Buckeye Ridge Habitat for Humanity works to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope – with the goal being a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Because of Buckeye Ridge Habitat, that goal is increasingly possible for Marion County and surrounding areas. They do this in several ways by working with individual families, partnering with local organizations to focus on homeownership, neighborhood revitalization, and community awareness. They work diligently to promote their mission of giving people the opportunity to establish stability, self-reliance, and independence through shelter while contributing to their community.
Homeownership Program
The most well-known of Habitat’s programs is the Homeownership program. The Homeownership Program called “Homebuyer University” assists families that meet specific income criteria to move towards purchasing a home. They commit to sweat equity hours, an education program which includes “Getting Ahead” classes through Marion Matters, and a willingness to partner with their community and staff. The homes built in Marion have been done through partnerships with companies and supporters such as Whirlpool, Andersen-Silverline, Owens Electric, United Bank, Ohio Health, Lowe’s, Marion Community Foundation, local churches, and many individuals. They are also supported by many volunteers who donate their time, expertise, and labor to create a place that provides shelter and security for a family to call home.
Brush with Kindness Home Preservation Program
Another program, the “Brush with Kindness” Home Preservation Program, allows low-income families, the opportunity to improve the exterior of their homes at an affordable cost. Homeowners and their families work alongside volunteers and a construction team to complete the project at a low-cost and allow the homeowner to make affordable payments. The program is open to home owners who have insurance and meet the program guidelines for income and credit history.
A Brush With Kindness’ purpose is to revitalize neighborhoods, restore the homeowner’s pride, strengthen connections within the community, and preserve the community’s affordable housing market. Above all else, this program helps to build communities and hope while turning a house into a home.
College Campus Outreach
Currently, Buckeye Ridge Habitat for Humanity, is working with Marion Technical College and Ohio State Marion to establish a Campus Chapter to provide students the opportunities to gain skills and build meaningful relationships within and around their community. Because Campus Chapters are student-led, these opportunities not only benefit the students and their futures but the community as a whole. Every student who becomes involved in the Campus Chapter aids in Habitat for Humanity’s mission.
Habitat Restore Offers Sustainable Home Improvement Items
The ReStore was established by Buckeye Ridge Habitat for Humanity as a funding arm to support the organization. The ReStore operates at 1713 Marion-Mt Gilead Road in Marion and is open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-6pm and may be reached at 740-386-2030. It accepts donations of new and gently used items, such as furniture, appliances, building materials, and more.
Shoppers looking for those project materials, construction items and household treasures can purchase items for 50-90 percent below retail. The proceeds from sales at the ReStore directly support Buckeye Ridge Habitat for Humanity and its local projects.
Additionally, the ReStore helps the environment by helping to keep reusable items out of landfills. The ReStore may be stocked with appliances, furniture, tools, lumber, cabinets, plumbing and lighting fixtures, seasonal items, and even arts and craft supplies, depending on donations.
Volunteers Drive Habitat’s Mission
Volunteers are the heart and backbone of Buckeye Ridge Habitat for Humanity. Volunteers may help at the ReStore, as well as directly on home construction and preservation projects. All of these efforts focus on Habitat’s main goal of helping families obtain their very own homes that are safe, stable, and affordable while supporting them with “A Hand UP, Not a Hand Out.”
Additional volunteers are always welcome to become a partner in the fight against substandard housing in Marion and surrounding counties. In addition to Marion County, Buckeye Ridge Habitat for Humanity serves Morrow, Wyandot, and Hardin counties. Volunteers
The website also includes extensive information about Buckeye Ridge Habitat for Humanity’s many programs and how to get involved in each.
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