Habitat MidOhio Monthly Musing
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CEO Corner
New Year, New Project!
Hello and happy new year. At this time last year, I was entering my third trimester of pregnancy and preparing for the next chapter of my life, “motherhood”. Now, with a nine-month-old (and still figuring out motherhood), I’m preparing for our next chapter of service at Habitat – multi-family.
Our north star of being a leader in connecting people to opportunity and hope through affordable housing is calling our team to think, plan, and act differently. I recently read Courage is Calling by Ryan Holiday, where he highlights the important role physical and mental courage plays in our lives. The Habitat team is striving to courageously bring our mission of putting God’s love into action to inspire hope and build communities to life by pursing projects and partnerships that help bring more affordable homes to Central Ohio.
In April, we will break ground on our first multi-family development – townhomes in the Devon Triangle neighborhood. We’ve partnered with the City of Columbus for this to be a project that demonstrates how multi-family homeownership can be part of our housing solution. We have a group of growing private supporters including the Safelite Foundation, Ned and Marquell Segelken, Keith Dufrane, Church of the Resurrection, Habitat Young Professionals and AEP, IBP, with more to come.
I’ve had the chance to speak publicly about our work and this project recently in a Columbus Monthly opinion piece and at a Columbus Chamber CEO Insights interview featured on WCMH.
Every day, I am inspired by the courage of you – those who volunteer, give, partner, support, pray, hope, and share – to bring affordable homeownership to life. Thank you for being on this journey and please consider inviting someone else to be part of it.
Many of you are engaged because someone courageously asked once (and perhaps gave a dose of encouragement).
In Service,
Brandi Braun AL-Issa
President & CEO
Resource Development
Habitat for Humanity Cars for Homes Awarded Best Vehicle Donation Program 3 Years in a Row!
For 3 consecutive years, Forbes Advisor has named Habitat for Humanity’s Cars for Homes program one of the best vehicle donation programs in the nation! This award recognizes the efficiency and impact our vehicle donation program has on our local community. That means, each dollar generated by your vehicle donation helps serve more families right here in central Ohio.
Want to find out more? Check out the "Other Ways to Give" page of our website.
ReStore
Find Deals, Do Good: What’s New at the Habitat MidOhio ReStores
Happy New Year from MidOhio ReStores! 2025 was a busy year and we look forward to serving our communities even more in 2026!
Shop: It’s winter in Ohio! That means more time indoors so come out and shop with us at the ReStores! Whether you are in need of updating, remodeling or replacing, we have the stuff for you! Stop in to any of our three locations for great deals with Furniture, Appliances, Flooring, Cabinets, Water heaters, Bathroom vanities and so much more.
Donate: Making space for all your new holiday gifts? Consider donating your old usable items to ReStore. We offer free pick-up five days a week, or drop-off is available six days a week. Visit our website for a list of acceptable items and to schedule a pick-up.
Online: Don’t have time to come in? Shop with us online for items at https://www.ebay.com/str/habitatforhumanitymidohio, featuring new donated items. No matter how you choose to shop, we have the items you are looking for!
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
Fort Hayes Workforce Development House
Over the past several months many of the dedicated volunteers that are part of our regular Tuesday and Thursday Crews, as well as several other individuals, have been coming out regularly to both work alongside the Project Lead, Mattias Minarsch, while also utilizing their expertise to train students of Ft Hayes Career Center. Many of these people are used to sometimes working with others outside of their respective crews, but this project has brought the level of teaching and training to a new level. Without the commitment from these faithful volunteers the value to the students at Ft Hayes Career Center participating would not be nearly as strong as it is as they put their knowledge into practice on framing, window and door installation, siding installation, insulating, and many other tasks. A huge thanks goes out to these folks for their patience and enjoyment they have brought to this partnership project!
In addition, the incredible DAKlectric volunteer team of electricians also stepped out of their comfort zone to engage and work hands on with the students at Ft Hayes who are in the Electrical Program. The talented guys that are part of this crew have many years of electrical experience, and it is uplifting to see their enjoyment in training and passing along their knowledge to another generation of tradespeople. It is one thing for students to learn about their trade from books or in a lab but bringing it to life in practical applications like doing the wiring on this house will be so beneficial to them. Great work DAKlectric team!
Also, a big shout out to a couple of our other trade contractors for their participation and willingness to work alongside the Ft Hayes students to gain real world experience. Bucklew Basement Waterproofing & Masonry who worked with the masonry program students to construct the cinderblock foundation. American Air Heating & Cooling who recently engaged the HVAC program students on the install of the ductwork and furnace. Thanks for making this a powerful experience for the students!
Last, but certainly not least, a debt of gratitude to the other partners on this project who have donated or significantly discounted their services and products to make this all possible.
Thank you to Snyder Brick and Block for donation of cinderblock and foundation materials!
Thank you Straight & Lamp Lumber for the extraordinary discount on the lumber products involved in the framing!
Thank you Muth & Company Roofing for your ongoing support an the donation of the roofing on this project!
Incredible volunteers and partners surrounding HFHMO are greatly appreciated and continually help us to put God’s love into action!
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.
