Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), and the Greater Columbus Affiliate, is an ecumenical Christian housing ministry. Habitat affiliates work locally in communities around the world to select and support homeowners, organize volunteers, and coordinate house building. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built more than 300,000 homes worldwide, providing shelter for more than 1 million people in nearly 90 countries. In the Greater Columbus community, Habitat has built more than 207 homes since 1987.
Habitat for Humanity-Greater Columbus (HFHGC) is one of the only housing agencies in Franklin County targeting families who earn 30-60% of median income. HFHGC partner families are chosen after a careful review process during which Habitat assesses their need for housing; their ability to repay a zero-interest, no-profit mortgage; and, their willingness to partner with Habitat through sweat equity. All partner families are first-time homebuyers who earn 30-60% of the median income for Franklin County and currently live in substandard housing. Every partner family must perform a minimum of 200-250 hours of sweat equity, which includes working on their own house and those of other Habitat families, attending homeownership classes, and providing Habitat program support. Every family also assumes a no-interest, no-profit mortgage with payments based on family income. Because HFHGC holds and services these mortgages, Habitat has a long-term relationship with the homeowners and the communities in which they live.
Also supporting HFHGC is “Habitat’s ReStore,” a retail outlet that accepts and re-sells reusable home improvement materials to the general public. Revenue from sales directly offsets Habitat’s administrative costs and assists in both eliminating substandard housing and creating homeownership in Greater Columbus. Habitat’s ReStore is located at 3140 Westerville Road, 3 miles southwest of Easton; 2 miles south of Morse Road. The re-sale store is open to the public Monday-Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Donations may be delivered to Habitat’s ReStore until one hour before store closing time.
For more information about Habitat for Humanity-Greater Columbus and Habitat’s ReStore, call (614) HABITAT or (614) RESTORE.
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