Local Habitat for Humanity officials are still seeking donated items for the New to You store in Hillsboro, and thanks to volunteers have built six homes for families in the area.
Sharon Bedard, executive director of Highland County Habitat for Humanity, said the organization is also seeking board members. She spoke Tuesday to Hillsboro Rotarians at the Ponderosa Banquet Center.
The New to You store, located at the corner of West Main and North West streets in Hillsboro, offers donated household items for sale at affordable prices, with all proceeds staying in Highland County to help “deserving families,” said Bedard.
Bedard was assisted by Melissa Elmore, president of the Highland County Chamber of Commerce, in demonstrating the kinds of items needed at the store. A flier from the organization states that the store can take “any household items that still have some life in them,” except fabric furniture or mattresses.
The store is currently open from 4-7 p.m. Tuesdays and 10-2 p.m. Saturdays. Bedard said that if more volunteers are identified the store’s hours can expand.
Bedard said board members are needed, with board meetings held at 6 p.m. the last Monday of each month at the New to You store.
She said families that benefit from homes built by Habitat receive financial accountability training and are usually asked to repay at least part of the cost of the home through zero-percent financing.
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian ministry “that builds with people in need regardless of race or religion,” according to an organization description.
“We have more than 1,400 local affiliates in the United States and more than 70 national organizations around the world. Together, we have helped more than 1 million families — representing 5 million people — improve their living conditions since our founding in 1976,” according to the organization’s website.
Local Habitat for Humanity officials can be reached at 937-403-1257 or 937-661-1437.
Reach Gary Abernathy at 937-393-3456 or on Twitter @abernathygary.
