Habitat MidOhio Monthly Musing
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CEO Corner
On March 1, the first day of Women's History Month, I had the honor of leading the commencement ceremony for our 18th annual Women Build House. Women Build is a beloved Habitat tradition that involves women volunteers and often women construction leads building a home. The community that has been created among our Women Build volunteers is simply outstanding; a community of learning, growth, support, and love – on and off the construction site.
In a recent roundtable conversation that I held with long-time, regular volunteers, the women had interesting stories that resonated with me. Several of the women remarked on wanting to take “shop” classes in high school but not being allowed – and being required to take home economics instead. Think about that. A society and school system with such a narrow view of the skills and roles of women to confine their elective class assignments. These women had to wait years for a chance to learn and practice work that is not only enjoyable for them, but important skills to have in life. How many women who were forbidden from taking “shop” class would have grown up to be architects, construction workers, electricians...the list goes on.
I’ll also note the homebuyer for our current women build house is a single mother. A single mother, who until 1974, would not have been able to purchase a home on her own. She wouldn’t have even been able to open a credit card without a male consignor until the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. 1974. That’s 51 years ago and almost 200 years after our country was founded.
I give thanks to God and the courageous individuals who have championed, supported, and voted for laws that truly see and treat people as equal and valuable.
I don’t care what words are used to describe what it means to see all people as valuable humans who truly are “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” (Declaration of Independence). As a woman, as a leader, as a champion for building a thriving community, I am committed to valuing the unique abilities and differences of all people, treating all people with respect and dignity and ensuring all people are kept in mind as decisions are made.
In Service,
Brandi Braun AL-Issa
President & CEO
Homeowner Services
Dedication of Sheikh Heidar Family Home, February 5
Last month we had the honor to celebrate the start of a brand-new home for the Sheikh Heidar family! Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors— Bank of America, State Farm, Fischer Homes, and the City of Columbus—another family is on their way to achieving their dream of homeownership. Stay tuned as we watch this home take shape with the hard work of our project lead, the family and the many volunteers!
Commencement of Mohammed Abdi Family Home, February 8
We also celebrated the Mohammed Abdi Family as they begin their journey of homeownership at their ribbon cutting ceremony. This was made possible through the incredible support of the City of Columbus, a generous gift from MacKenzie Scott, and many volunteers!
Dedication of Nichols Family Home, February 26
We were honored to celebrate the Nichols family at the dedication of their new home towards the end of February! This dream wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of Discover, the City of Newark, and the many volunteers who gave their time, energy, and hearts to this project. Make sure to check out the great before and after shot of the Nichols family--from standing in their home when it had just been framed to now, complete and ready for them to move in!
Dedication of Ali Family Home, February 27
We wrapped up February with another dedication, this time for the Ali family. It was a beautiful, sunny day surrounded by friends and family. We were honored to be able to celebrate with the family as new homeowners!
Construction
Last week, we hosted our first-ever Women Build Week Blitz! In seven work days, we went from a foundation to a house under roof! By the end of the Blitz Week, we completed the fire-rated drywall assembly, insulation board, and window installation. All of this work allowed us to get ready for MEP (mechanical, electric, and plumbing) sub-contractors and to keep us on schedule to meet our ambitious construction goals this spring!
We’d like to send out a huge thank you to the over 100 volunteers who joined us on site during the Blitz Week, including volunteers from our Women Build Regular Crew, Women @ Amazon, City of Grace Church, U.S. Bank, Hexion, 3 Pillar Homes, Habitat Young Professionals, the American Society of Safety Professionals, and our AmeriCorps Alumni Team! We’d also like to thank Britt and her son Drake, our partner family, for joining us on site to help build their future home. Another huge thank you is in order for our fearless leaders on this project—April, Joyce, Mattias, and Tom from the Construction Department!
Construction on Women Build #18 will continue into May. Click here to join in the fun. No experience required.
ReStore
Donate
Spring is always a time to start fresh—out with the old and in with the new! We would love to be a part of your spring-cleaning process. Items donated to Habitat MidOhio go to our ReStores to be sold at an affordable price to the community which in turn helps support us on our mission to provide affordable housing in central Ohio. Do you have bigger items that won’t fit into your vehicle? No problem, we will come to you and pick up for free!
Check out more information on what items we accept and how to set up a pick up here!
Shop
Our inventory is always changing and now is the time to upgrade and refresh your home as we head into the warmer months! Check out all of our new and donated items, featuring La-Z-Boy furniture, Dahdoul flooring and home décor, Butcher Block countertops and many other great items donated generously by individuals and corporations! Shop all of our locations or online:
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.)
Did you know? We have an eBay store! Take a look at all the new product we have available here!
No matter how you choose to shop, we have the items you are looking for!
Volunteer
Individual and group volunteer opportunities are available at our Westerville, Newark and Bethel locations. Sign up online to see available shifts. Give back to the community and come out for a team building day! Thank you to all of our individual and group volunteers for the many hours of service you have given in our ReStore locations!
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 Tim O'Neil!
AmeriCorps
From March 10-15, Habitat MidOhio, along with thousands of organizations nationwide, celebrated AmeriCorps impact on its programs and community!
Over the past 23 years, 164 AmeriCorps members have served at our affiliate through AmeriCorps National/State, VISTA (Volunteers In Service to America), and NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) committing to over 186,000 hours of service and impacting over 1,400 families through Homeownership and Home Repair Programs, and Rock the Block activities! Their efforts combined with local volunteers have resulted in many growth areas in our affiliate including: families served; volunteers recruited and managed; homes built, rehabbed and repaired; programs started and strengthened; resources gathered; ReStores opened; and so much more!
As a part of National AmeriCorps Week, AmeriCorps member, Lisa McCuiston, enlisted her fellow AmeriCorps team members to help pack 100 boxes of food last Friday with Care Connection Columbus to get ready for their monthly drive-thru food distribution on Saturday. Lisa and her family have volunteered regularly with Care Connection Columbus, and our AmeriCorps team was ready to learn more about their necessary work and join in the fun this month! The Habitat MidOhio staff also joined in serving by donating food to restock the Little Food Pantry the AmeriCorps team built during last year’s National AmeriCorps Week.
Saturday marked the end of National AmeriCorps Week and our 13th Annual AmeriCorps Alumni Build Day! A little rain didn't stop AmeriCorps members and alumni traveling from near and far to spend the day catching up and building alongside volunteers and future homeowners, Britt and her son, Drake.
We are so grateful for the 164 AmeriCorps members who chose to serve with Habitat! Thank you for your service!
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
National Women's History Month
As we step into March, we recognize the power of inclusion, equity, and collective action in shaping a more just world. This month is particularly significant as we celebrate National Women’s History Month, a time to honor the achievements of women who have paved the way for progress. It is also a moment for reflection—recognizing the work still needed to ensure that women, particularly those from historically marginalized communities, have equitable opportunities in every sphere.
At Habitat MidOhio, our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) means uplifting voices, breaking down barriers, and fostering an environment where everyone can thrive. This was evident during Women Build Week, where our teams came together to put action behind our values. We were honored to witness the dedication of women leaders, volunteers, and community partners working side by side to create safe and affordable housing for families. Their efforts remind us that building homes is more than construction—it’s about building hope, stability, and opportunity.
As we continue this journey, let’s ask ourselves: How can we ensure that our workplace and our work in the community reflect true equity? Whether it’s advocating for fair policies, creating space for diverse perspectives, or simply celebrating the strengths everyone brings, every step counts.
We encourage everyone to take a moment this month to learn, engage, and champion the mission of inclusion—not just in words but in action. Together, we are not only building homes but also fostering a future where every person can belong and succeed.
With gratitude,
Martin Harris and The DEI Committee
Resource Development
We're thrilled to partner with Donatos to help families achieve affordable homeownership. Help Habitat affiliates when you order Donatos pizza.
Now through Sunday, April 20, 2025, support your local Habitat for Humanity when you order Donatos pizza.
- Round Up! Round up your total to the nearest dollar in your cart at checkout. 100% of your donation goes to Habitat.
- Add a Cheryl’s® Peanut Butter Frosted Chocolate Cookie to your order and $1 from each cookie will be donated to Habitat.
Over the past three years, the campaign has raised an incredible over $120,000 in support of Habitat MidOhio's programs creating new and preserving existing affordable homes for local families.
Visit www.donatos.com and start your order today!
Meet the Team
We’re thrilled to have DaShon join the Newark ReStore! He enjoys helping others and saw an opportunity to make a real impact through Habitat’s mission! Outside of work, DaShon enjoys fashion, video games, and is a talented musician. His dedication to serving others shows through is work at his church, where he helps distribute food, clothing, and household essentials to those in need. Welcome to the team, DaShon!
