would love to be a part of your summer-cleaning process. Items donated to Habitat MidOhio go to our ReStores to be sold at an affordable price to the community, which in turn helps support us in our mission to end substandard housing in Columbus.
How to Donate:
- Schedule a pickup: Call (614) 364-7028 for larger items
- Drop off smaller donations: Bring them to any ReStore Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Check what we accept: Visit our donation list
Deconstruction
Did you Know: Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio offers deconstruction services for your home!
The Habitat ReStore Deconstruction Team provides removal of salvageable materials from your home or business. As a locally recognized and respected organization, we offer efficient service and experienced personnel to complete your job on time.
How the Deconstruction Process Works
1. Contact us to schedule a walkthrough of your project at jcobbs@habitatmidohio.org or 614-772-5445
2. Our experienced crew removes salvageable materials from your property
3. Materials go to the Habitat ReStore to help raise funds to build affordable housing
4. You receive a donation receipt for tax purposes
Construction
Construction Support Volunteers
Some of the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the Construction Department running happens in the warehouse. This includes repairing tools, servicing equipment such as generators and power washers, and keeping tools and materials organized and ready to use.
Jerry Minturn began volunteering on Habitat construction sites in 2008. Around 2013, he began volunteering in the warehouse every Tuesday, where he became an invaluable part of the Construction Support team. Over the years, Jerry has made countless repairs to extension cords, air compressors, framing nail guns, and just about every other type of tool in the warehouse. He has cleaned carburetors, changed oil, replaced wheels, and kept all kinds of equipment running smoothly.
When he wasn't making repairs, Jerry could often be found organizing the shelves and making sure “you can see what you got.” His practical skills, reliability, and commitment to Habitat have made a lasting impact on the Construction Department.
This summer, Jerry decided to retire from volunteering so he could spend more time focusing on things at home. We are incredibly grateful for all the time, knowledge, and hard work he has given to Habitat—and for every tool he repaired and piece of equipment he helped keep running. Jerry's contribution to our Construction Support efforts cannot be overstated, and he will certainly be missed.
Fortunately, we have a great replacement in John Hein. John volunteered alongside Jerry several times this summer and has now stepped into a weekly Construction Support role. Like Jerry, John has experience with small engines and tool repair. He has also volunteered on construction sites and participated in wall builds, bringing a broad range of Habitat experience to the job.
A big thank-you to both Jerry and John for sharing their time and skills with Habitat. We appreciate all that Jerry has done and are excited to have John carrying on the tradition of keeping our tools, equipment, and Construction Department ready to go.
Lead the Way. Build the Future.
Every home we build starts with a strong foundation — and that includes the people who help make it happen.
At Habitat for Humanity–MidOhio, we’ve always believed that when volunteers have the tools, training, and leadership they need, the entire community benefits. As we prepare for a new season of growth — including the addition of multi-family housing units — we’re launching a new initiative to strengthen our volunteer leadership: the Cornerstone Construction Leaders program.
Why This Matters
The demand for affordable housing in Central Ohio continues to rise. Meeting that demand means we must expand how we build — not only in the number of homes, but in how efficiently and safely we manage our construction sites.
For years, Habitat-MidOhio has relied on a dedicated group of Adopt-A-House leaders, longtime volunteers, and staff project leads to guide teams through every phase of construction. But as the number of volunteers grows, so does the need for more leaders ready to share their skills and ensure every volunteer has a meaningful experience.
That’s where Cornerstone Construction Leaders come in.
What Is a Cornerstone Construction Leader?
Cornerstone Construction Leaders are experienced volunteers who step up to guide others, ensure safety and quality, and keep projects on track. Working alongside our Habitat-MidOhio construction staff, they play a vital role in helping us expand our impact and continue building strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.
Each Cornerstone Leader will receive hands-on training from our experienced team in specific phases of construction — gaining new skills they can pass along to others.
Cornerstone Leaders:
- Support and lead specific construction phases
- Mentor volunteers of all skill levels
- Promote safety and craftsmanship on-site
- Keep projects moving smoothly and efficiently
- Help build stronger neighborhoods, one home at a time
What’s in It for You
Becoming a Cornerstone Construction Leader is more than a volunteer role — it’s an opportunity to lead with purpose and leave a lasting mark on your community.
Participants will enjoy:
- Custom Habitat-MidOhio hard hats and shirts
- Ongoing skill-building and leadership training
- Invitations to exclusive appreciation events and luncheons
- The satisfaction of knowing you’re helping families achieve their dream of homeownership
Join Us
We’re looking for people with a passion for service and a willingness to lead. If you can commit to just one day a month, you can help us build the future of affordable housing in Central Ohio.
➡️ Sign up for the Cornerstone Construction Leader Training Interest Survey:
https://forms.office.com/r/nzRu4mVFZe
Together, we can train, lead, and build — one volunteer, one home, and one family at a time.
