Bend Area Habitat launches fundraising effort
Mark Quinlan, executive director for Bend Area Habitat for Humanity, announced Thursday that the organization has officially launched a three-year $600,000 capital campaign to help pay for the property acquisition and facility renovation necessary to accommodate the move of its ReStore, home improvement resale center, to the former Backstrom Builders site located on north Third Street across from Wagner Mall.
“Moving the ReStore is motivated by two primary factors that are important to our community,” said Quinlan. “We have outgrown our current store and want to improve the shopping experience for our thousands of customers and donors.
“And secondly, an enhanced store will increase Habitat’s ability to finance affordable home construction and repairs for low-income individuals and families at a time when traditional funding is declining.”
Currently, the ReStore finances nearly 75% of Bend Habitat’s operations. The goal of the new store is to establish greater revenues that will fund 100% of its operations by 2017 allowing Habitat to serve more families.
“As proud as we are for the positive impact we have had on the lives of more than 500 children and adults by building and rehabilitating 104 homes and providing repair services for more than 60 households, we are only scratching the surface of our community’s needs,” Quinlan stated.
Over the next four months, the former Backstrom site will undergo an extensive renovation, creating an 18,000 square-foot center that can present a larger inventory of new or gently used building materials, furniture and appliances that are sold up to 95% off retail price. In addition, the 2 acre center will provide greatly expanded parking and more convenient donor access.
Bend Habitat Board President Darrel Buttice reported that over the last several months as the campaign was being organized, many community individuals, businesses and the complete Board membership have supported the campaign with both cash and in-kind donations that have amounted to $260,000.
“Although we have a great distance to go, I believe this indicates the high regard the community has for the work we do,” he said.
About Bend Area Habitat for Humanity:
Bend Area Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to providing homeownership and home repair services to low-income families and individuals in Bend and Crook County. www.bendhabitat.org
About Bend Area Habitat ReStore:
The ReStore is a used and surplus home improvement center, accepting and selling a wide variety of building materials, appliances, and home furnishings. Proceeds fund Bend Area Habitat for Humanity.
