Operating a building materials warehouse to support an affordable housing program
Abstract
Habitat for Humanity of Springfield, Inc.'s primary mission is to build safe, decent, affordable housing with low-income families in need. In order to support these activities, Habitat for Humanity of Springfield, Inc. recently started a ReStore Program, a building materials warehouse that serves as a fundraiser for building projects while making building materials more affordable to low to moderate-income homeowners and renters. AmeriCorps*VISTA members serving with ReStore helped increase store hours and sales, and initiated job training for seniors, youth, and prison inmates. Kimberly Massey of AmeriCorps*VISTA, submitted this effective practice in March 2002.Issue
Providing affordable housing for low to moderate- income families; specifically, affordable and/or used building materials.Action
- ReStore's hours of operation from 2 to 6 days a week
- Sales by 283 percent
- Volunteer hours from 800 in 2000 to 12,000 hours in 2001
- Solid Waste Management District "O"-- $19,500.00 to purchase a forklift
- Missouri Department of Natural Resources -- $125,000.00 for the addition of a deconstruction element to compliment current recycling collection efforts
- Community Foundation of the Ozarks -- $8500.00 to hire a Volunteer in Corrections Coordinator
- Neighborhood Assistance Program --$250,000.00 in tax credits
- Martin Luther King Service Day Initiative -- $7500.00 for service day project
- AARP (The American Association of Retired Persons) Foundation Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). The program is designed to provide temporary work training to economically disadvantaged seniors. ReStore has hosted 10 individuals who work 20 hours per week.
- Missouri Career Center Work Experience Program. At-risk youth from diverse backgrounds ages 14-21 work at ReStore 35 hours a week. This is a revolving program that takes on new participants on a regular basis. Enrollees also take classes to prepare them to take the G.E.D. The goal is to encourage youth to obtain unsubsidized employment or transition to educational opportunities that will increase their employment capabilities.
- Division of Youth Services (DYS) works with ReStore to help youth develop good employment skills and a good work ethic. AmeriCorps*VISTA members work closely with DYS case managers to provide a positive, productive work experience for youth. Jobs are provided to youth who return to the community following a residential or community care placement.
- Ozarks Correctional Center (OCC). Through a partnership with OCC Inmates in Action and Restorative Justice Program, AmeriCorps*VISTA members tear down homes that would otherwise be bulldozed. The ReStore Deconstruction team goes into these houses to salvage materials that can be used in building the next structure. Currently (2001) ReStore is deconstructing 8 houses and estimates diverting 80-100 tons of material from area landfills, and raising over $40,000.00 from the project.
- Community Alternative Sentencing (CASP) offers offenders in Springfield and Green County an opportunity to give something back to their community. Instead of serving jail terms, participants perform unpaid work at ReStore where AmeriCorps*VISTA members train them in all aspects of daily operations.
Context
Habitat for Humanity of Springfield, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose primary mission is to build safe, decent, affordable housing with low-income families in need. Habitat for Humanity of Springfield, Inc. will build its 58th house in the Springfield area in 2002, sheltering 250 adults and children thus far. All of the capital for the program comes from gifts by individuals, faith communities, corporations, foundations, and trusts. The houses are constructed primarily by volunteers, except for items such as plumbing, electrical and heating, which must be done by licensed technicians. The low-income families selected under the program must work 350 hours during the construction of their home and another Habitat family's home. The houses are sold at cost to the families, and they receive no interest loans for repayment.
According to the 1990 census, Springfield, located in the southwestern Ozark Mountain Region, is the third largest city in Missouri. Together with Joplin, Springfield forms the hub of one of the nation's fastest growing regions as more and more industries recognize the area's potential. This growth will certainly increase the need for affordable housing for low and moderate-income families.
Outcome
Habitat for Humanity of Springfield, Inc.- Reclaims, rebuilds, and revitalizes decaying homes.
- Helps low-income families move away from substandard shelter into new or renovated homes as owners.
- Works with individual families to enable them to network with other neighborhood development organizations so a holistic approach is realized by the family and the neighborhood.
- provides an opportunity to establish positive relationships between Habitat families, volunteers, and donors.
- The Habitat for Humanity ReStore resells building materials to the public at roughly half the price, enhancing the program's goal of providing affordable housing to low and moderate-income families.
- AmeriCorps*VISTA members seek out new and creative ways to involve the community in the ReStore Program.
Evidence
In 2002, Habitat for Humanity, Springfield, Inc.Posted On
May 14, 2002For More Information
Kimberly Massey
Habitat for Humanity of Springfield, Inc.
AmeriCorps*VISTA Leader
4535 W. Chestnut Expressway
Springfield,
MO
65802
Phone: (417) 829-4001
Email: restore@drury.edu