Lots of changes are underway for Habitat for Humanity of Polk County.
Most notably, Habitat for Humanity ReStore opened the doors at its new location at 4951 US 190 West in Livingston for a soft opening on Aug. 28.
And although it was just a soft opening, well over 250 people shopped that day for the many treasures available. Store personnel said the customers were pleased with the new location, in addition to the change in hours. The ReStore is now open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
Because the store is no longer located at the 321 N. Beatty location across from the police department, donations will no longer be accepted at that address.
Another change is that Cheryl Graves no longer serves as manager of the ReStore, but now serves in the role of director of promotions and social media.
During a recent program for the Rotary Club of Livingston, Graves said she was raised without much, but after her family was blessed by God, her father became very involved with Habitat for Humanity. It was her father’s involvement with the organization that initially led to it becoming one of her own passions.
According to Graves, Habitat for Humanity ReStore takes in certain items for donation – such as usable furniture, appliances, tools and building materials – and resells the items to help pay for critical repairs for houses in the community. At the present time Habitat for Humanity has completed 20 critical repairs this year.
According to Executive Director Jason Barron, Habitat is reigniting partnerships by volunteering for local builds and critical home repairs. The organization also supports special projects such as Veterans Builds and Women Builds.
“The revenues from ReStore fund these projects. Our critical repair program has exploded,” Barron said, telling of some of the work that’s been done, including home repairs, painting, replacing doors and building wheelchair ramps.
Of the 20 critical repair projects completed so far this year, one was a Women’s Build and four were Veterans Builds. Six more are scheduled and there is even a new home build in progress.
Assistant Director of Construction Kenneth Kimbley said the organization tries to do a Womens Build around Mother’s Day, as he told of a local woman who can now get in and out of her place safely, after not being able to leave her home for over a year.
“She couldn’t get in or out … couldn’t feel the sunshine on her skin or hear the birds sing,” Kimbley said.
As for the Veteran Builds, Kimbley said they do anything from drain lines to wheelchair ramps.
“If you’re a vet and you live in Polk County, you’re eligible,” he said, adding, “Habitat for Humanity Polk County is a contractor for Veterans Affairs.
“We want to make the community a better place. I love this work. It gives me purpose,” Kimbley said, adding that he is presently looking for a partner to help with securing flags for the veterans.
Graves also told about a new initiative called Home is the Key, which is a program supported through the ReStore to help support the affiliate in creating a broader critical repair program.
“We try to be as active as we can possibly be in the community. We need donations. I feel Like Habitat for Humanity is a very, very good cause. Call us. We have pickup and delivery. Volunteer for critical repairs,” she said. “I’m very proud to be part of this team.”
