Habitat for Humanity to open ReStore, family and program center in Newark

Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio aims to open a ReStore and Family and Program Center on North 21st Street later this year.

According to a press release, the organization purchased 1600-1680 North 21st St. in Newark at the end of July. They'll occupy the storefront which was previously home to FrontRoom Furnishings and the existing tenants will remain in place.

The ReStore is a retail operation accepting donations of new and used building materials and household goods. The items are sold to the public at reduced costs.

The Family and Program Center, the agency said, will provide office space where current and potential partner families can be introduced and guided through Habitat's application process. The center will have regular hours and be staffed by volunteers and Habitat's Homeowner Services Team.

Affiliate President and CEO E.J. Thomas said they're hoping to get inside the space as soon as possible and have a goal to open by mid to late-fall. Ahead of opening, Thomas said their team has some renovations to complete.

Thomas said this new center will allow Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio to serve more families in Licking County. Having a center located in Licking County, he said, will give their programs easier access. And the money generated in the ReStore, he said, they want to stay in Licking County to help those families.

Although Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio has already invested $2 million toward their $3.5 million goal for the project, they are fundraising to raise the remaining $1.5 million. Of that number, more than $600,000 has been pledged.

"I grew up in Logan in Hocking Hills so I have a soft spot for smaller cities. Newark is quite a bit larger but has a small town feel where people know each other and are interested in helping each other," Thomas said. "One of the things I love about working in Licking County is people are willing to take the bull by the horns on some of these thornier issues as it relates to social services."

For more information about the project or to make a donation, visit Habitat for Humanity-MidOhio's website at HabitatMidOhio.org.