Habitat MidOhio Monthly Musing
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CEO Corner
As the calendar year draws to a close, I can’t help but feel filled with gratitude for the past year and energized for the year that lies ahead.
In 2025, you helped Habitat
- Complete 15 houses
- Repair 116 houses
- Engage 3,966 volunteers with 49,791 volunteer hours
- Build 73 playhouses in support of more than 120 children
- Open a new ReStore on Roberts Road in Hilliard
- Commence a partnership with Fort Hayes Career Center and the City of Columbus with a groundbreaking of a “workforce readiness house” on Old Leonard Avenue
- Onboard 5 new board members
- Have a record-setting Giving Tuesday day of giving
- Engage with hundreds of stakeholders
- See 8 homeowners pay off their mortgages
For the year ahead, I’ve shared a theme with our staff: Courageously align to true north.
Our true north or north star is to be a leader in connecting people to hope and opportunity through affordable housing. A north star or vision statement does not come to life on its own – a declaration is just the beginning. It takes intentional analysis, planning, and work to bring any vision to life – we see this in our personal and professional lives. Habitat remains steadfastly committed to declaring our bold vision and working with intention to be of service to our community.
Thank you for being part of the past year – and – I look forward to the year ahead.
In Service,
Brandi Braun AL-Issa
President & CEO
Homeowner Services
Construction and Homeowner Services recently held another session of Construction 101. The current partner families are starting their homeownership journey with a day dedicated to learning about common construction tools, such as tape measures, saws, drills, ladders, and hammers. This workshop is just one part of the homebuyer education series. As the participants progress through the program, they will gain more hands-on experience with home maintenance, lawn care, and fire safety classes.
For many families, this is their first time working with tools, and they are very eager to learn. They enjoy cheering each other on as they use a tool for the first time.
Resource Development
A Record-Breaking Giving Tuesday!
This Giving Tuesday, our community came together in an extraordinary way to advance access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. We're thrilled to share that we raised more than $37,000, far exceeding our original goal of $12,000! These funds will help build, preserve, and sustain affordable homeownership opportunities for individuals and families in our community. We are especially grateful to our board members who created a matching gifts pool, amplifying every gift and accelerating the impact of this day. Because of your generosity, more of our neighbors will realize the benefits of affordable homeownership.
Did you miss Giving Tuesday? Don’t worry! There’s still time to make your year-end gift and help us start 2026 with a strong foundation to continue expanding affordable housing opportunities in our community. Click here to make your gift now: https://www.habitatmidohio.org/get-involved/donate/donate.html
ReStore
Find Deals, Do Good: What’s New at the Habitat MidOhio ReStores
Come check out our stores for great deals! We have been fortunate to receive several large donations over the past few weeks. Our inventory changes daily, and we have recently received new bathroom vanities, new flooring, new lighting, and so much more. Stop in and check out everything we have available. Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages for all the unique and great items we have in the stores.
Shop In-Store or Online
Get ready for our 2-day post-Thanksgiving sale happening Friday, 11/28 and Saturday, 11/29! Each store will feature limited-time deals on already discounted home goods, furniture, fixtures, and more - while supplies last.
Can’t make it to a store? No problem — you can shop from home! Visit our Habitat MidOhio eBay Store for exclusive online deals and unique items that ship right to your door.
ReStore Locations & Hours
Please note: We made the difficult decision to close our Bethel ReStore, located at 2555 Bethel Road, Columbus, OH 43220 on October 11. As we continue to ensure our ReStore support the mission by providing a direct revenue stream, please consider donating and shopping at one of our other three Restore Locations listed below!
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.
Give Back Before Year-End: Donate & Make a Difference
Looking to declutter before the holidays? There’s still time to make a tax-deductible donation before the year ends! Every gently used appliance, cabinet, sofa, or door you donate helps build affordable homes for families in Central Ohio.
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
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.
