Most people know Habitat for Humanity as a charitable organization that builds homes for people in need. More than providing a “free home,” Habitat uses volunteer labor and donated supplies to improve communities by sharing resources, teaching skills and making home ownership affordable.
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To support their goals, local chapters of Habitat for Humanity accept donations of building materials, supplies and tools that will be used to produce or refurbish new homes for the people they serve. Because of the quantities needed and the logistics of getting materials to the work sites, Habitat accepts tools and materials from corporations who can donate and deliver large quantities at once. In addition to construction materials, items like hand and power tools, paint, work gloves and eye protection are always appreciated.
Leftover or unneeded items from small home remodeling projects can still be donated to support the cause. Habitat for Humanity operates many resale stores that sell donated items and reinvest the proceeds into their mission. This is a way to donate single items to a good cause. Wrong-sized windows, extra rolls of wallpaper and leftover drywall can usually be used by someone, and donating them keeps them out of landfills.
Habitat for Humanity projects typically involve lots of volunteers, so restaurants often provide lunches and other refreshments to the job site. This is a great way to become involved in community projects, and also to generate publicity for a local restaurant. It’s also a fantastic way to show support for the project, even if the donor is not in the home-building business.
