WARSAW — Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County is in the process of opening a store in Warsaw.

Although the exact location has not yet been disclosed, Annette Hammond from the Kosciusko HFH office said the location will be announced closer to the tentative opening date of May 4. 

According to Hammond, for the past three years, Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County has picked up donated furniture, building supplies and appliances throughout the county from individuals and businesses. The donations are required to be new or gently used so that the items can be resold. 

Due to not having the resources to open their own store, the items were sold at surrounding Habitat stores. The profit they received has gone back into building homes in Kosciusko County. 

“We are thrilled to finally be opening a store this year,” said Hammond.

The store will serve as an additional revenue stream that will allow HFH to build more homes for lower-income families in Kosciusko County. This will address the lack of safe, stable and affordable housing in the county. 

“The overall poverty rate in Kosciusko County affects roughly 9,425 people,” said Hammond. “Not only are hard-working, low-income families struggling financially, but their overall health suffers from the absence of a suitable home environment. Families are the heart of our community; when families suffer, our entire community is negatively impacted.”

Hundreds of Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the United States have had success in operating non-profit resale stores for the advancement of their mission to end substandard housing by building strength, stability and self-reliance through home ownership. 

The store, which reportedly will be called “Habitat Resale Outlet,” will offer access to affordable items, diverse merchandise, inventory with low environmental impact and a local donation center for furniture, building supplies and appliances. 

The inventory will be supplied through local individual donors and businesses. The intake process will happen one of two ways, according to Hammond. Individuals within Kosciusko County can submit a request for their chosen items to be picked up by HFH volunteers or people will have the opportunity to drop off items at the store once it’s open. The items will then be processed and displayed for the public to purchase. 

Anyone wishing to make a donation before the store opens may call the local HFH office at (574) 269-4104.