Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity celebrates milestones

Habitat for Humanity of the Northern Fox Valley has big plans for the next 10 years, and the success of the Elgin ReStore is a huge part of them.

Bill Klaves, development director for the local Habitat, said the store — celebrating its 6th anniversary — has been integral to the expansion of Habitat’s home building program.

“In the first 20 years that we existed, we did 60 homes,” Klaves said. “Our goal is to do 120 in the next 10 years. It’s really quadrupling our production capability.”

Since ReStore opened it has made enough money from its business to fund 25 homes. It has become the largest and most successful ReStore in the region, taking donated building materials from retailers, manufacturers, distributors, contractors and homeowners and reselling them at reduced prices to the public.

Six homes are under construction now with the program’s reach stretching from St. Charles in the south to Lake in the Hills in the north. Klaves said Habitat is also working on a home in Streamwood and eying eastward expansion for the program.

“Between all the financial hardships that people are going through, the need is just huge,” Klaves said. “We’re just trying to do our thing to accommodate the people who need housing.”

Homes cost between $100,000 and $135,000 for Habitat volunteers from start to finish, according to Klaves. ReStore is the single largest funder of the program, but money also comes from grants, private individuals, corporations and fundraising events.

Besides funding 25 homes, ReStore is also celebrating diverting more than 3,500 tons of materials from landfills in its 6-year existence as it sells recycled goods.

Just a day before Earth Day, ReStore volunteers, supporters and employees plan to come together for a celebration of these milestones, and will raffle off several Skil tools and serve cake, starting at 11 a.m. April 21 at 800 N. State St., Elgin.

“We’re very proud of our accomplishments,” said Deanna Davies, ReStore director. “I’m proud of every volunteer and staff member who’s part of this whole organization. They’re the ones who really make it all work.”

Habitat and the ReStore have also been chosen as nonprofit of the month at Villa Verone restaurant, 13 N. Douglas Ave., Elgin, and will benefit from donations collected after 6:30 p.m. April 26 with proceeds planned for the A Brush with Kindness program. Visit habitatnfv.org for details.