Habitat for Humanity Northwoods purchases Lincoln Street property

By Eileen Persike
Editor

Habitat for Humanity Northwoods is known for building homes for families in need. This week the organization’s ReStore is getting a new home of its own.

Low interest rates, the right building in the right location are two of the reasons the organization chose to purchase the former Sears building on Lincoln Street.

“Bottom line for us is it’s a better building, a better location, there’s better parking and it’s better financially for us,” said Executive Director Dave Havel. “It was a no-brainer as we put it all together. Through our banking partners and the willingness of the seller to work with us, it all came together.”

The ReStore is the main source of income that supplies funds for Habitat’s construction projects. As a bonus, Havel said, the attached laundromat will provide rental income for the organization.

The 11,000-plus square foot store is expected to be open to the public in early April. ReStore manager Dennis Shimeck is new to the job, but has years of retail experience, most recently managing the Rhinelander Goodwill store. He said moving the merchandise from the current location on Kemp Street and organizing the new space are top priorities.

“Over there we had basically three separate buildings and now we’re in one,” Shimeck said. “We will be determining how much space we want dedicated, and laying it out the way we want to make the shopping experience for the customer that much more convenient.”

The ReStore, Shimeck added, could use volunteers to help pack boxes for the move, help with the actual move, and to assist at the store when it is open. Anyone interested in volunteering can call 715-420-2301.

Construction on hold

Habitat for Humanity Northwoods is completing a home construction project in Phelps, but any new projects are on hold during the pandemic as directed by Habitat for Humanity International.

“We’re waiting, like everyone else, for the pandemic concerns to ease up and as soon as they do then we will move into high gear to plan our next project,” Havel said.

While the organization waits, Havel said now is good time for families in need of housing in Oneida and Vilas counties to begin the prequalification process.

“I’m encouraging people to apply right now because it takes a while to get through the application qualification process,” he said. “Like us, if they got qualified, they would be waiting for the green light.”

Families interested in applying to partner with Habitat for Humanity to build a home should call Havel at 715-420-0412.