You may be familiar with the programs of Habitat for Humanity, an international nonprofit that has engaged volunteers to build over 300,000 houses around the world in partnership with families in need. Their goal is to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. In addition to a down payment and monthly mortgage payments, Habitat homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor into building their house and the houses of others. Finished houses are sold at no profit and financed with affordable loans. Mortgage payments are used to build more Habitat houses.

But did you know that they have a retail stores in Central Ohio, where you can purchase or donate used home improvement and building materials? The Columbus retail outlet is at 3410 Westerville Rd., just north of Oakland Park. Revenue supports Habitat for Humanity-Greater Columbus, an independently run nonprofit, whose mission is to reduce substandard housing and increase home ownership in Central Ohio. Store Hours are Mon.-Sat. from 9am to 6 pm. For more information or to schedule a pick-up, call (614) RESTORE (737-8673).

Individuals, stores, businesses, general contractors, home remodeling contractors, and others regularly donate new and reusable materials from home remodeling projects, tools, new overstock inventory, samples, scratch and dent items, and more. They also remove and salvage materials from buildings being demolished. These materials are sold to the public at approximately 50% off retail prices. Visit www.habitatcolumbus.org to see what can be donated and what’s for sale. You can also volunteer at the ReStore. The ReStore further supports the community by annually diverting more than 1600 tons of durable materials from the local landfill.

Other Central Ohio ReStore Outlets are:

• Delaware County ReStore at 305 Curtis St. in Delaware. Hours are Wed. 4-8pm, Thurs., Fri., Sat. 8-6, 740-369-4505.

• Fairfield County ReStore at 3476 Cincinnati-Zanesville Rd NE in Lancaster. Hours are 8:30am to noon on Saturdays, 740-654-3434.

• Knox County ReStore at 120 S Norton St. in Mt. Vernon. Hours are Fri & Sat 9am-5pm, 740-485-2194.

Information on other ReStore locations around the nation can be found at www.habitat.org/env/restores.aspx.