Well here's actually some good news on the housing front. Today was the grand opening for a hardware and furniture store of a different kind in Salem.

For years, Habitat for Humanity has been building homes for those in need all across the Valley. Today, Habitat of Northern Columbiana County entered into a new type of business, the retail industry.

Furniture...kitchen cabinets...even home accessories. No it's not a new Lowe's or Home Depot, It's Re-Store. The newest venture for Habitat for Humanity of Northern Columbiana County.

"RESTORE IS HABITATS STORE THAT REUSES AND RECYCLES GOOD USED ITEMS FOR HOMES. SOMETIMES IT'S CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND SOMETIMES IT'S FURNITURE AS YOU CAN SEE."--Barbara Loudon Exec. Dir. Habitat of Northern Columbiana County

Habitat acquires the items for the store through donations.

"WELL RESTORE ORIGINATED BECAUSE OF A NEED FOR THE STUFF THAT WAS DONATED, AND COULDN'T BE USED FOR HOUSES THAT HABITAT BUILDS."--Richard Lobdell Restore Manager

"SO ANYTHING WE CANNOT USE NOW, WE WILL BE ABLE TO SELL AT THE RESTORE, AND THEN USE THE PROCEEDS TO HELP OUR HOUSING MINISTRY."--Barbara Loudon Exec. Dir. Habitat of Northern Columbiana County

That housing ministry, the Northern Columbiana County Chapter of Habitat, is finishing its twenty-second home build. The organization builds new houses for those that simply would not be able to do it any other way.

"HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BUILDS SIMPLE DECENT HOUSES FOR FAMILIES IN NEED. AND THEN WE SELL THOSE FAMILIES BACK TO THE FAMILIES. WHAT MAKES IT AFFORDABLE FOR THEM IS THAT WE SELL THEM AT NO INTEREST AND NO PROFIT. SO FOR FAMILIES THAT COULD NOT HAVE PREVIOUSLY CONSIDERED BEING HOMEOWNERS CAN INDEED AFFORD THAT."--Barbara Loudon Exec. Dir. Habitat of Northern Columbiana County

The response to the new store on its first day has been beyond expectations.

"IT'S JUST BEEN A FANTASTIC DAY. WE HAD PEOPLE WAITING WHEN WE OPENED AND WE HAVE HAD A STEADY STREAM OF PEOPLE ALL DAY. IT'S JUST AN OVERWHELMING RESPONSE FROM THE COMMUNITY."--Barbara Loudon Exec. Dir. Habitat of Northern Columbiana County

"IF ANYBODY KNOWS ANYTHING ABOUT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY. THEY KNOW WHAT A GOOD CAUSE IT IS, AND WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO DO WITH OUR STORE FOR IT."--Richard Lobdell Restore Manager

At this point the store is only open on Saturdays from 9 to 4, but that may change as the business grows. If you would like more information you can call the Restore at 330-337-4808.