The Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area recently appointed business leader and former President of Olan Mills, David Butler, as its new Executive Director.
Thirteen years after opening its first ReStore to resell used building items and household supplies, Habitat for Humanity will add its second such facility in Ooltewah next month.
The local Habitat office is converting a former Winn Dixie grocery store at 9408 Apison Pike in Apison Crossing into the retail store, which is scheduled to open April 21. The 21,000-square-foot ReStore will accept donations of new and gently used household furniture, hardware and building items from individuals and businesses in the community.
Habitat sorts and displays the building items at the ReStore and typically sells such goods to the public at 50 to 70 percent of the original price. Proceeds help Habitat build more homes for low- and moderate-income families.
"We are extremely excited about being a part of the Ooltewah/Apison/Collegedale community," said David Butler, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Chattanooga Area. "All proceeds from the ReStore sales go directly into funding our mission of building homes for deserving families in Hamilton County."
Habitat homes are only sold to individuals and families who are in need and have completed the mandated requirements to become a Habitat homeowner, including fulfilling 350 sweat equity hours and completing home ownership educational classes. These homes are financed with affordable, zero interest mortgages.
Habitat opened its first ReStore in Chattanooga off of Main Street in 2004. Last year, it generated more than $500,000 in sales, enough to build seven Habitat homes.
"We hope to double our sales which will help us to increase the number of homes we are able to build annually through the opening of our second ReStore," said Glen Golden, ReStore's district manager.
In preparation for its April opening, Habitat plans to hire 10 employees to staff the store. To apply for a job or find out more about the new store, you may visit Habitat online at www.habichatt.org or to schedule a donation pick up, call (423) 634-1004.
Contact Dave Flessner at dflessner@timesfreepress.com or at 423-757-6340.