This week I had the opportunity to visit Emily London who is the Operations Manager at the Lehigh Valley Habitat for Humanity ReStore on Grape Street in Whitehall. The purpose of the visit was to learn more about upcoming events and activities happening at the ReStore. In addition to learning about the exciting week they have planned October 2nd through October 7th, I also learned more about Habitat for Humanity and the many benefits of the ReStore.
Emily offered me a tour of the ReStore and shared with me its mission and purpose. She spoke with excitement and passion for the ReStore and for Habitat for Humanity. It is clear this is not just a job but a very rewarding way to help others obtain the safe and adequate housing they deserve.
The ReStore creates an eco-friendly way to keep usable building supplies out of landfills it also offers a low-cost way for people to find supplies they need for their homes. Additionally, it provides a way for families that are working towards building a home a place to volunteer and get credit towards completing 250 sweat equity hours. Sweat Equity is primarily done by working on the construction of their or their neighbor’s home and is an important part of the Habitat homeownership program. Habitat families get a hand up, not a hand out, by creating a pathway for families to become home owners. Habitat can build affordable homes by offering low down payments, non-profit mortgages, using volunteer labor, and community partnerships. As families pay off their homes the money goes back into the program enabling Habitat for Humanity to build homes for other Lehigh Valley families in need.
The Lehigh Valley Habitat for Humanity ReStore is one of over a 1000 independently owned and operated ReStores that support their local Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the country. The money generated from each ReStore goes directly to supporting its local communities that it serves. The ReStore on Grape Street carries a wide range of products including building supplies, plumbing, furniture, appliances, homewares, and more. I was amazed by the assortment of things that were available at a low cost.
The ReStore also carries “recolor” paints as a part of its Re|Mix paint program. The program collects unused latex paint and can recycle it in to various shades of usable paint. New to the ReStore this year is a line of outdoor recycled paints. This program is made possible through a partnership with The Paint Exchange, LLC., Northampton County, and the Lehigh Valley Habitat for Humanity ReStore.
If you have not visited the ReStore I highly recommend you do. Next week is a great time to stop by while they are commemorating World Habitat Day with the unveiling of their new Mission Wall at the Restore, along with raffles, free hot dogs, and other activities all week long.
Schedule of Events
October 2: Online drive to support Habitat for Humanity’s work in the Lehigh Valley and beyond! All funds raised will be split between local work and international builds
October 3: Sign up on Volunteer HUB to help build a home for a local family Volunteer opportunities available in Allentown or Easton. www.habitatlv.org/volunteer
October 4: Habitat ReStore Mission Wall Celebration
Unveiling at 11:30am and day-long celebration of the new Mission Wall at the Restore. Join local officials, Habitat Board of Directors and B104 remote for a brief presentation and learn about our homeownership program and our impact on the Lehigh Valley PLUS raffle opportunities!
October 5: Habitat ReStore
Customer Appreciation Day! Free hot dogs from 11AM-2PM at the ReStore! Plus each purchase enters you into our daily raffle!
October 6: Habitat ReStore
Donor Appreciation Day! Every donation enters you into our daily raffle and you’ll receive an in-store coupon. Drop off your stuff to us!
October 7: Habitat ReStore
Family Day! Special discounts all day PLUS enter to win raffles for great Kids prizes and more!
Habitat for Humanity has helped more than 3 million people since it was founded in1976! To learn about how you can help or how you can find help please visit their websites…
http://www.habitatlvrestore.org/
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