Habitat MidOhio Monthly Musing

To sign up to receive your copy of the Monthly Musing straight to your email inbox, click here.

CEO Corner

Last Friday, we honored and recognized the end of slavery in America by taking Juneteenth as a holiday. I recall learning in school about the proclamation made by Abraham Lincoln to free enslaved people – The Emancipation Proclamation.  It is worth noting that Juneteenth happened two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. You can read more about Juneteenth and the timing here.

As I reflect on Juneteenth, I cannot help but recall the timeline (posted below) many of us have seen, which shows how incredibly long slavery lasted and how relatively short the time of freedom has been. This timeline matters because there are long-lasting impacts on our systems and policies, which are important to understand so that we may correct them. Many of us have heard or read about  redlining (a discriminatory and government-sanctioned housing policy), which is one example of systemic racism that has long-lasting impacts that need to be addressed. 

I have shared this letter with our staff – Frederick Douglass’ open letter to his former owner.  He closes with and incredibly beautiful and powerful sentiment: 

There is no roof under which you would be more safe than mine, and there is nothing in my house which you might need for your comfort, which I would not readily grant. Indeed, I should esteem it a privilege, to set you an example as to how mankind ought to treat each other.

I hope and pray we can all work to set examples of how humans should treat each other.  At Habitat, we will do this by lifting up and embodying our core values and working toward a world where everyone has a decent place to live.  

In Service,
Brandi Braun AL-Issa
President & CEO

Resource Development

Thanks to you, we did it!

Thanks to our fantastic community, we met our goal and raised $50,000 in support of our next innovative project to address the affordable housing crisis. With each dollar raised being matched by a generous supporter, our total raised comes to $100,000!  Because of wonderful supporters like you, we can be a leader in solving the affordable housing crisis in central Ohio.  Thank you for being part of our incredible Habitat-MidOhio community!

Volunteer Services

Join HYP for Putts & Pints This Thursday!

Join HYP MidOhio on June 25th in Bridge Park to support affordable housing through putt-putt!  No need to create a team - each person will play individually, although you are welcome to compete with friends and strangers alike!  Scorecards will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win great prizes! Kids play for free with the purchase of 1 adult ticket! Register here. 

Volunteer Spotlight: Stephen

Stephen grew up seeing his church participate in Habitat wall builds here in Columbus and went on to serve with the Appalachia Service Project in high school. After entering the workforce, he found himself missing hands-on community service and discovered Habitat-MidOhio's Young Professionals chapter and he's never looked back. From conquering a fear of heights on his very first build to perfecting the small details that make a house a home, Stephen's dedication to serving his community is an inspiration. Click here to learn more! 

ReStore

Find Deals, Do Good: What’s New at the Habitat MidOhio ReStores

Shop: Come shop our new product categories that include pet supplies, butcher block countertops, new grills and firepits, and so much more. Did you know MidOhio ReStores offers new product as well as donated merchandise? Our Westerville, Newark and Hilliard locations offers a variety of purchased goods. We have brand new cabinets, rugs, paint, paint supplies, light duty tools, and tile flooring for sale.

Flower Sale! July Flower Sale is right around the corner….check us out on Facebook or Instagram for details in the coming weeks. 

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

Workforce Development Continues to Grow

Just last month, on May 12th, we came together to celebrate the completion and dedicate a home for the Hollins family.  This was a special project for HFHMO and the central Ohio community as a whole.  The project was a partnership between Ft Hayes Career Center, HFHMO, and the City of Columbus BZS was a concerted effort to engage rising students to another level of experience and understanding in their respective fields of study; masonry, carpentry, HVAC, Electrical, and plant sciences.  In addition to the core partnership there were many Central Ohio companies who also came aboard to support and make the project a great success!  A big thank you goes out to Gilbane, The Presper Family, and The Reinberger Foundation for their generous financial sponsorship.  Also, a huge shout out and thanks to the material and service donors who supported the effort!  Those companies included Snyder Brick & Block (foundation materials donation), Bucklew Basement Waterproofing & Masonry (discounted leadership of foundation labor), Straight & Lamp Lumber (discounted lumber), DAKlectric (donated electrical leadership), and Westlake Royal Building Products (donation of vinyl siding).  Without the support of great local companies we could not continue to support the important work of educating and preparing our youth to become valuable members of the workforce!

Even as we were rounding out this exciting project and the Hollins family moved into their beautifully built home a couple of weeks ago, we were in planning and preparation for this years HFHMO/Ft Hayes/City of Columbus BZS workforce development project.  The Pittman family has committed this year to partnering with all of these great organizations mentioned above on the build of what will soon be their new home on Gibbard Ave!  The lot has been cleared, the plans are submitted for permitting, and the schedule is being created to again align with the academic calendar of the Ft Hayes students.  We have been taking time meeting with Ft Hayes instructors and administrators to talk through ‘lessons learned’ and plan for an even stronger and better project this coming school year.

We are thankful for and know that our faithful volunteer leaders will again be excited to come out and participate hand in hand with us and the students to make their senior year a great experience.   We are also incredibly thankful for the generosity of those companies mentioned earlier who we will be asking again to partner with us as we continue to put God’s love into action, bringing people together to inspire hope, build homes, empower families, and develop communities!

Thomas's smiling face as he leads a group of OSU Habitat Campus Chapter volunteers to accomplish some flooring warranty work.

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.