Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity is extending its mission of helping people realize the dream of homeownership into Lorain County. One of its first priorities is to reopen its popular ReStore home improvement center and thrift store in Amherst.
The Lorain County store is one of three ReStores operated by the nonprofit — the others are located in North Randall and on Cleveland’s near West Side.
Habitat for Humanity’s outgoing president and CEO, John Habat, got the expansion off to a good start before officially stepping down Sept. 30. He is remaining in an advisory role to assist with the transition through the end of the year. New president and CEO John Litten took on the leadership position Oct. 1 as the organization celebrates its 35th anniversary.
Before expanding, Habat and the board of directors wanted to ensure the change would not impact the nonprofit’s efforts in Cleveland. He explained that all fundraising for Lorain County will be done separately and all proceeds raised will stay in that community.
“My first question was, ‘Will this impact our mission of serving Clevelanders?’” Habat says. “The need in Cleveland is great, but so is the need in Lorain.”
Each local affiliate under the Habitat for Humanity umbrella coordinates its own construction and selects local homebuyer applicants. Many also operate local ReStore home improvement centers. Lorain County Habitat for Humanity, including its ReStore, closed in March due to management issues and was not previously affiliated with the Cleveland outfit. Habitat for Humanity International asked if Cleveland was interested in filling the role in the neighboring community.
“Our board will be watching this carefully,” Habat adds. “We have many checks and balances in place to ensure good management.
“When I started with the organization 11 years ago, we were building one house a year,” he continues. “Last year, we built or rehabbed 26.”
Habat sees the potential for this type of future progress in Lorain, too.
“We believe in the power of the Habitat brand and in people’s belief in doing good for others,” he says. “A house is permanent.”
He also notes that the Lorain ReStore is in a fantastic location. The ReStores provide a significant source of revenue for Habitat, generating $2.7 million in sales in Cleveland last year. They are stocked with an array of home-related goods, including large and small appliances, cabinets, doors, wood tables, dressers, couches, housewares, tools, plumbing and wood salvage. Anyone who wishes to donate can drop off goods at one of the three locations or request a free home pickup.
Among the 26 houses completed by Habitat last year, homebuyers paid an average of $114,800, along with many hours of sweat equity. The average monthly mortgage ran $601 and was provided at 0% interest by Habitat.
As Habat departs the organization, he leaves it in the top 25 local affiliates for house production. Last year, its two ReStore locations ranked 13th nationally.
“Here’s to the next 35 years,” Habat says.
