New ReStore Woodworking Shop Keeps the Cycle Going

Posted on May 22, 2013 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

The ReStore has recently incorporated a brand new way to shop, donate and volunteer. Executive Director Rob Rich had the idea to keep the cycle going by starting a woodworking shop in the back of the ReStore—a shop where wood furniture could be salvaged, re-purposed and sold—and kept out of dumpsters.

ReStore has this great coffee table that was made from old school doors and reclaimed 1890’s hardwood flooring.

On their downtime, ReStore volunteers use the woodworking shop as a place to work on various deconstruction, re-purposing and refinishing projects, including sanding, staining and painting. The shop has had a successful start so far. With a wide variety of wood products like vanities, doors and cabinets being salvaged and brought into the ReStore, there are projects happening all the time.

The shop is an added benefit to both the ReStore and the community, as the re-purposed furniture is sold by the ReStore at a reasonable price, and all proceeds support Habitat.

ReStore Manager, Randy Ahmann, “ReStored” this $5 cabinet using materials commonly found at ReStore.

The “Before” and “After” vanities currently displayed in the store let you see the beautiful results of just a few of the re-purposing projects. From richly-stained cabinets to brightly-painted vanities, there’s something for everyone—and it’s selling fast. Stop in to see the latest finished projects and help keep the cycle going by shopping for the latest re-purposed projects, donating furniture or appliances of your own, or volunteering with the ReStore to get involved yourself.

Get Ready for Cleanup Week – Make your donations to Habitat ReStore!

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

Before you put anything on the curb this May, think of Habitat ReStore first! Fargo-Moorhead’s Cleanup Week is May 6-10. Every year, residents of Dilworth, Moorhead, Fargo, and West Fargo dispose of tires, appliances, and other large items at no charge on their regular garbage collection day.

This Cleanup Week, there’s a great opportunity to get rid of unwanted items in an environmentally sustainable way that also supports the local community. Consider donating your new and used building materials, appliances (even those that don’t work), and furniture to Habitat ReStore and receiving a tax deduction! Habitat ReStore even accepts donations on materials that can’t be disposed of during Cleanup week.

Habitat ReStore is a home improvement thrift store that has three main functions: to divert usable materials from area landfills, to offer a low cost option for shoppers doing home improvement projects, and to raise money to support Habitat for Humanity. By giving their donations another life, Habitat ReStore is able to divert almost 500 tons of materials from area landfills annually! All proceeds from Habitat ReStore support Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity as they build simple, decent, and affordable homes in partnership with families in Cass and Clay counties.

Cleanup Week Rules

Each city has their own specifications, which can be found on the Cleanup Week website.

1. Separate items of the same type into distinct piles (tires, appliances, furniture, brush, household garbage, etc.). Separate trucks collect the items.

2. Place garbage in disposable containers, except for oversized items.

3. Items will be collected on your normal garbage pickup day. Do not set items out more than one day early.

4. Crews will not return to pick up garbage set out too late.

5. Remove refrigerator and freezer doors. Do not place food or any other waste inside appliances.

6. Items must be from residences; no commercial waste will be accepted. Keep household garbage at least four feet away from other Cleanup Week items.

If you have items that are still usable or are not accepted by the city, consider supporting your community and the environment by donating tax-deductible materials to Habitat ReStore!

How do I donate to Habitat ReStore?

Drop Off: Bring your donation to Habitat ReStore, 210 11^th Street North, Moorhead during store hours, which are 10-6 Mon – Fri and 10-4 Saturday.

Pick Up: Call (218) 359-0812 to schedule a FREE donation pick-up.

For a list of accepted donations, please visit our webpage.

NDSU’s “The Big Event” Brings Student Volunteers to Habitat ReStore

Posted on April 26, 2013 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

This week, North Dakota State University students volunteered at Habitat ReStore as part of NDSU’s 4^th Annual “The Big Event.” Over 800 student volunteers were sent out into the community on that day to help local nonprofits accomplish projects.

The NDSU volunteers assisted with deconstruction of the flood buy-out homes in Fargo. This was Habitat ReStore’s second year participating in this program.

“Volunteers are a huge part of what we do at Habitat for Humanity – they help us complete projects that we just couldn’t do on our own. We are very glad to have them helping out this week,” said Rob Rich, Executive Director.

This event is also timely as it took place during Earth Week. A big part of Habitat ReStore’s mission is to divert usable materials from area landfills. The ReStore does this by accepting donations of new and used building materials, appliances and furniture to be used by their shoppers in a new home improvement project. Since opening in 2006, Habitat ReStore has diverted over 400 tons of materials out of local landfills. All of the proceeds made by Habitat ReStore support Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s programs and local building projects.

Habitat ReStore is located at 210 11th St. N., Moorhead and is open to the public Monday-Friday from 10-6 and Saturdays 10-4. All proceeds from the store support Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity build homes and hope in partnership with families in Cass and Clay Counties.

Earth Week: Easy Green DIY Ideas

Posted on April 23, 2013 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

As the snow melts, the temperature rises and winter turns to spring, it becomes much easier to work on projects around the house. And, since April 17-24 is Earth Week. What better way to start your house projects than using recycled, gently used materials to spice up your renovation? Using supplies found at the ReStore, you can turn any drab room into a place no one wants to leave — without a big budget or a big headache.

More Recycling In the Kitchen
You may already separate your cans and plastic bottles in a recycling cupboard, but it doesn’t have to stop with your trash. Using materials from the ReStore, you can renovate your backsplash, cabinets and fixtures without throwing your money down the garbage disposal. No matter what you choose for a green-inspired renovation project, make this your Earth Week present to yourself.

Earth Week Present: Beautiful Backsplash
Purchase a tiled backsplash that you love. Whether you prefer subway tiles, checkered patterns or textured layers, placing a backsplash is a project you can do yourself that will make a huge difference without breaking the budget. This is an easy way to turn an outdated kitchen into a modern masterpiece.

Before

After

Earth Week Present: Colorful Cabinets
You don’t need to rip out all the old cupboards just to get the updated look you desire. A can or two of paint can create a drastic transformation without the cost of all new cabinets. Pick out a gallon of paint at the ReStore, and give your cabinets the updated look you have always wanted. Just don’t forget to consult with an expert or do some research on the type of product that’s best for your cupboards.

Earth Week Present: Fixed-up Fixtures
Whether it’s the lights, the handles or the faucet, outdated fixtures can instantly date a space. Fortunately, these are all easy and relatively inexpensive fixes. Give yourself the gift of time-travel by bringing your space from past to present. Change those brass handles to brushed nickel or replace a gaudy chandelier with something sleek and modern.

A Green Oasis
If the kitchen doesn’t need updating, treat yourself to another type of sanctuary this Earth Week — one of comfort and relaxation. Just be careful. If you make it too nice, you may never want to leave.

Earth Week Present: Personalized Paint
Don’t take the words “going green” too literally – for this renovation, you can choose any paint color that suits your space. It’s not news that paint can revitalize a space – but sometimes a grey wall is still just a grey wall. Adding a texture or design with paint can personalize any room. Not a Michelangelo? Don’t worry, you don’t need to be. With a little patience, a couple gallons of paint and a lot of painter’s tape, anyone can create this modern effect.

Earth Week Gift: Storage Solutions
It’s nearly impossible to be comfortable in a cluttered space – organize your oasis. But get creative with it! Purchase an old window shutter to use as a mail holder that keeps the junk out of the living area. Build (or buy, depending on your carpentry skills) a storage cubby with cloth bins inside each box so the clutter is hidden. There are many options for hiding clutter. You just need to find the one that works right in your space. The best part? While you are organizing, you may determine you have some unnecessary clutter. If the items are gently used, the ReStore will take them off your hands.

Earth Week Present: Décor Display
Invest in creative shelving so the sanctuary can be complete with all of your collectibles and hobbies. In some cases, the items themselves can be turned into shelves. Are you a bookworm? Old books (preferably ones that are duplicates – it is difficult to read your favorite book when it’s secured to the wall) can be fastened to the wall to create unique shelving.

Do you love video games? Put your construction skills to the test and make a themed bookshelf. Not only will the space store your collectibles, the shelf can serve as a display in itself.

With paint on the wall, clutter out of the way and a space to show off your hobbies, this green oasis has everything it needs to be your favorite room in the house.

No matter how you decide to celebrate Earth Week, you can do it with the help of the ReStore. With the gently used furniture, appliances, and building materials available at the store, you are sure to find a project within your budget. And the sooner you get started, the sooner you can enjoy the space.

Earth Day: Keep The Cycle Going With ReStore

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

Through the ReStore, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity fulfills the mission of Earth Day all year long. The ReStore diverts perfectly reusable materials from landfills to store shelves and, eventually, your home. Whether you’re shopping or donating, you’re contributing to a greener planet through the reuse of home improvement materials. At the ReStore, we call it Keeping the Cycle Going.

LAHFH staff member Katie McCormick says “Farewell”

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity Program & Marketing Manager Katie McCormick has announced her resignation and accepted the Communications Coordinator position with YWCA Cass Clay. Below, Katie reflects on her time with Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity.

As I look toward the next step in my career, I will always look back with a fondness for Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity and the mission of this organization.

Katie McCormick accepts a check from Bremer Bank with Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s Executive Director Rob Rich in 2012.

I began my career at Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity in the spring of 2007. Since that time, the affiliate has accomplished a number of great things. We completely overhauled the Family Services program- implementing a stringent Family Selection process, strengthening the Family Mentor program, and developing an in depth Homeowner Education Curriculum. In 2011, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s Family Service Program received the Best Practices in Family Service Award from Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota. This high honor recognizes the local affiliate for having the strongest and most comprehensive Family Services Program in the entire state. The volunteers and donors who make this program possible are truly some of the most selfless individuals that I have had the pleasure to work with.

Also during my time with this affiliate, we dove into social media. We joined Facebook, started tweeting, found YouTube, jumped into blogging, and most recently joined Pinterest. I had the privilege of working with some amazingly dedicated volunteers to share the mission of Habitat for Humanity with our community.

Katie McCormick with members of the 2013 “Home is where the Art is” planning committee.

We celebrated our 20^th anniversary as an affiliate in 2011 and spent the year reflecting on all the success we have had in our community. From the ReStore expanding to a significantly larger retail space at 210 11^thStreet North in Moorhead in January of 2008 to 47 families who have a place to call home- Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity has so much to celebrate.

This affiliate has done so many great things over the past 6 years and I am certain that it will continue to do great things in the future. I would like to thank all of you who have contributed your time, talent and efforts to help make the work of Lake Agassiz possible. It has been my honor to work at this organization and the mission of building homes, communities, and hope will always be near to my heart.

Katie McCormick

Join us in thanking Katie for her years of service at an Open House in her honor:

Where: 210 11^th Street North, Moorhead

When: 11:30am until 2pm on Friday, March 8, 2013

3 Ways to Keep the Cycle Going Year Round

Posted on November 28, 2012 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

Now that winter is here, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s build season is long over. But that doesn’t mean you have to wait until next season to help out Habitat ReStore. In fact, you have many opportunities to support the ReStore year round! Here’s how you can help:

1. Donate new or gently used home improvement items. Acceptable donations include:

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity ReStore located at 210 11th Street North, Moorhead.

Appliances
Bath fixtures
Cabinets
Doors
Flooring
Furnaces
Furniture
Hardware
Kitchen fixtures
Lighting
Lumber
Paint (new)
Shingles
Tile
Tools
Windows
and more!

2. Volunteer with the ReStore and give back to your community. Volunteers are needed to process donations, assist customers, serve on committees, help with events and clean the store.

3. Shop at the ReStore for home improvement materials at 25% to 75% off retail prices. A large variety of new and gently used materials are available for all types of home projects and renovations. All store proceeds support Habitat programming and the building of affordable housing in Cass and Clay counties.

Contact the ReStore to find out more about how you can shop, donate and volunteer to keep the cycle going, no matter what the season.

Calling All Local Artists for Habitat ReStore’s Recycled Art Show

Posted on October 18, 2012 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore is seeking artist participation in their third annual Recycled Art Show and Auction to be held on February 2, 2013 at the Spirit Room in downtown Fargo. Artists are asked to utilize at least one recycled item from the Habitat ReStore in their final piece.

The Lake Agassiz Habitat ReStore, which began in 2006, is a home improvement thrift store selling new and gently used building supplies, appliances, furniture and home décor. The ReStore is always accepting product donations from the community.

Artists will receive at $50 voucher to the ReStore in order to offset the costs of purchasing recycled materials. The pieces will be displayed at the Spirit Room for three weeks preceding the event.

Attendees bid on artwork displayed at the 2012 Home is Where the Art Is event.

All proceeds from the art auction will be put towards continuing the mission of Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity in providing simple, decent and affordable homes to families in Cass and Clay counties.

If you are interested in participating, please call (218) 284 5253 Ext. 2 or e-mail intern@lakeagassizhabitat.org. Deadline for artwork submission is Wednesday, December 5, 2012.

Have a minute to spare?

Posted on August 7, 2012 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

The estimated value of a volunteer is over $20 an hour. Money aside, studies show that adults who began volunteering as youth are twice as likely to volunteer as those who did not volunteer when they were younger.

There are hundreds of ways people of all ages can lend a hand in the Fargo and Moorhead communities. Whether helping at a nursing home, serving at the homeless shelter, or walking abandoned dogs, there’s a way you can help.

John Docken and other First International Bank volunteers work on the future home of the Nelson family.

John Docken, a long time volunteer and committee member with Habitat not only spends time volunteering, but also plays an important role as a valued committee member. His involvement over the past 12 years with various Habitat affiliates has been a great asset to the organization.

“I volunteer because of the fellowship on the job sites, John said. “I especially love seeing the joy in faces of the partner families. It’s priceless.”

Docken says he also cherishes the sense of doing something worthwhile. Just as Docken has discovered, there are numerous opportunities to put some muscle into helping Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity. Here are a few suggestions if you’re looking to get involved:

1.) Help with a build. Contrary to what many believe, you don’t have to be a professional carpenter or go through extensive training to help with a build.

2.) Are you a fair-weather friend looking to help but stay out of the heat? Helping with large mailings and other tasks is another important aspect to keeping the organization successful.

Individual volunteers work at the Habitat ReStore in Moorhead.

3.) ReStore? For shore! Volunteers are needed every day at the store, especially with the store’s extended hours during the summer.

4.) Become a committee member. While Habitat has several committees, the Family Support Committee, ReStore Committee, and the Volunteer Committee are especially in need of members. Getting involved on one of these teams is a great way to network with local professionals and brush up on leadership skills. Even if you’re a busy beaver, committees typically meet once a month for about an hour with some outside requirements.

5.) Love cooking? Providing lunch for build sites might be your niche. Habitat is in search of people to prepare lunch to the folk swinging hammers. Meals could be anything from Sloppy Joes to grilling on site. MM-mm Good!

6.) Help with special events. Volunteers are needed for projects such as hanging posters or mowing lots that are to be built on. Plus, if you want to get a team of friends together, a larger project can be given so you and your friends can volunteer together.

For questions or to learn more about how you or your organization can volunteer with Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity, please visit our website or give us a call at 218-284-5253 ext. 2. Now get out there and volunteer!

Letter from Shelby Cochran, 2011-12 ReStore VISTA

Posted on August 3, 2012 by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity

As today is my last day here at Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity, I wanted to take a little time to reflect on the experience I have had this year as an AmeriCorps VISTA and thank the Habitat family for welcoming me into their community.

One of the events coordinated by Shelby this year was Habitat ReStore’s Appreciation Picnic in July.

For those of you unfamiliar with the AmeriCorps VISTA program, VISTA stands for Volunteer in Service to America. I was among of thousands of individuals in the United States that pledged to spend a year in the national service program helping to fight poverty. The program was founded in 1965 and each member’s goal is to increase the capacity of the nonprofit organization they work with. VISTA members work full-time for their host organization and their benefits include a living allowance, loan forbearance and an end-of-the-year award. This year, I was one of 12 VISTAs serving at Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Minnesota.

My goal for the year was to build the capacity of Habitat ReStore, which in turn would build the capacity of Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity to build more homes and help more local families. While at Habitat, I was involved in public relations/marketing, volunteer coordination, strategic planning and event coordination for Habitat ReStore. For each of these tasks, I could not have accomplished what I did without the help of dedicated volunteers, committee members, and the staff at Habitat.

Shelby had a great time participating with Xcel Energy in the Holiday Lights Parade.

While my AmeriCorps VISTA position with Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity is ending today, I hope to stay connected with the Habitat community. I plan to continue living and working in the Fargo-Moorhead area and would like to become involved with Habitat as a volunteer in the future. I strongly believe in the mission of Habitat for Humanity and have thoroughly enjoyed watching our partner families achieve their dreams of homeownership.

To all of you who have worked with me, inspired me and put your trust in me, thank you. I will certainly miss working with you and encourage you to stay in touch!

Shelby Cochran

Building Homes, Building Hope

Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity: building simple, decent, affordable homes since 1991.

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