Special to Dorchester Banner/Habitat Choptank
Habitat for Humanity Choptank supporters recently celebrated their ReStore’s fifth anniversary with a big check presentation. To date, the resale store located in Easton has netted over $455,000 in total proceeds to help fund Habitat’s affordable home building program in Dorchester and Talbot counties. These monies are leveraged with other sources of funds including grants and local contributions from individuals, businesses, churches and community groups.[/caption] EASTON – Habitat for Humanity Choptank volunteers, staff and board members celebrated a milestone at their ReStore’s fifth anniversary event. A ceremonial check in the amount of $455,106 was revealed representing the cumulative net income the discount home improvement center has generated since it opened in October 2010. Funds raised by the ReStore are invested into Habitat Choptank’s mission and affordable homeownership program in Dorchester and Talbot counties. “We’ve had a wonderful first five years because the community has been so supportive,” said ReStore Manager Chris Smith. It starts with the donors – businesses and organizations, contractors and individuals — who provide an inventory of donated goods that changes daily. Then there are the customers — collectors, crafters and artists, do-it-yourself types, and landlords looking to improve their properties. ReStore shoppers are diverse. And just as important, team ReStore which includes an equally diverse volunteer corps of men and women of all different ages who help with every aspect of the store operation. Mr. Smith adds, “our volunteers support the Habitat Choptank mission, help keep good usable stuff out of the landfill, and have fun in the process. I encourage others who want to get involved and make a difference in their community to consider our ReStore.” 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 providing funding to the affiliate for its general operating costs which represents about 10 percent of its annual budget. With this unique source of revenue, funding from contributions and grants can be invested directly into the nonprofit’s program costs including building homes and preparing the homebuyers. The Habitat Choptank ReStore, located at 8610 Commerce Drive in Easton, is open Wednesdays – Saturdays for shoppers and donations. The store also operates two box trucks which are available to pick up larger donations from around the region by advance arrangement. Since 1992, Habitat Choptank has made homeownership possible for 68 families and currently partners with seven local homebuyers. Five homes are under construction at this time with plans to start at least five more over the coming year. Income qualifying homebuyers are offered access to affordable mortgage financing in order to purchase a new construction or rehabbed home from the nonprofit’s project inventory. After completing “sweat equity” hours, attending pre-homeownership classes, and meeting debt reduction and savings goals, these individuals and families will purchase homes that they helped construct and assume the full responsibilities of homeownership including maintaining their home, paying property taxes and repaying their mortgage over 30 to 33 years. Habitat accepts applications for its homeownership 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, e0mail restore@habitatchoptank.org or visit www.HabitatChoptank.org.