Habitat MidOhio Monthly Musing
To sign up to receive your copy of the Monthly Musing straight to your email inbox, click here.
CEO Corner
The new year is often a time of reflection and engaging in renewed energy for the year ahead. This year is no different.
We started the year by honoring the legacy of former President Jimmy Carter and the impact he’s had on so many lives – especially through his service to Habitat for Humanity over the years. President and Rosalynn Carter demonstrated the deep and lasting impact of humble and intentional service to others.
I thought of President Carter on Friday, January 10, when our Executive Leadership team spent the day volunteering on a home build site on Minnesota Avenue in the Linden neighborhood. The home was early in its construction; with no doors, windows, or roof, which made us feel all 20 degrees of the temperature. There were times throughout the day when I felt quite uncomfortable; my face and toes aching from the chill. It was the thought of President and Rosalynn Carter, the people experiencing homelessness who face the elements every day and our construction staff and volunteers who regularly build houses in varying weather conditions – snow, rain, cold, and heat. This day-in, day-out physical labor is what brings a house to life and is what makes Habitat a unique housing builder. We engage everyday volunteers to serve, learn, and have fun all at the same time. We welcome and encourage individuals, families, and teams to volunteer with Habitat.
2025 also brought renewed energy with two new team members. On January 6, we welcomed Jeremy Ball and Greg Rooney to the team. You can read more about Jeremy here and Greg here. We are thrilled to have them as part of our team in 2025 and beyond as Habitat works to be a leader in connecting people to opportunity and hope through affordable housing.
In Service,
Brandi Braun AL-Issa
President & CEO
Homeowner Services
Dedication of Sheikh & Mohmud Family Home, November 20
With the love and support of sponsors, volunteers, friends, and family, the Sheikh & Mohmud family celebrated the dedication of their new home in November! A heartfelt thank you to longtime sponsors Hilliard Adopt-A-House and the City of Columbus for your incredible partnership in making this dream a reality!
Dedication of Issa Family Home, November 21
In November we had the privilege to celebrate the Issa & Mohamed family as they received the keys to their new home! This dream became a reality thanks to the incredible support of the American Electric Power Foundation and the City of Columbus. Thanks to our amazing sponsors and dedicated volunteers who made it all possible.
Dedication of Williamson Family Home, November 22
We wrapped up November with the dedication of the Williamson family home! This home was built with the generous support of Bread Financial, City of Columbus, the William H. Davis, Dorothy M. Davis, and William C. Davis Foundation, our Veterans Build program, and our wonderful volunteers!
Construction
As we reflect on the impact of former President Jimmy Carter's contribution to Habitat for Humanity, Sarah Arnold, our Director of Land Development , shares about her experience on the Carter Work Project.
In 2006, as a regular volunteer crew leader at my local Habitat affiliate, I was provided the opportunity to lead a group of volunteers in participating in what would be my first of five Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Projects (JCRWP). My experience at that JCRWP in Lonavala, India, working only two doors down from President Carter and his wife, was the beginning of my deep love for and commitment to the mission of Habitat for Humanity.
President Carter once said, “I have learned that our greatest blessings come when we are able to improve the lives of others, and this is especially true when those others are desperately poor or in need.” While at my first JRCWP in India, I witnessed firsthand those who were desperately poor and in need everywhere I went, everywhere I turned, everywhere I looked. Entire families were sleeping on the side of the road, on the sidewalk, or in the gutters. They lived in these places with their few worldly belongings, with no shelter over their heads, and no chance of a better life. There were beggars completely blind or missing both arms or both legs swarming around anyone that looked even remotely capable of giving them enough money for something to eat that day. Slums extended farther than I could see where few residents had roofs that didn’t leak, running water, clean toilets, or safe or regular access to electricity. But that same week I also saw the power of the partnership between Habitat for Humanity, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, hundreds of volunteers and sponsors, and some of these same people about which I just shared about.
Everyone who has met the Carters speaks about how they always made time to teach others their talents on the build site, to listen to and work with the homeowner partners, to shake hands with the volunteer house leaders, and to take pictures with the groups of volunteers and sponsors working on each home. As President Joe Biden recently said in his eulogy for President Carter, they exemplified their belief, “that everyone should be treated with dignity, respect, that everyone, and I mean everyone, deserves an even shot.”
At the end of my time there, I left India and went home, profoundly changed. This was in large part due to the example of President Carter and his wife who, by working alongside others in constructing homes in equal partnership with those that they came to serve, showed me that servant leadership is important and effective in empowering others. Service to others is a gift that we receive by giving.
ReStore
Donate
Making space for all your new holiday gifts? Consider donating your old usable items to ReStore. We offer free pick-up five days a week, or drop-off is available six days a week. Visit our website for a list of acceptable items and to schedule a pick-up.
ReStore Locations and Hours
ReStore Westerville Road: 3140 Westerville Road, Columbus, OH 43224
Open Monday-Saturday from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (Donations Drop-offs 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.)
ReStore Bethel Road: 2555 Bethel Road, Columbus, OH 43220
Open Monday-Saturday from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (Donations Drop-offs 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.)
ReStore Newark: 1660 N 21st St, Newark OH 43055
Open Monday-Wednesday from 9:00AM to 5:00PM and Thursday-Saturday 9:00AM to 7:00PM (Donations Drop-offs 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.)
Shop
It’s winter in Ohio! That means more time indoors, so come out and shop with us at the ReStores! Whether you are updating, remodeling or replacing, we have the stuff for you! Stop in to any of our three locations for great deals with furniture, appliances, flooring, cabinets, water heaters, bathroom vanities, and so much more.
New Product Alert! Come check out new merchandise from our Corporate partners: Lay-Z-Boy, NBG Homegoods, Restoration Hardware and many more. We have brand new purchased product as well like Butcher Block, American Cover Design rugs, Chicago Mattresses, Omaha, Dahdoul and more!
Don’t have time to come in? Shop with us online for items available for “Buy Now, Pickup later” here or check out our newly launched Ebay store, featuring new, donated items.
No matter how you choose to shop, we have the items you are looking for!
Volunteer Services
Volunteer Spotlight
Volunteer Spotlight: Each month, we spotlight 2 volunteers who have gone above and beyond to support Habitat’s mission. Check out our website to view all of our recently spotlighted volunteers, including Ashley Moss and Mike Moore!
Online Orientation
Interested to know more about Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio, our history, and how to get involved? Check out our new series of online orientation videos! Whether you view 1 video or all 5, we’d love to share more about Habitat’s mission with you!
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Building a Stronger Foundation for All in 2025
By Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio DEI Committee
As we turn the page to a new year, the Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio DEI Committee invites you to reflect on the values that unite us and the mission that propels us forward: building homes, communities, and hope.
2025 marks not only a new chapter for our organization but also an opportunity to recommit to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion that are at the heart of our work. These values guide us as we strive to create a world where everyone has a decent place to live, no matter their background, experiences, or circumstances.
This year, we draw inspiration from the remarkable legacy of President Jimmy Carter, a tireless advocate for Habitat for Humanity and an unwavering champion of equity and compassion. President Carter once said, “Habitat is much more than houses; it’s about rebuilding lives.” His vision reminds us that the homes we construct are more than physical spaces—they are places of dignity, belonging, and opportunity.
At Habitat MidOhio, we recognize that building strong communities requires more than hammers and nails. It demands that we listen to diverse voices, value every perspective, and ensure that everyone—homeowners, volunteers, residents, community members, and staff alike—feels seen, respected, and included. This commitment is not just an ideal; it is a responsibility.
As we move forward, let us remember that our mission thrives when we build together. Each nail driven and each wall raised brings us closer to a future where everyone has the opportunity to flourish.
To our Habitat family—staff, volunteers, and supporters—we thank you for your dedication to this work. May 2025 be a year of renewal, progress, and unity as we honor the legacy of those who have paved the way, like President Carter, and continue to shape a better future for all.
Here’s to another year of building hope, one home at a time.
Resource Development
Thank you for your generous support for Habitat MidOhio throughout the holiday season! Your donations to our year-end campaigns, including Giving Tuesday, raised over $125,000—more than than double our goal! Your gifts help provide stability and hope to families on their journey toward homeownership. Thank you!
Meet the Team
Join us in welcoming Traci to the Habitat MidOhio team! Traci joined our Newark ReStore team last month, bringing years of retail experience and a passion for making a difference. She’s excited to combine her skills with Habitat’s mission and looks forward to growing with us while providing excellent customer service.
When she’s not at work, Traci enjoys crafting, reading, and volunteering at the Licking County Humane Society! Fun fact: Traci once drove a 4-horse Clydesdale hitch wagon!
Welcome to the Habitat MidOhio Family, Mason!
Mason joined our Westerville Rd. ReStore team, ready to make an impact and build a better future for his son. As a single father, Mason’s passion for his work is driven by his desire to be part of something bigger and to make his son proud. Fun facts about Mason: He loves basketball, playing video games, and taking park walks with his son—and he even has an extra finger!
Join us in welcoming Brian to the Habitat MidOhio team! Brian has joined our Volunteer Services Department as the Special Projects Assistant, bringing his passion for mission work and community outreach. His top goal? To be a sponge, soaking up knowledge while helping grow the Special Projects team. Outside of work, Brian enjoys sports, traveling, volunteering, and inspiring youth through speaking engagements. We’re thrilled to have him on board!
Welcome Jay to the Habitat MidOhio team! He is joining us as a Team Member at the Bethel Rd. ReStore! He learned of our organization through his interest in Jimmy Carter and his legacy. He is excited for this opportunity to make a difference. Outside of work, Jay enjoys reading, building Lego sets, cooking, and playing video games. He’s an advocate for the homeless in the Columbus area and frequently helps others with repair work. Jay is also a basketball enthusiast and, most proudly, a father to his 6-year-old daughter! We are excited to have him as a part of our team.
