Habitat for Humanity store to open Feb. 16
Used construction materials, appliances and furnishings will be available for saleBy JESSE HELLING, Messenger staff writer
POSTED: January 20, 2008
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Fact Box
Who is helpingHabitat for Humanity ReStore community sponsors and partners:
• Bemrich Electric
• Armstrong Plumbing
• Moeller Furnace
• Fort Dodge Correctional Facility carpentry shop
• Beisser’s Lumber Company
• Double M Signs
• Plumb Supply
• Shoppers Supply
• Fort Dodge Home Builder’s Association
• CertainTeed Gypsum
• Hjelmeland Flooring
• Linda and George Gross
• Kelly Payne
• City of Fort Dodge
How to help
Donations of used materials are currently being accepted. Volunteers will pick up all donations. To donate, contact project manager Mark Haase at 955-3598.
What kinds of materials would be accepted?
These kinds of materials would be accepted:
Residential-related construction material
Recycled or used building materials
Wood, windows, doors
Flooring, carpeting, trim
Cabinets
Tools
Furniture
Appliances (if proved to be working)
These kinds of materials would not:
Mattresses and box springs
Clothing
Electronic equipment
Draperies
What would be the stated mission?
• To generate funds to build Habitat Homes
• To provide a source of materials at reasonable prices to store customers
• To provide a constant Habitat awareness in community
• To provide alternative ways for volunteers to be involved with Habitat
• To provide selected Habitat partners an opportunity to earn sweat equity hours
In February, a new type of resale shop will come to town.
The Webster/Humboldt County Habitat for Humanity ReStore will specialize in selling used construction materials, appliances and other home fixtures, said local Habitat for Humanity Project Manager Mark Haase.
This will be one of several such stores in Iowa, said Haase.
‘‘We’d like to have a grand opening on Feb. 16,’’ said Haase.
The 1,200-square-foot store, which will be at 107 N. 13th St., will feature a staff of volunteers.
‘‘We’re still looking for more volunteers, ’’ Haase said.
The Habitat for Humanity program constructs houses for families that meet qualifications.
Said families are required to invest ‘‘sweat equity’’ in their homes.
Volunteering at the store will help fulfill that requirement, Haase said.
Haase said he envisions the store eventually serving as the local headquarters for Habitat for Humanity, which has built more than a dozen homes in the region.
‘‘We’re going to include office space in the store,’’ said Haase.
Habitat for Humanity has long accepted donations of material for use in the houses they construct, Haase said.
Often, donations exceed the immediate needs of Habitat for Humanity, Haase said.
‘‘We talked about sending stuff to the store in Des Moines,’’ he said.
Eventually, local Habitat for Humanity board members decided that Fort Dodge could support such a store on its own, Haase said.
A deal worked out with building owner Kelly Payne helped get the project off the ground, Haase said.
When the store opens, area shoppers will be able to take their pick of surplus merchandise.
‘‘Iowa City has a store like this,’’ he said. ‘‘They did a study that showed they saved 120 tons of stuff from ending up in the landfill.’’
In addition to used construction material, the store will also feature wood furniture and bird feeders constructed in the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility’s carpentry shop.
Numerous local businesses and agencies came together to help set up the store, Haase said.
“We’ve had tremendous support from the community,” he said.
Contact Jesse Helling at (515) 573-2141 or jhelling@messengernews.net
