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July/August 2003 Living Now
Habitat for Humanity RE-Store
Funding Homeownership, Improving Existing Housing, Decreasing Landfills

 

PORTLAND, OR- Due to tremendous community support and a committed partnership with local donors, the Habitat for Humanity Re-Store has grown considerably over the past year and is now making the change from monthly to weekly sales. Beginning June 5, 2003 the Re-Store will be open on a weekly basis, every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1814 N Columbia Blvd.

 

Who is Portland Habitat for Humanity? Portland Habitat for Humanity is a not-for-profit, community-based organization. Our purpose is to create partnerships in the building of simple, decent homes for low-income people in north, northeast and southeast Portland. We maintain a strong, diverse community by providing homeownership opportunities to low-income individuals and families. Portland Habitat for Humanity does not build homes for people, but with them as equal partners. Homeowners must invest 500 hours of "sweat equity" into the building of their home. The homes are then sold for around $65,000 to $75,000 at no profit and through no-interest loans. Homeowner's monthly mortgage payments go into a revolving fund for Portland Habitat that is used to build more homes. No government funds are used in the construction of Habitat homes. Habitat homes are built with a volunteer labor force, utilizing building materials and services that are donated by local business as well as individual and corporate donations. Construction takes approximately six months from groundbreaking to dedication and an addition one month until the family moves in. Working in partnership with individuals, businesses, neighborhood groups, churches and synagogues, Portland Habitat ranks in the top 20 US producing affiliates and has built 75 simple, decent homes for partner families since 1981.

Last year, four Portland metropolitan Habitat for Humanity affiliates opened a recycled building materials resale center, the Re-Store, to sell new, used and slightly damaged building materials to the public at a fraction of everyday prices. Today, the Re-Store enjoys great public support and popularity both as a service to the general community and as a strong fundraiser for the partner affiliates.

The Re-Store supports Habitat for Humanity’s mission to eliminate poverty housing in America and throughout the world. The proceeds from our sales are used to build homes in the Portland metropolitan area. Customers include many landlords and lower-income homeowners who use recycled materials to repair, upgrade and remodel their sub-standard houses and apartment buildings, thus improving housing conditions and bolstering communities from within.

The Habitat for Humanity Re-Store is actively seeking new or used building materials in good, reusable condition. Doors, cabinets, millwork, hardware, appliances, windows, flooring, plumbing fixtures, lighting supplies or any miscellaneous building products can provide a hand up to a family in need. They are asking architects, remodelers, contractors, and homeowners to donate these types of materials for a tax write-off rather than disposing them in the landfill. The Re-Store also provides a pick up service for donations.

If you are interested in making a donation or if you have questions, please contact Jaimi Coward at (503) 287-9529 or jaimi_coward@pdxhabitat.org.