Habitat MidOhio Monthly Musing
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CEO Corner
Donatos Pizza is a well-known entity here in central Ohio, and just writing about their great product is making me hungry! In my Musings this month I wanted to share what a great partner Jane Grote Abell’s company is to not only Habitat MidOhio, but to Habitat for Humanity International overall.
Specifically, this is the second year running that Donatos has engaged Habitat affiliates throughout their multi-state franchise system to support our work. In each of these last two years, and in support of the company’s effort to support their philanthropic pillar of affordable housing, they have set aside the first quarter of their operations to engage with us in a “round up” program, where customers can make small donations that are then distributed to Habitat affiliates in their respective franchise locations supporting their affiliate’s work of providing new homeownership opportunities. This thoughtful exercise will generate $100,000 overall across their system, and we could not be more appreciative of their choosing Habitat for Humanity and are thrilled with the results.
For our mid-Ohio affiliate, engagement has included a build day constructing and decorating playhouses for our “Playhouse Project.” Last year, their team completed four of these houses, and this month, Donatos’ efforts culminated in six of these mini-homes that delighted as many families as their children were introduced to their new playhouses during the ‘big reveal’ at the end of the day at the OSU French Field house. Joining us and visiting with families and children was none other than Brutus Buckeye! All in all, it was a great day watching Donatos’ employees compete to see which team could produce the best decorated playhouse. It was heartwarming fun for all, and we thank Jane and all for participating.
Also, of note last month is that Michael Copella, Sr. Marketing Director for CBRE took the mantle of Board leadership from Mike “Fitz” Fitzpatrick, President of Elford. Michael has previously served as Vice Chair, and we look forward to his efforts in continuing the upward trajectory of Habitat MidOhio. We sincerely thank Fitz for his dedication and great support over a number of years and appreciate his willingness to remain as an excellent contributor on the Executive Committee.
Homeowner Services
Wall-Raising of Lawson Home, March 2
We were joined by a huge crowd for our wall-raising in Newark this past month! Justina and her children were joined by sponsors, volunteers, family and friends. Her employer even closed their office so all of her coworkers could join in the ceremony!
Thank you to longtime sponsors: Park National Bank, Licking Memorial Health Systems, Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing, The Energy Cooperative, and the City of Newark!
Commencement of Carter Home, March 11
Deborah was all smiles (and a few happy tears!) as we started the rehab on what will soon be her very own home. The daffodils blooming in the flowerbeds were a reminder of the fresh start and new beginnings that will come through this house.
Construction
Hilliard Adopt-A-House Group Continues to Suit Up and Show Up
Spring has begun to show its colors in central Ohio and along with it, many of our dedicated volunteers have come out to finish up last year’s projects and also start on this year’s projects. While doing the final touches like yard work really make a home look beautiful, not all of the necessary tasks on projects are glamorous. One group is gutting out a soon-to-be expertly renovated house to prepare the project for the extensive work to come.
Very early this year the Hilliard Adopt-A-House (HAAH) group completed their 25th project with HFHMO, a new home build at 332 Hosack Street, under the tutelage of long time House Lead Larry Hutchison. Thanks to Larry for his many years of great leadership with the group! Special thanks goes to Tod Powers who has been a faithful volunteer with HAAH group for 15 years. Just a few months ago, he retired from his long-time career and is now stepping up to lead this year’s project.
Immediate past House Lead Larry Hutchison with the help of John Strand lay out stepping stones in the rear yard while Tod Powers steps in as the new House Lead with a "hands on" approach carrying more stepping stones to be set.
Recently HFHMO acquired a vacant house located at 1461 Genessee Avenue that was built in 1925 and in need of a major renovation to bring it back to life. In order to get to a point of creating accurate and detailed plans for the scope of work ahead, it is necessary to have the house gutted. This early work will also get the house to a better place for our Homeowner Services team to present it to perspective partner families for selection. This work is dirty and VERY labor intensive but the HAAH volunteers again have suited up (literally) to take on the task. On a recent Wednesday, a group of their faithful core volunteers came out for the first day of this work and put a substantial dent in starting this task. They accomplished gutting two of the three bedrooms and started on the third, gutted about half of the living room, removed the hot water heater and some shelving from the basement, removed kitchen cabinets, removed old entry doors and installed security Lexan on the openings. A great start what will soon be a wonderfully renovated home for another partner family!
Thanks for all of your dedication and hard work Hilliard Adopt-A-House in both completing the finishing details on one home and starting the work on yet another house!
Week in and week out the dedicated women of HAAH group suit up to get things done! From Left to right: Lisa McCort, Diane Vaughn, Heather Feusner, and Diana Welsh.
ReStore
Spring has arrived and our ReStores would love to be a part of your spring-cleaning process! Items donated to our ReStores are sold at affordable prices to the community, which in turn helps support our mission to end substandard housing in Columbus. We also carry a variety of new products in our stores, whether you need to paint, repair, or replace, we have what you need for your next project. Come shop with us at any of our 3 locations:
ReStore Locations and Hours
- ReStore Westerville Road: 3140 Westerville Road, Columbus, OH 43224
- Open Monday-Saturday from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (Donations Drop-offs 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.)
- ReStore Bethel Road: 2555 Bethel Road, Columbus, OH 43220
- Open Monday-Saturday from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (Donations Drop-offs 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.)
- ReStore Newark: 1660 N 21st St, Newark OH 43055
- Open Monday-Wednesday from 9:00AM to 5:00PM and Thurday-Saturday 9:00AM to 7:00PM (Donations Drop-offs 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.)
Check out more information on what items we accept and how to set up a pick up at here!
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
April is upon us, and that means Earth Day! We should celebrate our planet every day but April is a month especially dedicated to being more eco-conscious. Help MidOhio ReStore celebrate our Earth by participating in one of the many events we will be at this coming month. Our next few volunteer opportunities are now posted. Sign up for an activity below to help spread some Habitat cheer amongst the community.
Welcome New Staff!
We're excited to welcome several new staff members to our ReStore team at all of our locations!
Volunteer Services
Hearts Full of Gratitude
This month we celebrate National Volunteer Week, a week set aside to recognize volunteer impact. For over 3 decades, we have been blessed to have so many wonderful volunteers carrying out Habitat’s mission in central Ohio. Day in and day out, our Habitat MidOhio volunteers make an impact. Volunteers sharing their time, talents, and resources not only result in making a difference in their community, but sharing time, talents, and resources also make a difference in their own lives when they challenge themselves, gain a new understanding, learn new skills, meet new people, find commonality, and use their platform to advocate for affordable housing. We are grateful for the volunteers who continue to serve families who need affordable housing by volunteering on our sites, in our ReStores, in our office, and in the communities we serve.
To our volunteers, both past and present, we say thank you for joining us on this journey and making an impact in your community! We look forward to your continued support!
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
National Arab American Heritage Month
During the month of April, the Arab America Foundation formally recognizes the achievements of Arab Americans through the celebration of National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM). Across the country, cultural institutions, school districts, municipalities, state legislatures, public servants, and non-profit organizations issue proclamations and engage in special events that celebrate the Arab community’s rich heritage and numerous contributions to society.
Resource Development
Habitat MidOhio is thrilled to again partner with Donatos Pizza for the second year of their franchise-wide round up event running from January 30 – April 30, 2023. You can round up or donate when you order online, plus $1 per snickerdoodle cookie sold will be donated to Habitat for Humanity International. So please, enjoy some great pizza for a great cause through the end of this month!
Save the date! Kendra Scott is hosting her "Shine Bright, Do Good" event on May 3rd from 5-7pm. Stop by the Kendra Scott store at Easton Town Center to shop and 20% of your purchase will be donated to Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio!
