Original Article from Pocono Record by Kathryne Rubright
Monroe County Habitat for Humanity has moved to a new location, where its ReStore will open soon, all overseen by a new executive director.
Scott Fabian was previously the volunteer coordinator, then the affiliate coordinator, meaning he ran the day-to-day operations for this affiliate of the international nonprofit. In February, he became the acting executive director, which was made official in April. He has been with Habitat about five years.
“We’re at a very exciting time with Habitat,” Fabian said. When the 12,500-square-foot ReStore opens, the proceeds from sales of new and gently used items will go toward Habitat’s home preservation and partnership programs, and more projects can be completed.
The Monroe affiliate mainly does home preservation, which is done “if someone’s home isn’t healthy or safe to live in,” Fabian said. Habitat pays for project materials upfront and the homeowner pays Habitat back at 0% interest over five years. Volunteers do most of the work. Habitat aims to do 30 of these projects per year.
In the home partnership program, Habitat rehabilitates or fully builds a home. Adults in the family give 250 hours of sweat equity and receive the home at a 0% mortgage over 30 years.
In one recent partnership, a Stroudsburg family has gone from paying about $1,250 monthly in rent to $800 for their mortgage, fees and taxes, Fabian said. “So they’re now on their way to own a home that they never could have before.”
Though the ReStore hasn’t opened yet, Habitat is accepting donations now. Items can be picked up for free, but drop-offs are preferred. Potential donors should send photos of their items to donations@habitatmc.com first, Fabian said.
See the full list of acceptable donation items at https://habitatmc.com/restore/donate.
Contractors also donate items, he said, and Lowe’s has donated more than $1 million to the Monroe affiliate.
Habitat, previously located at The Mountain Center in Coolbaugh Township, has moved its offices to 2610 Milford Road, Suite 12, East Stroudsburg, with the ReStore in the same plaza. The board of directors was supportive as Habitat worked for about a year on the move, Fabian said.
She Nailed It!
One of Habitat’s two big fundraisers for the year is coming up this month. (The other is a golf tournament in November.)
In the She Nailed It! competition, teams of four women compete to see how many nails they can hammer into a board in two minutes. Additional teams, sponsors and tricky tray items are welcome.
The fundraiser is set for noon to 4 p.m. on May 19 at Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort.
Teams raise $600 to participate, or businesses can sponsor a team for $1,000. Payment is due by May 10.
Kathryne Rubright is the managing editor of the Pocono Record and the Tri-County Independent. Reach her at krubright@gannett.com.