By David Henrion
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Week 8: Reduce, reuse, recycle, ReStore.
By Rebecca Kleveland & Bea Flodeen
The ReStore is a unique part of Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity and has changed a lot over the years. In 2004, Cedar Valley Habitat ReStore was located at 725 N. Center Point Road in Hiawatha, in previously owned "Flooring Xpress" building. After the 2008 Flood that entirely wiped out the Cedar Valley Habitat main office in downtown Cedar Rapids, all affiliate operations were moved to the ReStore. In December 2010, both the ReStore and affiliate office moved back downtown.
“Two and a half years after Habitat moved out of downtown Cedar Rapids due to the flood, it is exciting to be back downtown closer to the core Cedar Rapids neighborhoods that we primarily serve with our housing mission,” said Karen Hufnagel, Cedar Valley Habitat’s board president in 2010.
Two‐thirds of Habitat’s operations – the affiliate offices and ReStore – moved literally yards from the organization’s pre‐flood location to the newly renovated “Peter Pan” building. Habitat is leasing more than 27,000 square feet of space in the building. Dozens of local sub‐contractors were involved in the rehabilitation. With the inclusion of the construction office and shop, located on First Street, all of Habitat’s operations are now located in buildings affected by the 2008 floods. This move was featured as one of the many "Signs of Progress," making a downtown area investment.
“We saw firsthand the devastation of the 2008 flood when our office was submerged,” said Jeff Capps, executive director. “We’re thrilled to return to the core of the city and be part of the awesome revitalization process already taking place here.”
ReStore’s purpose is to help fundraise for Habitat for Humanity with all of the proceeds going right back into Habitat. The other purpose of the ReStore is to help out the community by keeping things out of the landfill.
Read More
KCRG: "New Habitat ReStore Hopes to Make $1 Million in One Year
The Gazette: "New life for old stuff; ReStore offers affordable merchandise for do-it-yourselfers"
The Gazette: Linn County Prepares to Sell Century-Old Mott Building
Junior League of Cedar Rapids: "'Dump Your Truck' for JLCR & Habitat for Humanity"
First Cedar Rapids Mini Maker Faire This Saturday
The ReStore has many different aspects to it with customers being able to shop, donate, and volunteer. Shopping is a great way to help bring in money to Habitat as well as get work completed on your house. Not only does ReStore have gently used items but brand new items as well. ReStore of course needs donations in order to keep up with everyone’s shopping. We look for quality clean items that we can take and sell. We get such a variety of things from interior doors, claw foot tubs, lighting, to antiques. You never know what you will find when you come into the ReStore, some things are here one minute and gone the next. We enjoy having a loyal customer base that comes and shops on a regular, sometimes daily, basis. People enjoy coming into the ReStore not only for the discounted prices on gently used items, but for the great customer service. ReStore works hard at serving people by helping to carry out purchases of large items, loading purchases in vehicles, and helping to unload donations from vehicles as well.
We share the parking lot with Klinger paint, and our parking lot is right across the street from the new library being built. We are all settled into are downtown location and are organized. We now have items separated out into categories such as electrical, lighting, trim, outdoor, and more. The ReStore also is into Pinterest now. Pinterest is a website for crafty people to get on to share ideas for projects and creative reuse items. The ReStore carries a lot of the things that are featured on Pinterest. We have a group of people come in once a month to work on their projects and share idea’s with each other. We also have other opportunities to use the ReStore’s resources. We have a “living room” space that you can host meetings in for free! We also are able to host scout groups or birthday parties, just call for details.
Just remember that every time you shop, we build. For more information, contact ReStore by phone at (319) 294-1500 or visit www.cvhabitat.org/restore.
The ReStore is a unique part of Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity and has changed a lot over the years. In 2004, Cedar Valley Habitat ReStore was located at 725 N. Center Point Road in Hiawatha, in previously owned "Flooring Xpress" building. After the 2008 Flood that entirely wiped out the Cedar Valley Habitat main office in downtown Cedar Rapids, all affiliate operations were moved to the ReStore. In December 2010, both the ReStore and affiliate office moved back downtown.
“Two and a half years after Habitat moved out of downtown Cedar Rapids due to the flood, it is exciting to be back downtown closer to the core Cedar Rapids neighborhoods that we primarily serve with our housing mission,” said Karen Hufnagel, Cedar Valley Habitat’s board president in 2010.
Two‐thirds of Habitat’s operations – the affiliate offices and ReStore – moved literally yards from the organization’s pre‐flood location to the newly renovated “Peter Pan” building. Habitat is leasing more than 27,000 square feet of space in the building. Dozens of local sub‐contractors were involved in the rehabilitation. With the inclusion of the construction office and shop, located on First Street, all of Habitat’s operations are now located in buildings affected by the 2008 floods. This move was featured as one of the many "Signs of Progress," making a downtown area investment.
“We saw firsthand the devastation of the 2008 flood when our office was submerged,” said Jeff Capps, executive director. “We’re thrilled to return to the core of the city and be part of the awesome revitalization process already taking place here.”
ReStore’s purpose is to help fundraise for Habitat for Humanity with all of the proceeds going right back into Habitat. The other purpose of the ReStore is to help out the community by keeping things out of the landfill.
Read More
KCRG: "New Habitat ReStore Hopes to Make $1 Million in One Year
The Gazette: "New life for old stuff; ReStore offers affordable merchandise for do-it-yourselfers"
The Gazette: Linn County Prepares to Sell Century-Old Mott Building
Junior League of Cedar Rapids: "'Dump Your Truck' for JLCR & Habitat for Humanity"
First Cedar Rapids Mini Maker Faire This Saturday
The ReStore has many different aspects to it with customers being able to shop, donate, and volunteer. Shopping is a great way to help bring in money to Habitat as well as get work completed on your house. Not only does ReStore have gently used items but brand new items as well. ReStore of course needs donations in order to keep up with everyone’s shopping. We look for quality clean items that we can take and sell. We get such a variety of things from interior doors, claw foot tubs, lighting, to antiques. You never know what you will find when you come into the ReStore, some things are here one minute and gone the next. We enjoy having a loyal customer base that comes and shops on a regular, sometimes daily, basis. People enjoy coming into the ReStore not only for the discounted prices on gently used items, but for the great customer service. ReStore works hard at serving people by helping to carry out purchases of large items, loading purchases in vehicles, and helping to unload donations from vehicles as well.
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| Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity ReStore Current location: 350 6th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids |
Just remember that every time you shop, we build. For more information, contact ReStore by phone at (319) 294-1500 or visit www.cvhabitat.org/restore.
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Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Week 7: "Do you believe in miracles?"
By Lynda Haddy
My name is Lynda Haddy. I was divorced with a family of three boys ages 21, 18 and 12. I was renting a house in Cedar Rapids which was expensive, but I wanted my boys to live in a neighborhood versus an apartment. After a few years the landlord decided he wanted to sell the home. I considered trying to buy it; however, it needed many repairs and the mortgage payment would have left me “house poor” with no means to fix anything. I began to pray. I am a medical secretary with a good job at the hospital and receive child support but money was still very tight. I tried going back to school, but the boys were always my first priority and I wanted to be available for them and their activities.
I have a picture in my bathroom that says: “Believe…all things are possible if you believe.” Mark 9:23. I am a strong Christian raised Missouri Synod Lutheran. With the help of scholarship monies, the boys were sent to Trinity Lutheran School here in Cedar Rapids and attended church regularly. I sacrificed “wants” because it was important to me that they would have this Christian foundation.
Cedar Rapids was flooded in 2008 and many homes and businesses were lost. It was a major setback and devastating to our city. Help arrived from everywhere and we began steps to recover. Habitat for Humanity was going to build 22 homes beginning in the spring of 2009. The house I was renting had water throughout the basement but we were lucky compared to others who lost everything.
I happened to see in our local newspaper the announcement for the build. It was offered to flood victims and anyone else who would qualify financially. I don’t see the newspaper everyday and know it was Divine intervention that brought me to read it. I immediately applied. I attended a meeting for prospective applicants. I did not know much about Habitat for Humanity. Jeff Capps was the brand new executive director for Cedar Valley and spoke that night starting with a prayer as he held a Bible in his hand. After he spoke I was convinced and knew in my heart this was an organization that truly helps people like myself and I wanted to be part of it. After crunching numbers, I knew I could never afford a house on my own on my salary.
I will never forget when Jeff called me and told me I would be getting a house! It was a true miracle!! I had renewed hope and faith for the future – that I could provide a house that the boys could call home, in a safe and new neighborhood, with a yard and their own bedrooms. At my age also having a mortgage with a zero interest rate was an incredible blessing!
That summer it was like going to summer camp. My boys learned about tools and building but most importantly they saw how people volunteered their time and efforts to help build our home. We began the day holding hands in a circle, praying, sharing inspirational messages, ending with our hands in the air saying, “Habitat is a hand-up, not a hand out!” Strangers became dear friends. I have to say it was the best experience of my life. The Build-A-Thon week with AmeriCorps volunteers and Kurt Warner was beyond wonderful – their enthusiasm and caring lifted me spiritually. By the end of the week I had “adopted” all of the AmeriCorps volunteers working on my home!
My brand new home came with plenty of space for me and my boys and brand new appliances (stove, refrigerator and washer/dryer). As I sit and write this I become teary-eyed knowing that I was lucky enough to receive this unbelievable miracle in my life. There is such a need for affordable housing in this country. Things continue to sky rocket in price and sometimes if I don’t live a day at a time I can get very overwhelmed.
God is a good God! Habitat for Humanity IS an extension of God’s grace and love for all people. Working toward homeownership with has been an incredible gift for me and my family. I will end with this scripture: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
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| Future homeowners and neighbors Lynda and Shannon |
I have a picture in my bathroom that says: “Believe…all things are possible if you believe.” Mark 9:23. I am a strong Christian raised Missouri Synod Lutheran. With the help of scholarship monies, the boys were sent to Trinity Lutheran School here in Cedar Rapids and attended church regularly. I sacrificed “wants” because it was important to me that they would have this Christian foundation.
Cedar Rapids was flooded in 2008 and many homes and businesses were lost. It was a major setback and devastating to our city. Help arrived from everywhere and we began steps to recover. Habitat for Humanity was going to build 22 homes beginning in the spring of 2009. The house I was renting had water throughout the basement but we were lucky compared to others who lost everything.
 |
| Lightting a candle of hope during Lynda's home dedication |
I will never forget when Jeff called me and told me I would be getting a house! It was a true miracle!! I had renewed hope and faith for the future – that I could provide a house that the boys could call home, in a safe and new neighborhood, with a yard and their own bedrooms. At my age also having a mortgage with a zero interest rate was an incredible blessing!
That summer it was like going to summer camp. My boys learned about tools and building but most importantly they saw how people volunteered their time and efforts to help build our home. We began the day holding hands in a circle, praying, sharing inspirational messages, ending with our hands in the air saying, “Habitat is a hand-up, not a hand out!” Strangers became dear friends. I have to say it was the best experience of my life. The Build-A-Thon week with AmeriCorps volunteers and Kurt Warner was beyond wonderful – their enthusiasm and caring lifted me spiritually. By the end of the week I had “adopted” all of the AmeriCorps volunteers working on my home!
My brand new home came with plenty of space for me and my boys and brand new appliances (stove, refrigerator and washer/dryer). As I sit and write this I become teary-eyed knowing that I was lucky enough to receive this unbelievable miracle in my life. There is such a need for affordable housing in this country. Things continue to sky rocket in price and sometimes if I don’t live a day at a time I can get very overwhelmed.
God is a good God! Habitat for Humanity IS an extension of God’s grace and love for all people. Working toward homeownership with has been an incredible gift for me and my family. I will end with this scripture: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Week 6: 25 Hour Women Build
By Malorie Hepner
For the second year in a row, the Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity (CVHfH) is completing a Women Build house. The house, located on the Southeast side of Cedar Rapids, will be funded and constructed using primarily women volunteers and their enthusiasm and dedication.
With our first fundraiser, Steaks & Stilettos, just completed, we are proceeding with the build and offering lots of sponsorship opportunities to companies, organizations, and individuals throughout the community. One of the unique parts about the Habitat Women Build is that we are responsible for everything from the fundraising, to volunteer staffing, to providing lunch for our volunteers. We probably have the best fed and most photographed build in the entire area!
Last year we were able to complete the construction of the house with no shortage of volunteers. Almost every woman we asked wanted to help on the build site, whether they had experience or not. Due to the overwhelming enthusiasm of this community of women, we were asked to help promote the 25th anniversary of the CVHfH by kicking off the Women Build with a 25-hour build. We will be starting off our build by constructing our new home from 7am on Friday morning until 8am on Saturday morning. We will have about 20 female volunteers, crew leaders, hospitality, and safety staff on hand for eight hour shifts. Lunch, snacks, and caffeine will be included for all involved!
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| Women Build ladies pose for a quick picture before painting during the National Women Build Week event |
With our first fundraiser, Steaks & Stilettos, just completed, we are proceeding with the build and offering lots of sponsorship opportunities to companies, organizations, and individuals throughout the community. One of the unique parts about the Habitat Women Build is that we are responsible for everything from the fundraising, to volunteer staffing, to providing lunch for our volunteers. We probably have the best fed and most photographed build in the entire area!
Last year we were able to complete the construction of the house with no shortage of volunteers. Almost every woman we asked wanted to help on the build site, whether they had experience or not. Due to the overwhelming enthusiasm of this community of women, we were asked to help promote the 25th anniversary of the CVHfH by kicking off the Women Build with a 25-hour build. We will be starting off our build by constructing our new home from 7am on Friday morning until 8am on Saturday morning. We will have about 20 female volunteers, crew leaders, hospitality, and safety staff on hand for eight hour shifts. Lunch, snacks, and caffeine will be included for all involved!
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