Don’t Dump It! by Rick Kritzer
"Donate it and deduct it!" So says Todd Miller, director of the Greater Columbus Habitat for Humanity’s (GCHH) Build It Again Center.
A recent visit to the Center left me very excited at what I saw. The Center is a huge resource of all types of new and recycled building materials. It is housed in a warehouse-type facility next to the offices and building center of the Greater Columbus Habitat for Humanity (GCHH).
One of our members, Jon Blake, built a small house for his granddaughter out of materials from the Center. So many people liked the house, that Jon still has in on display in his front yard. He got lumber, windows, shingles and siding from the center, all at extremely low prices.
Other materials donated to and sold at the Center include: doors, gates, cabinets, light fixtures, bathtubs, tile and plumbing hardware. These new and recycled building materials have been donated by businesses, individuals, builders and remodelers. Funds from the sale of the materials help cover administrative costs and overhead expenses of the GCHH. As a result, most of the money that is contributed to the GCHH can be used directly for building houses.
"We have a great selection at all times, because we have colors and styles that are no longer available," states Todd Miller, Director. He also notes that since materials continue to come in, "if you don’t find it today, come back in a week."
Staff and volunteers can pick up donated materials, but would prefer that materials be delivered if at all possible. The GCHH and the Build It Again Center are located at 3529 Cleveland Ave., behind the Big Bear. If there are questions or donations, call 267-7778 ext 25.