Ed Smith interviewed Dan Petronio, the ReStore Director for the Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity.
-Dan explained what Habitat for Humanity does in our community.
-He described how the Homebuyer and Repair programs operate and the process of applying for them.
-The Repair program is only two years old but has been very successful as they try to help people, in particular older folks stay in their home when an expensive repair pops up.
-Dan says that they have now merged with the Habitat for Humanity organizations from Wayne and Ontario Counties.
-This merger has expanded their buying power and allowed them to work more strategically with staff and volunteers.
-Traditionally in Monroe County they would focus on a specific neighborhood and have houses that were close together as this would allow them to create a stronger sense of community and increase the rate of success for the new homeowners in that community. Ontario and Wayne Counties home projects have traditionally been more spread out due to land restrictions but they are working with the local government to try to replicate the model from Monroe County.
-Dan says they have seen a pretty big increase in applications from people looking to be a part of the Homebuyer or Repair programs, he attributes that to inflation.
-Fundraising is critical and they have expanded their grant writing program to be able to offer their services to more people.
-He gave a recap of their recent gala fundraiser event.
-They moved the ReStore from Culver Road to Baytowne Plaza which has allowed them to increase the amount of items for sale and generate more revenue. All of the money from the ReStore locations in Henrietta, Canandaigua and Baytowne Plaza go to support the Homebuyer and Repair programs.
-Dan talked about August 16th and 17th being the one year anniversary of the new ReStore location at Baytowne Plaza, they are inviting the community to come celebrate with them and there will be special discounts in the store.