Habitat MidOhio Monthly Musing

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CEO Corner

June is a special time of year for Habitat for Humanity in that it is National Homeownership Month.  During this time we celebrate the ways homeownership benefits individuals, families, and communities here in central Ohio.

This tradition began during the economic boom of the Roaring Twenties following the end of World War I when there was a sudden burst of societal growth and optimism.  In 1920, realtors reached out during what was originally a week-long celebration to Americans who embraced peacetime and had enough wealth to buy property and settle down to raise a family.  Throughout the 20th century, recognition of the importance of homeownership evolved and expanded to now include the entire month of June. 

Today, few become homeowners entirely on their own. Instead, those interested engage a number of public and private institutions to buy and sell.  For those of low and moderate-income, Habitat for Humanity is here to offer the “hand up not a handout” option to interested families willing to make the commitment to invest sweat equity, take required classes in home maintenance and personal finance, and then pay on their 0% interest loan once the home is completed and ready for occupancy.

Habitat MidOhio, working with corporate and individual donors – along with our dedicated volunteers – take great satisfaction in having provided this homeownership opportunity to more than 400 individual families here, and some 300 in various African countries since our inception in 1987.  Each of these critical partners ensures our affiliate will be able to continue this legacy moving forward, and for that we are most grateful. 

Allow me to shout out one volunteer in particular, Don Spoelker, who has been swinging a hammer with us for some two decades.  In short, Don goes above and beyond in working for the partner families with whom he is involved.  Case in point is the sweat and effort he and his team are investing in Debbie’s rehab, currently underway in Linden and about to be completed. 

Allow me to direct your attention to this picture of Don standing in front of a fireplace mantel….

Don Spoelker, longtime Habitat MidOhio volunteer.

At first glance, that woodwork, including its design, looks as if it were part of the original home when constructed years ago.  But, images can be deceiving.  It turns out that when work commenced on this rehab, there was no woodwork surrounding the fireplace.  So Don went to work, not on site, but while at home.

Using scrap lumber that had been discarded by workers remodeling a neighbor’s home, he designed and built the new mantel and surrounds, then brought in the pieces and assembled everything on-site.  The result is this handsome addition to Debbie’s fireplace and surrounding wall, the mantel of which will undoubtedly serve to feature cherished pictures of family and other items she values.  Well done, Don!!

As I’ve previously shared, Habitat MidOhio would be but a shell organization without our volunteers.  Don, and men and women of similar heart for service, spend endless hours building and renovating homes for central Ohio residents like Debbie who share their thoughtful appreciation and gratitude though big smiles. 

Know we are most thankful for all our volunteers whose lives and actions provide the best examples of “service to others.”

Enjoy the great summer weather, wherever you’re volunteering!

ReStore

Say hello to the newest member of the ReStore team, Mark Kemp!

Mark is our new Donations Driver in Columbus and we are eager to welcome him to the team! He wanted to work at Habitat because he loves our mission of helping others. He is excited to learn more about his position and be the best at it he can be. Outside of work, Mark enjoys spending time with his daughter, playing sports, making music, crafting, gaming and art. One thing he wants others to know is: "Don't forget to love yourself today!" 

Did you know that Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio offers deconstruction services?

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 cconley@habitatmidohio.org or 614-419-4389.
2. Our experienced crew removes salvageable materials from your property.
3. Materials go to the Habitat ReStore to be sold at an affordable price to the community and funds raised help build affordable housing.
4. You receive a donation receipt for tax purposes.

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 on our mission to end substandard housing in central Ohio. 

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 create and preserve affordable housing in central Ohio. Check out what we accept here!

Since 2012, our ReStores host a Plant Sale fundraiser to help support affordable housing in central Ohio.  Included are indoor plants as well as annual and perennial plants and flowers.  Save the date for our annual two-day sale July 21st and 22nd at all three of our ReStore locations. 

Volunteer Services

Leader Lessons featuring Brady Burt of Park National Bank & HFHMO Board Member

Join us Wednesday, July 12th from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm to hear from Brady Burt, CFO of Park National Bank. We'll also be sharing how to become a Habitat Young Professionals member and sign up for upcoming service opportunities too. There will be food and beverages, and plenty of time to network with industry professionals and community at the event.

Putts & Pints with Habitat Young Professionals-MidOhio

Join HYP MidOhio on June 16th at Land Grant Brewing Company 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!

Registration is $25/person and includes a HYP giveaway item, one drink ticket, participation in the event, and a chance to win prizes! Get your tickets now!

AmeriCorps

We have begun recruitment for next year’s AmeriCorps team, starting in August 2023! AmeriCorps members are needed in the areas of Construction, Volunteer Services, and Resource Development to serve a year with Habitat MidOhio. Members receive a modest living allowance, basic health benefits, an education award upon completion, and a monthly housing assistance stipend. Learn more here.

At Habitat, we believe everyone deserves a decent place to live. This year, we hosted our first ever Pride Build event to invite members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies to help us build a home for a family on Saturday, June 3rd.

Additionally, we will host two Pride Clinics on Saturday, June 24th at 9am and noon teaching participants how to build a wine rack or a planter.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

It takes all of us working together to tackle the affordable housing crisis in our community and we are doing our part to educate and attract people who want to be active partners in the affordable housing solution.

As we continue to build a more diverse, equitable and inclusive staff, volunteer, donor and board base, we are excited to celebrate June and its many remembrances and honors of our diverse country and City!  Our DEI Committee is busy this month sharing our mission of creating and preserving of affordable housing across central Ohio.  We are participating in many community events such as PRIDE Columbus, Juneteenth Resource Fair with the NSI Food Pantry, and Festival Latino Columbus later this summer, just to name a few. 

Support our diverse community by checking out the resources below.

Resource Development

This month, we're highlighting one of our long-standing faith partners, Church of the Resurrection in New Albany.  Last month, they hosted their largest annual Golf Outing fundraiser and a just a few weeks ago, we celebrated the dedication of their 12th sponsored home.  Special thank you to their support in helping develop our poverty simulation and their continued commitment to Habitat!  We are grateful for faith partners and welcome new partnerships.