Rick Peterson, Director of Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County ReStores and Elijah M. Dreuitt, Prices Corner ReStore Manager, discussed Habitat’s work in providing affordable housing for families, helping people stay in their homes and supporting their neighboring communities.   We first talked about the problems with affordable housing, the area is short thousands of units, forcing many to outspend on housing.

Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County has dozens of homes under construction or in the planning stages.  Habitat  homes are sold with a zero interest rate and owners receive financial literacy training; they learn to budget and save.  They also invest sweat equity into their new homes, in classes and on the job, where they also learn how to maintain their new home.

Graduates of their program learn more than home repair and financial planning skills, they also gain leadership and advocacy skills to help them become neighborhood leaders.  Habitat hosts “Rock-the-Block” events to foster the community.

Neighborhood revitalization is an important part of their planning, homes are placed where they can grow in value and improve the surrounding neighborhood.  They offer critical home repairs, such as roofs, heating systems, plumbing, that allow individuals and families to stay in their homes, to age in place and not lose them to repairs they can’t make.  They also install Ring doorbells.

The ability to pass on the home to provide financial stability is not the only benefit.  They discussed the real impact on their families, homeownership meant that 88% no longer on government assistance, 67% report children’s grades improved 1-3 letter grades and

70% report they are eating better with improved physical, emotional, and social well-being.

We touched on their Refrigerator Replacement Program, they will replace older inefficient refrigerators with new Energy Star models for $50 for qualifying residents who are Delmarva Power customers with a refrigerator older than December 2013.  They include removal of the old unit!

They discussed the role of volunteers at Habitat, from the construction sites to the classrooms, and also at the ReStores.  ReStores take donated furniture, appliances, decorating and construction materials and sell them to the public at a deep discount, the profits going back into Habitat.  Items can be never-used overstock, leftover materials or like-new cabinetry or fixtures being replaced.    Elijah mentioned that complete donated kitchens – appliances, counters, cabinetry – will be sold together as a package, keeping your loved old kitchen intact for another family.  He also mentioned that they do sell new decorative pieces and they have a line of paint developed specifically for their stores.

They promise that shoppers can expect to buy quality merchandise at prices that reflect a fair value.  Donors can expect that their donations will be Respected and sold at a price that Values their donation. Volunteers can expect to feel part of the ReStore team and be Fulfilled in their experience.    Find them at Prices Corner, 3312 Seminole Avenue in Wilmington, and in Middletown at 600 N Broad Street.

They invite all to their 10yr Anniversary 3-day celebration at Prices Corner location.

11/10 – Happy 10yrs PC! (Prices Corner)

Spin the Wheel for Discounts & Giveaways

Mix 99.5 will broadcast live

A visit from Channel 6

10yr Anniversary Tees

Cake Cutting Ceremony {Free Anniversary Cake}

Sing That Tune (Habitat Edition)

11/11 – DIY Dance Party

Spin the Wheel for Discounts & Giveaways

Live Dj

DIY Demos

Line Dances throughout the day

Cake Cutting Ceremony {Free Anniversary Cake}

 

11/12 – ReStore Friends & Family Fest

Spin the Wheel for Discounts & Giveaways

Live Karaoke Dj

Food Trucks

Demo from ReColor

DIY Demos

Cake Cutting Ceremony {Free Anniversary Cake}

Picture THIS (Pictionary game)

 

Learn more about Habitat for Humanity New Castle County and the ReStores at

HabitatNCC.org