Habitat MidOhio Monthly Musing
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CEO Corner
This month, I had the honor of moderating the Columbus Metropolitan Club forum, “Will Nonprofits Lead or Be Led?”—a timely conversation about what it means for nonprofits to lead with courage and clarity in a rapidly changing world. I was joined by an exceptional panel of leaders: Ann Bischoff, CEO, Star House; Elizabeth Brown, President & CEO, YWCA Columbus; Rachel Lustig, President & CEO, Lutheran Social Services; and Densil Porteous, Executive Director, Stonewall Columbus.
Together, we explored a candid analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges in the nonprofit sector in Central Ohio. Our strengths came into focus quickly: we are close to the people we serve, agile enough to adapt when conditions change, and deeply collaborative. Those same qualities define the work we do every day at Habitat-MidOhio—neighbors, partners, and volunteers coming together to solve real problems in real time.
We also discussed one of the biggest challenges nonprofits faces: balancing the urgency of today’s needs with the pursuit of long-term change. Lasting progress requires both direct service and systemic work—and no single organization can do it alone. Our opportunity lies in aligning missions, advocating for smarter policy, sharing knowledge, and innovating how we serve so that our impact endures.
At Habitat-MidOhio, our True North is clear: we are a leader in connecting people to opportunity and hope through obtaining and maintaining affordable housing. That focus guides every decision we make—from how we partner with others to how we engage volunteers and families—ensuring our work creates both immediate stability and lasting opportunity.
That purpose was beautifully reflected at our recent Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, where nearly 100 members of our Habitat-MidOhio community gathered to celebrate the power of service. We recognized volunteers who contributed 50 hours or more this year—individuals whose commitment and compassion turn blueprints into homes and hope.
The evening also featured a panel of Habitat homeowners, who shared heartfelt stories about their journey to homeownership and the volunteers who helped make it possible. They spoke of the pride they feel in their homes, the relationships built along the way, and the shared joy that comes from creating something that lasts. Their reflections reminded us that when people give their time and energy to Habitat-MidOhio, they’re not just building homes—they’re building opportunity, dignity, and community.
As we move through this season of gratitude, I’m deeply thankful for every volunteer, donor, and partner who helps us live out this mission. Whether you give your time, your resources, or your voice, you are part of building a stronger, more compassionate Central Ohio—one home, one family, and one neighborhood at a time.
In Service,
Brandi Braun AL-Issa
President & CEO
Resource Development
Giving Tuesday Is Less Than One Week Away!
We’re excited to share a new opportunity for this year’s Giving Tuesday - thanks to our generous Board of Directors, $5,500 in matching funds will be available! That means your gift will go twice as far to support local families working to achieve or maintain safe, affordable homeownership.
With Giving Tuesday right around the corner, now is the perfect time to make your plan. Mark your calendar, spread the word, and help us unlock every matching dollar to strengthen our community.
ReStore
Find Deals, Do Good: What’s New at the Habitat MidOhio ReStores
Come check out our stores for great deals! We have been fortunate to receive several large donations over the past few weeks. Our inventory changes daily, and we have recently received new bathroom vanities, new flooring, new lighting, and so much more. Stop in and check out everything we have available. Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages for all the unique and great items we have in the stores.
Shop In-Store or Online
Get ready for our 2-day post-Thanksgiving sale happening Friday, 11/28 and Saturday, 11/29! Each store will feature limited-time deals on already discounted home goods, furniture, fixtures, and more - while supplies last.
Can’t make it to a store? No problem — you can shop from home! Visit our Habitat MidOhio eBay Store for exclusive online deals and unique items that ship right to your door.
ReStore Locations & Hours
Please note: We made the difficult decision to close our Bethel ReStore, located at 2555 Bethel Road, Columbus, OH 43220 on October 11. As we continue to ensure our ReStore support the mission by providing a direct revenue stream, please consider donating and shopping at one of our other three Restore Locations listed below!
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.
Give Back Before Year-End: Donate & Make a Difference
Looking to declutter before the holidays? There’s still time to make a tax-deductible donation before the year ends! 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
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.
