To qualify, applicants must meet income guidelines and have at least one household member who is either over the age of 60 or living with a disability.
PORT CLINTON, Ohio — Habitat for Humanity of Ottawa County is expanding its reach with a new critical home repair program.
The location opened earlier this year in March, marking just over six months in operation. The program is designed to help low-income residents remain safe and secure in their homes.
The resale outlet offers donated home goods and building materials at reduced prices, with all proceeds benefiting Habitat projects in Ottawa County. The ReStore also provides a new way for community members to get involved while expanding Habitat’s mission.
The program, now accepting applications, focuses on essential repairs and issues that directly affect the health and safety of homeowners, such as leaking roofs, broken furnaces or a lack of running water.
To qualify, applicants must meet income guidelines and have at least one household member who is either over the age of 60 or living with a disability.
“This program is about helping people stay in their homes, safely and with dignity,” said Valerie Winterfield, community engagement director for Habitat for Humanity of Ottawa County. “It’s for those situations that can quickly become dangerous. No heat in the winter, no hot water, and a leaking roof. These aren’t cosmetic repairs, they’re essential.”
The home repair initiative is part of a broader effort by the local Habitat affiliate to grow its services and visibility in the community. The program is funded through grants and while the organization received one this year, Winterfield emphasized that future funding is not guaranteed.
“We’re doing everything we can to spread the word,” she said. “This is still a new program for us, and a lot of people don’t know it exists yet.”
In addition to its repair program, Habitat for Humanity continues its core mission of building affordable homes for families in need.
Qualified applicants partner with the organization by contributing “sweat equity” and volunteer hours by helping to build their own home or for others, as well as committing to a manageable monthly mortgage.
“You don’t have to donate money to support Habitat,” Winterfield said. “You can donate items to the store, volunteer your time, or even help make lunches for our build crews. There are so many ways to help.”
The affiliate, which has served the community since 1994, has seen rapid growth in the past year. What was once a single-employee operation has now expanded to a staff of eight, including a full ReStore team.
The organization is currently building four new homes in Oak Harbor.
“Our goal is to keep growing and serving more families,” Winterfield said. “We want everyone in our community to have a safe, stable place to call home.”