Habitat for Humanity and ReStore
Buddy Caton

Building Homes. Building Hope.

If you ever think a little bit of kindness can’t change the world, look no further than Habitat for Humanity to show you that it most certainly can. What began as a grassroots effort on a community farm in Georgia in 1976 has become a global nonprofit housing organization serving more than 1,300 communities in the US and over 70 countries worldwide. Since its founding, Habitat has helped construct, rehab, or preserve more than 800,000 homes worldwide. Habitat for Humanity partners with people in need of decent, affordable housing to help them build or improve their homes. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable zero-interest mortgage or repair loan. This allows homeowners to achieve the strength, stability, and independence they need to build a better life and future for themselves and for their families. This is a crucial element of strong and healthy communities.

In 2017, Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity, which serves eastern Jackson County, rehabilitated 3 homes for homeownership opportunities, completed 15 home repairs, and conducted 11 weatherization improvements. Additionally, 175 families have received free financial counseling through the Home Owner Preparation and Education (HOPE) program since 2015. These tasks and services are made possible by the hard work of dozens of volunteers, and by financial support from donors and funds generated at ReStore, a discount home improvement store that is open to the public. With locations in Blue Springs and Independence, ReStore not only supports Habitat projects, but also promotes a healthier environment. Much of what is sold at ReStores are items that could otherwise end up in a landfill. Since 2014, over 1,900 tons of material have been diverted from landfills because of these two ReStore locations.

Just as the Habitat projects are primarily volunteer-based, so is ReStore. For several years, Buddy Caton has dedicated his time to bettering our community through this organization. From pricing items and organizing merchandise to helping customers with home improvement ideas, he spends many days each week at the Blue Springs ReStore. He has also worked on both local and out-of-state building and repair projects. Buddy has even donated a home to Habitat for Humanity for a recent rehab project. One of his favorite aspects of volunteering is “helping people with Habitat for Humanity to help them better themselves and improve their lives,” he says. “It is a blessing to see someone get their house for their family as you can see the love in their faces.” When meeting Buddy at ReStore for his portrait, I could see the love in his face as well. He enjoys volunteering because of the direct impact it has on people in our community, and also because of the sense of belonging that he feels while serving. “Volunteering at ReStore and at church is like being a part of a family,” he explains.

Habitat welcomes all volunteers and supporters who share their vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
Learn how you can serve at www.trumanhabitat.org.

And remember: don’t throw out perfectly good new and used residential building materials, household furnishings, and select commercial items!  Donate them to ReStore. Visit www.trumanheritagerestore.org or follow on Facebook to see what’s new in stores.

Statistic Sources:

• Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity - Lindsay Browne, Community Engagement Manager
• wikipedia.org/wiki/Habitat_for_Humanity

Who do you feel has a positive impact on our community in Blue Springs? Nominate an individual or organization to be featured on Local Focus by contacting jaime@anthem-photo.com.