Habitat for Humanity ReStore partners with local organizations to launch program offering home furnishings to families with need

Canton, Ohio, November 6, 2019 – Qualified low to moderate income families in this community can acquire home furnishings through Hope ReStored, a needs-based assistance program developed by Habitat for Humanity ReStore, a nonprofit thrift store and donation center in Canton. When families with qualifying needs seek assistance through one of Habitat's Hope ReStored partners, they are offered vouchers to shop for the items they need at ReStore while maintaining a sense of dignity. Gifts from private donors and Community Development Block Grant dollars through the City of Canton allow families to receive these vouchers for free.

As part of Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio, ReStore is piloting its Hope ReStored program with a handful of local organizations: Catholic Charities of Portage and Stark Counties, Christ Presbyterian Church in Canton, Domestic Violence Project, YWCA Canton, and 3rd Street Community Church/Martin Center. The new initiative is already impacting local families and partner organizations are seeing the benefits. In the coming year, this program will be expanded to include additional local churches and organizations who have a relationship with Habitat.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore and its Hope ReStored program thrive on donated home goods and building materials. As donated items are sold to the public and utilized for Hope ReStored, proceeds help local families build decent, affordable housing with Habitat for Humanity. "Simple home furnishings are easy to overlook," said Beth Lechner, Executive Director at Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio, "but at Habitat we see Hope ReStored as a natural extension of our belief that everyone deserves a decent place to call home. Through this program, families can get the items they need to feel at home and we can help more families build Habitat homes throughout East Central Ohio. With great community partners, and a community of ReStore donors, everyone benefits."

To donate home goods and building materials to ReStore and the Hope ReStored program, visit www.restoreeco.org/hope, call 330-915-5920, or drop off items at 1400 Raff Road SW, Canton, Tuesday-Saturday from 9am to 7pm. Donations are tax deductible and free donation pickup is available for large items.

About Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Canton:
Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a nonprofit home improvement store and donation center that sells new and gently used furniture, appliances, home décor, and building materials to the public at a fraction of retail price. Proceeds from each sale help Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio build and renovate homes with low to moderate income families in the local community. ReStore offers free donation pickup for larger items and each donation is tax deductible. To learn more, shop, donate, or volunteer, visit restoreeco.org.

About Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio:
Serving Stark, Carroll, Tuscarawas, Harrison, and Jefferson Counties, Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio is driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live. People partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and purchase the homes with an affordable zero interest mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering, or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, Habitat empowers. To learn more, visit habitateco.org.

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