Volunteers at the Habitat for Humanity Choptank ReStore celebrated a milestone at the store’s recent spring open house. A ceremonial check in the amount of $199,082, representing the net income the ReStore has generated since it opened in October 2010, was presented to Habitat Choptank executive director Nancy Andrew. Funds raised by the ReStore are invested into the nonprofit home builder’s construction program. To date, the store has nearly funded the total costs for two new Habitat homes.
“We started with a great business plan and a very supportive community,” said ReStore manager Lee Weldon in explaining the store’s success. Several years ago a group of volunteers wrote a business plan to guide Habitat Choptank in opening a ReStore. The plan took a conservative approach, advising that it would take several years for the ReStore to start generating income to expand home building. The store quickly exceeded expectations, repaying back the affiliate’s start-up investment in eight months and turning over income every month since then with total proceeds to date now nearing the $200,000 mark.
ReStores are resale outlets run by local Habitat affiliates. Habitat Choptank’s ReStore accepts donated construction materials, home improvement items and furniture. These donated goods are sold to the general public at a fraction of the retail price to help the affiliate fund the construction of Habitat homes in Dorchester and Talbot Counties. The Habitat Choptank ReStore, located at 8648 Commerce Drive in Easton, is open for shopping and donations on Tuesdays through Saturdays. The store also operates a box truck which is available to pick up larger donations from around the region on Tuesdays and Saturdays by advance arrangement.
Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has made home ownership possible for 58 families and currently partners with seven local families. These families are offered a “hand up” out of poverty housing. After completing “sweat equity” hours and pre-homeownership classes, these families will purchase homes that they helped construct and assume responsibility for repaying an interest-free Habitat mortgage. Habitat accepts applications for its home ownership program throughout the year.
For more information about the Habitat Choptank ReStore, to volunteer with the store or to inquire about making a donation, call 410-820-6186, email [email protected] or visit www.HabitatChoptank.org.
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