Habitat MidOhio Monthly Musing

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CEO Corner

Together We Build a Legacy

In 1980, President Jimmy Carter inaugurated the first National Women's History Week, stating, "Too often, the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love of the women who built America were as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well". 

We now celebrate women’s history with a full month and this month, I’m recognizing some local women who have made history by defying norms and expectations through picking up tools, learning, building and doing things once thought not for girls or women.  These women have been inspired by others and are certainly an inspiration to others.  I’m inspired every time I interact with these women, who are building more than houses when they step onto a build site. I’m sharing some of their reflections with you.   

Habitat MidOhio Women Build Crew, thank you for letting me be a small piece of your work. 

A reflection from Suzanne:  

Rosalynn Carter first inspired my desire to help build houses with Habitat for Humanity.  In the 1980's, television clips showed her building houses next to her husband.  I learned in high school that girls' tools were spoons and bowls and sewing needles; boys' tools were hammers, drills, and saws.  Rosalynn taught me something different. 

Through Habitat and the Women Build, I have met women who quickly became my best friends.  We agree that everyone deserves a safe place to live.  And we love helping others. 

Rosalynn taught me something different. 

A reflection from Vicki:  

When I tell women about Habitat, I say "just come out, you don't need to know how to do the work, I'll teach you".   

I have seen evidence that the Habitat approach works.  

I enjoy meeting new people in the Women's Build setting and enjoy interacting with them to find out what they do and why they volunteer.  I have also personally gained from people sharing their experiences and shared lots of good times at lunch and while working -the day is not all about giving - sharing and building relationships is important too.    

Just come out, you don't need to know how to do the work, I'll teach you. 

A reflection from Nancy: 

The Women Build crew is fascinating because of the respect and patience we have for one another, and the willingness to learn and teach others without criticism; or with constructive criticism as needed.  

We uplift each other by sharing our stories and experiences, as we showcase the tenacity and resilience of women of various backgrounds and ages, while building together in a primarily male-dominated field where women are scarce on-site and may otherwise feel intimidated. 

Volunteering for the Women Build and general crew provides a sense of community and camaraderie, as we’re all working together and dedicating our time and resources for a greater cause by choice in most instances. 

It has been rewarding and fun, and I would encourage anyone who wants to make a difference in the community/world to volunteer in some capacity.  

[B]uilding together in a primarily male-dominated field where women are scarce on-site and may otherwise feel intimidated. 

If you feel inspired by our women volunteers who are defying norms, setting an example, and building houses, I hope you consider investing in our Women Build Fund; making homes built by women (often times for women) come to life for years to come.  This fund was created in honor of a beloved Women Build regular who we lost last year. 

Alison Harris embodied the heart of Habitat for Humanity - MidOhio. A proud member of our Women Build crew, Alison dedicated more than 1,600 volunteer hours since 2018 - swinging hammers, organizing projects, and inspiring others to pick up a tool and join in. 

Even through her battle with cancer, Alison’s passion for building community never wavered. Her teammates recall a Habitat hard hat resting on her hospice nightstand - a symbol of her unwavering love for this mission. 

To celebrate her remarkable legacy, Habitat MidOhio has established the Women Build Fund in Honor of Alison Harris. This fund ensures that generations of women will continue to build homes, confidence, and community in her name. 

Together, we honor Alison’s belief that women can build—not just houses, but courage, connection, and hope. 

In Service,
Brandi Braun AL-Issa
President & CEO

Resource Development

Make your next pizza night a win-win with Donatos and Habitat for Humanity!

We are grateful to partner with Donatos and the Donatos Family Foundation on a special round-up campaign that makes it easy to support affordable housing right here in our community. From January 26 through April 19, when you order online at donatos.com, you can choose to round up your total, with every donation directly benefiting your local Habitat for Humanity affiliate - including Habitat MidOhio! 

As part of this same campaign, there’s an even sweeter way to give back. When you add a Buttercream Frosted Cookie to your order, Donatos will donate $1 to your local Habitat for Humanity. It’s a simple (and delicious) way to help hardworking families build strength, stability, and self-reliance through homeownership. 

Make your next pizza night a little more meaningful. Together, every round-up and every cookie helps build more affordable homes and stronger neighborhoods. 

Volunteer Services

Volunteer Spotlight: Todd

From retiring from his corporate career to discovering volunteer opportunities with Habitat MidOhio, Todd quickly found a meaningful way to give back. Now a dedicated volunteer in Deconstruction, he helps salvage materials, support Habitat’s mission, and connect with partner families along the way.  

His journey is a powerful reminder that volunteering can bring new purpose while helping build stronger communities. 

Read more about Todd’s journey and impact. 

Dine to Donate with Habitat Young Professionals

Join our Habitat Young Professionals chapter for a fundraiser supporting the Devon Triangle project! On Tuesday 3/24, Aladdin’s Worthington will be donating 10% of dine-in and carryout sales to Habitat MidOhio. Join us for good food for a good cause!

ReStore

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

Shop: Our inventory is always changing and now is the time to upgrade and refresh your home as we head into the warmer months! Check out all of our new and donated items, featuring LaZboy furniture, Dahdoul flooring and home décor, Butcher Block countertops and many other great items donated generously by individuals and corporations!

Donate: Spring is always a time to start fresh-out with the old and in with the new! We would love to be a part of your spring-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 on our mission to end substandard housing in Columbus. Do you have bigger items that won’t fit into your vehicle? No problem, we will come to you and pick up for free! 

Check out more information on what items we accept and how to set up a pick up at our website!  Visit our https://www.habitatmidohio.org/restore/donations.html. Click or tap if you trust this link.">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. Click or tap if you trust this link.">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!

Volunteer: Individual and group volunteer opportunities are available at our Westerville, Newark and Hilliard locations. Sign up https://volunteer.habitatmidohio.org/index.php?section=volOpportunities&action=calendar. Click or tap if you trust this link.">online to see what shifts/days are available. Give back to the community and come out for a team building day! Thank you to all of our individual and group volunteers for the many hours of service you have given in our ReStore locations!

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 Spring Cleaning: Donate & Make a Difference

Looking to make space during your Spring Cleaning? Your donation is tax-deductible! 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

Adopt-A-House Partnerships Preparing to Spring 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.