Charity resale shop likely to stay in Lake Zurich
While House of Hope Resale received temporary permission to open in a Lake Zurich mall in November, the village didn't guarantee its future.
As part of the process to cement House of Hope's move from Barrington to Lake Zurich, Deerpath Commons owner John Alan Sfire appeared before the village's advisory planning and zoning commission last week.
Members of the advisory panel liked what they heard from Sfire and voted 7-0 in favor of recommending that House of Hope receive a special-use permit to stay in the mall.
Lake Zurich trustees, who get the final say on issues, are expected to vote on the panel's recommendation Jan. 4.
House of Hope Resale, which received a 90-day temporary permit from Lake Zurich last month, is an upscale shop that uses its revenue to help local individuals and families in crisis. Launched in 2001, money raised from the shop goes to the Project Hope ministry at St. Anne Catholic Community in Barrington and other charitable causes.
Planning and zoning commission member Antonio Castillo, a St. Anne parishioner, said House of Hope and other charitable stores offer good volunteer opportunities for residents.
“They are tremendous contributors to the community with what they bring,” Castillo said during the Dec. 16 session.
Sfire said House of Hope suddenly needed to end its 14-year run on Route 59 in Barrington because of building problems before the holiday shopping season. He said the charity approached him about seven weeks ago seeking space.
“So, they were forced to close their store there (in Barrington) and came to me in a panic. ... In the words of the famous ‘Godfather' (movie), I made them a deal they couldn't refuse,” Sfire told the planning and zoning commission.
Sfire said House of Hope is ready to sign a long-term lease for Deerpath Commons on Rand Road, provided the village board approves the special-use permit allowing a resale store in the plaza.
House of Hope revenue goes toward St. Anne's effort to provide short-term emergency assistance to individuals or families suddenly in need. That help includes food, transitioning a family from an abusive situation, money for utilities or even a mortgage payment.