Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing to those who cannot otherwise afford it. In Bowling Green alone, Habitat has built around one hundred homes and completed countless repairs to existing homes since the organization started in 1990. Those who qualify do not get homes “for free,” but they do get homes with a zero percent interest rate on the mortgage. This saves families thousands of dollars, assists families to invest in long term assets, and builds permanency in Bowling Green communities.

Habitat for Humanity provides many benefits to Bowling Green outside of just building homes. For example, once the homes are built and purchased by a family, the City of Bowling Green is now able to collect property taxes on these homes, instead of letting lots sit undeveloped. One such project in Bowling Green will bring in an estimated $100,000 when the homes are completed.

Habitat also runs a used-item store called the “ReStore,” which serves a twofold purpose: selling used homegoods to Bowling Green families, and raising funds to support Habitat for Humanity. Rodney Goodman, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity here in Bowling Green, describes the store as “[if] Goodwill and Home Depot had a baby.” When Habitat reaches out to individuals, they may not have actual cash to donate, but many people do have used homegoods that they can donate instead. ReStore sells these used homegoods to customers, then uses the money to support building more homes. Last year, ReStore profited around $350,000 to support building homes. These donated items also stay out of landfills. If individuals do not have cash or homegoods, they can volunteer. Most of Habitat’s laborers are volunteers from the community, which minimizes labor costs needed to construct new homes.