Paving the Way for Homeownership
Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity has a record-setting year. by terry troy
32 COMMUNITY LEADER | FEBRUARY 2022
Now, having locations in Cleveland on the West Side and North Randall on the East Side, these home improvement stores and donation centers sell new and gently used furniture, appliances, home goods, building materials and more. In 2010, total sales amounted to just more than $250,000. Last year, the organization’s ReStores had sales approaching $2.7 million, which helps fund Habitat’s efforts throughout the community. What makes these records all that much more significant is that they were all set in yet another COVID-19 year. “This means we had fewer volunteers,” says Habat. “Even though we had fewer volunteers, those who did show up worked that much harder and contributed more hours. “In addition, our funders responded more generously than ever before,” he adds. “When you think about it, I think we actually set four records last year because we also raised more money.” So why all of the records? “I think Habitat has established itself
as a brand name for what it does,” says Habat. “Homeownership is really transformative for families. “We have also established ourselves among funders as an organization that is reliable and produces what it says it will produce,” he adds. “And, we often exceed expectations.” Throughout the years, Habitat has also demonstrated that it has accountability and fiduciary integrity. “But, we’re also successful because of the goodness that we attract,” Habat admits. “We have committed volunteers and generous donors.” That includes donors to Habitat’s two ReStores, who know that they are also contributing to its mission. Whether you are a shopper or a donor, patronizing the ReStores provides a lot of money that goes directly into Habitat’s construction program. “We also have a fantastic staff who are committed to our mission, so they sacrifice,” Habat adds. “They could be making more money elsewhere, but you can’t
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As it celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, the most interesting question for Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity is, “What’s next?” “We are really coming off a very big year where we set three records,” says John Habat, president and CEO. “We set records all the time, but these are very important.” The organization produced more houses this year than ever before, a total of 26 homes. It’s a staggering amount when you consider that Greater Cleveland Habitat, at its low point in 2010, produced just one home. “We also set a monthly record in December with nine Habitat homeowners moving into their homes just in time for the holidays,” adds Habat. “It’s incredible to close on this many houses in one month, but what makes it even better is that now these families received the best holiday present — a home to call their own.” The third record are the sales at Greater Cleveland Habitat’s two ReStores.
