In this edition of The HouseKat Presents, I had the pleasure to speak with Bob Helder, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Flathead Valley. Check out the video, and then see below for additional information.
ReStore Sales
Bob mentioned the ReStore in the above video. If you've driven by the store (now located at 2535 Hwy 93 South in Kalispell) but never stopped by, you should! Why? If you need anything for your home, you can probably purchase it here. For example, are you remodeling a room and need new ceiling lights, wall sconces, or floor lamps? Would you like to change your living room furniture or decor? Do you need a dining room table? Chairs? Perhaps you're redoing your outlets or outlet face plates, or maybe you're painting your home. Or you might be missing one cabinet door - come see if they have one out back! Plumbing? Do you need any plumbing supplies? Flooring? Tiles? They have that also!
ReStore Donations
The team at the ReStore works very hard collecting, cleaning, pricing, and otherwise preparing items for sale. There is information on their website about what you can donate. Basically, if the item is well maintained and has all the pieces, you may be able to bring it to the store. You can also request a pickup of items through a form on the website. They'll make sure it's ready to sell, put it on the floor for someone else to purchase, and the item price will help get the Habitat Homes built.
Habitat Homes
Habitat for Humanity provides a unique program that allows families earning less than 80% of the Flathead Valley's median income who are currently living in substandard conditions with the ability to purchase a home. The homeowner(s) along with volunteers, build the home and at the end of the build, the homebuyers receive a home with an affordable and low-interest fixed mortgage.
To volunteer to help build a home at this time, you just need to be able to commit to at least two seven-hour days per month. You also need to volunteer in groups of two or more (due to Covid restrictions, Habitat cannot currently accept new solo volunteers). And you do not need to be a skilled home builder!
Just to provide some insight, I've never built a house. I've certainly done my share of assisting with various projects, like replacing a vanity, installing a vinyl plank floor or putting in a new toilet. I've also painted and done minor maintenance jobs. But I have no idea exactly what is required to start a home at the ground level. So I showed up on my first day, ready to go with my work clothes and work boots. The team provided me with safety gear, and I immediately went to work!
So far during my volunteer stints at the build site, I've learned how a basement is prepared and built. I've installed rebar, removed forms, installed foam installation, and more. By the time these homes are built, I'll know more than I ever knew there was to know!
Summary
Habitat for Humanity is a wonderful organization that helps people purchase homes who wouldn't otherwise be able to. If you can help in any way, I encourage you to do so. Call 406-257-8800 to talk to the fantastic team at Habitat for Humanity. Thank you!
For more information on Kalispell, Bigfork or Lakeside check out the appropriate links.
Originally posted at thehousekat.com.
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