Habitat MidOhio Monthly Musing
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CEO Corner
The Power of Perspective
Like many fellow Americans, I’ve been enthralled with the recent NASA Artemis II space mission. I’ve experienced it as a recent salve; providing a much-needed sense of awe, optimism, hope, and connection. I don’t think I realize just how lacking I was in some of those feelings until I found myself crying at every image, video, and quote from the crew. The mission and stunning photos also reminded me of the great power of perspective. Many astronauts and some pilots experience the ultimate perspective and even paradigm shift through their travels coined “The Overview Effect” by Frank White. When astronauts view our entire planet as one relatively small orb in an entire galaxy existing in an expansive universe, it changes how they see themselves and humanity. Mother Earth is seen as a fragile and sacred home; borders, religions, races, ethnicities, wars, and disagreements disappear. We are unified by a shared existence that makes one ask, “What really matters?”.
I’m not sure if any of our volunteers are astronauts or pilots, but I do believe they each demonstrate and lead from a more global perspective through their work. Our volunteers – many of whom volunteer consistently several times a week – most weeks of the year – operate from a “zoomed out” perspective. Their hearts, minds, and hands are working toward something that is greater than each person or team. They are working toward a larger picture of humanity that recognize that we are all connected; we are all made in the image of God.
I was recently inspired by the Artemis II crew and daily, I’m inspired by our beloved volunteers. They are the lifeblood of our organization and a reminder for us all to be of service to humanity.
April is Volunteer Appreciation Month and from the bottom of my heart and soul, I appreciate our volunteers and all they do for humanity.
In Service,
Brandi Braun AL-Issa
President & CEO
Resource Development
Gather your crew to build joy for local children!
Get ready for two incredible opportunities to make a hands-on impact this June!
Join us for the Franklin County Playhouse Blitz on June 11–12 at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, where volunteers will come together to build playhouses that will be gifted to local children and families. It’s a high-energy, team-driven event that brings joy, creativity, and community spirit to life - no construction experience needed!
Then, on Saturday, June 27, we invite you to be part of our 5th Annual Faith Blitz at Habitat’s warehouse - 3140 Westerville Road - in Columbus. This special day brings together faith communities from across our region to build, serve, and live out a shared commitment to affordable housing. Whether your group is returning or joining us for the first time, this is a meaningful way to put your faith into action alongside others.
Both events are perfect for organizations, families, corporate teams, and community groups looking to give back in a tangible way. Come build with us, connect with others, and help create stronger foundations for our neighbors.
Spots fill quickly - contact Kate Ames (kames@habitatmidohio.org, 614-681-7333) to sign up today!
Volunteer Services
Join Us for a Special Event
Summer is special events season here at Habitat-MidOhio! From the Playhouse Blitz at Crew Stadium to the Pride Parade to the ReStore Flower Sale, there are plenty of unique ways you can lend a hand this summer! Click the links below for more details:
ReStore
Find Deals, Do Good: What’s New at the Habitat-MidOhio ReStores
Shop: This month we are featuring Butcher Block countertops! We have 8ft and 10ft brand new solid wood countertops, with several different wood types –Pine, Hevea, Acacia, Teak and Walnut. These countertops are crafted from cuts of wood glued together under high pressure, resulting in a natural wood grain look that’s visually stunning and practical. Come see what’s available now!
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 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 available for “Buy Now, Pickup later” at https://midohiorestore.company.site/ or check out our newly launched Ebay store: 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 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
More Adopt-A-House Partnerships Springing into Action
Over the past couple of months we have been highlighting some of our dedicated and faithful Adopt-A-House groups as they have prepared to start their 2026 partnership projects. We would like to continue on that path this month by featuring two more of those groups who are getting started this month on projects.
The AEP Foundation is eager to get started yet again for their 29th home build! They will be partnering with the Elmi family this year to build a beautiful new home on Genessee Ave. For over 30 years the AEP Foundation has been ardent supporters of Habitat not only with the volunteers who construct wonderful homes but also with support supplying trucks, helping to fund our program and family center, and helping to fund the energy efficient upgrades that we put into our homes. Co House Leaders Jim Rosing and Kirk Nofzinger dedicate many hours to recruiting and orchestrating the many volunteers who lend a hand in the construction process. There are many AEP retirees who come out year after year to continue to pitch in with their skills. There are also active AEP employees, both individuals and departmental groups, who regularly come out. A few days were spent recently at our warehouse where AEP folks framed all of the wall panels for this exciting project. Additionally, the DAKlectric team led by Dale Krummen (another AEP retiree) will complete all of the electrical work on this home, as well as multiple other homes throughout the year. We are incredibly grateful for the commitment to us and the families we partner with from the AEP folks!
AEP volunteers and leaders 'Broke Ground' on Genessee Ave with the Elmi Family a few weeks ago in preparation for the new home
The Northwest AAH group with be working together with Mifflin Presbyterian AAH again this year. They will be starting later this month on their 2026 project where they will be building on Aberdeen Ave for the Ali family. This year's home will be the 34th home built by the Northwest AAH and the 19th home that Mifflin Presbyterian has sponsored. It is incredible how many lives have been touched, and more to come! The Northwest AAH is a group of 8 churches that band together resources to make this wonderful work a reality. Each Thursday a core group of people come out to join together and move construction forward. Every Saturday groups of people from the eight different churches show up to pitch in and offer their skills. They will be framing up walls for the Ali home the end of this month within our warehouse. House Leader John Fisher continually creates plans, updates schedules, and leads the troops in whatever tasks the projects calls for. John also was the lead and author of our HFHMO Construction Manual many years ago that he continually updates as designs and techniques change. The construction manual is utilized by many other groups and leads to help them in building other homes throughout the service area. A huge thank you to all of the Northwest and Mifflin volunteers for your big hearts and hard work!
Members of the Northwest AAH and Mifflin Presbyterian took part in the 'Groundbreaking Ceremony' with the Ali family on Aberdeen Ave
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.
