Habitat MidOhio Monthly Musing
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CEO Corner
Every day at Habitat-MidOhio, we see what happens when hope takes root. A parent turns the key to their family’s first home. A child finally has a quiet place to study. A neighborhood begins to thrive again. These moments remind us why affordable homeownership matters — and why it must remain within reach for families across Central Ohio.
Recently, I had the privilege of sharing this message with the Columbus/Franklin County Funding Review Advisory Committee (FRAC). You can read my full testimony here. I shared what we see every day: that the need for affordable housing continues to grow faster than the resources available to meet it.
In 2024 alone, Habitat-MidOhio received 298 completed homeownership applications — nearly four times the number from just two years earlier. Yet our capacity to build has not kept pace. Rising costs for materials, land, and labor mean that while demand climbs, supply remains constrained. Behind each application is a family longing for stability and the opportunity to build a better future.
Since 1987, Habitat-MidOhio has helped more than 1,000 families purchase or preserve a home through new construction, rehabilitation, and critical repairs. Every Habitat home represents more than a structure — it’s a foundation for health, safety, and opportunity. According to our Family Impact Survey, 98.6 percent of Habitat homeowners report a better quality of life, citing reduced stress, improved well-being, and greater confidence in caring for their families.
Our model is built on partnership — volunteers, donors, and families working together to fund, build, and finance affordable homes. Each homeowner contributes 200 hours of volunteer service and participates in financial-readiness and home-maintenance education. These experiences prepare families not only to buy a home but to sustain it and strengthen their communities.
Even with this collaborative model, the economics of affordable homeownership are challenging. It costs roughly $250,000 to build a Habitat-MidOhio home, which sells for about $180,000. We bridge that $70,000 gap through public and philanthropic support — resources that are essential yet limited.
Expanding access to affordable homeownership in Central Ohio will require innovation, new partnerships, and continued investment from those who believe every family deserves a safe, stable place to live.
Habitat-MidOhio remains committed to keeping that dream alive — building strength, stability, and hope one home, one family, and one neighborhood at a time.
In Service,
Brandi Braun AL-Issa
President & CEO
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.
ReStore
Find Deals, Do Good: What’s New at the Habitat MidOhio ReStores
If you love a great deal and supporting a great cause, you’re in luck! Our Habitat MidOhio ReStores are bursting with incredible new arrivals from some of your favorite home-improvement brands — La-Z-Boy, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Lumber Liquidators, Butcher Block Co., and more. From furniture and flooring to fixtures and seasonal décor, there’s always something new to discover at a fraction of retail cost.
Shop In-Store or Online
Our elves are hard at work setting up holiday displays in all three ReStore locations — because it’s never too early to deck the halls! Stop in soon for festive finds and one-of-a-kind treasures that make gift-giving easy and affordable.
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: Our Bethel Road ReStore (2555 Bethel Road, Columbus) is now closed. We’re grateful for the community’s support and hope you’ll continue to shop, donate, and volunteer at our other locations:
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
Volunteer Services
Volunteer Spotlight
Volunteer Spotlight: Each month, we spotlight volunteers who have gone above and beyond to support Habitat’s mission. Check out our website to view all of our recently spotlighted volunteers, including Marshall Cunningham!
Resource Development
Building Hope in Newark, Ohio
Last Friday was a powerful day for Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio as we gathered with community partners, volunteers, and supporters to celebrate the commencement of a new Habitat home in Newark, Ohio—marking the next step in bringing the dream of affordable homeownership to life for a local family.
This build continues Habitat-MidOhio’s commitment to expanding opportunities for safe, stable, and affordable housing in Licking County. Earlier this year, two new homes were completed on Washington Avenue in Newark, leaving one final lot to transform into a place a family can call home.
We are deeply grateful to our community partners—Park National Bank, Discover, Licking Memorial Health Systems, New River Electrical Corporation, The Energy Cooperative, the City of Newark, and OCCH—for investing in what home makes possible: stability, opportunity, and brighter futures.
Special thanks to Brandi Braun Al-Issa, Brian Elder, Dionne Williams, Tiffany Patterson, Jacob Grice, P.E., Mark Mauter, Natasha Short, and Josh and Patience Miller, who joined us to mark this meaningful milestone and celebrate what’s ahead.
When community shows up, transformation begins.
Together, we’re building more than houses—we’re building hope in Newark and across Central Ohio.
On October 1st, we teamed up with Wells Fargo - The Bank of Doing - at their Easton offices for our largest single-sponsor Playhouse Project Blitz Build of 2025! Thanks to the generosity and spirit of Wells Fargo volunteers, we designed and built ten custom playhouses for local children. These colorful creations reflect Wells Fargo's deeper commitment to building stronger communities and help ensure that every child has a space to play.
Wells Fargo has been a steadfast supporter of our mission to provide affordable homeownership through grants and volunteerism. We're grateful for their continued philanthropic investment, highlighted by a recent Wells Fargo Foundation $15,000 grant renewal in support of our New Homeownership Program. Together, we build a brighter future.
