Friday, August 13, 1999
Habitat finds home of its own
Middletown house builders move supplies to new facility
BY JANET C. WETZEL
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MIDDLETOWN — The irony is not lost on the staff. Middletown Habitat for Humanity has built 19 homes since it began in 1992, but the organization itself has been homeless.
Not anymore.
The group just bought a building, and they're moving the supplies and tools that have been strewn all over town into the site — a huge warehouse-type building on Curtis Street.
“Look at all of this space,” Executive Director Wilma Wood said Wednesday, spreading her arms toward the estimated 6,000-square-foot expanse before her. “Isn't this wonderful? We can even do some pre-fab building in the wintertime in here.”
The Middletown Habitat started in 1992 on the kitchen tables of those who had a vision for the local affiliation, said Ms. Wood, an original member. In 1994, St. Paul United Church of Christ offered Habitat use of an office in the church.
“The church graciously took us in and provided rent-free office space,” Ms. Wood said. “They were supporting our mission for years. We couldn't have done it without them.”
But since the room was used for everything from board and committee meetings to daily operations, supplies and tools were stored in garages, basements and supply trailers around the city.
“When someone needed a tool, they had to figure out where it was, get a key and go get it, then take it back,” Ms. Wood said. “We built seven houses last year, and our people say there is no way they could do that again without having a place to put their tools and equipment.”
The organization had long since outgrown the church office, but because no money was available to rent or buy a building, they made do, said Bill Wooley, president of the board of directors. Then fate stepped in.
Early this year, the church space was “washed out” by snow and water damage. “It was maybe providence or divine intervention, because that made us look around a little more vigorously,” Mr. Wooley said.
Armco Inc. heard of their plight and offered office space for token rent.
“We knew that was temporary, so we started trying to come up with the money to purchase the building,” Ms. Wood said. A combination of grants and donations made it possible. Major contributors included Armco Inc., the Middletown Community Foundation and the Mariam Knoll Foundation.
“We became the official owner Aug. 6,” Ms. Wood said. An open house is being planned to show off the building with its two offices, a board room and large storage/work bay, which has room for the Habitat vehicle — a bright red emergency squad truck that was donated.
Nothing is wasted at Habitat. That's why the organization is considering a new venture — a “Re-Store” to sell donated items ranging from furniture and appliances to bicycles. The money will help build more homes, Ms. Wood said.
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