Athens Area Habitat for Humanity (Office and ReStore) will be closed in observance of Memorial Day.

Memorial Day, which falls on the last Monday of May, commemorates the men and women who died while serving in the American military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, at least, it marks the beginning of summer.

Find out more about Memorial Day here.

(via The History Channel)

Giant ReStore Sale: 50% off office essentials

The Athens Habitat ReStore is bursting at the seams with desks, file cabinets, chairs, and more. Stop by today through Saturday to take advantage of incredible deals: metal file cabinets for $12.50; various wooden desks for $15 to$40; metal desks for $7.50, and more!

Stop by today and snatch these deals right off of the sidewalk! The ReStore is located at 532 Barber Street (just across the tracks) Athens GA.

ReStore Hot Item of the Week:

Beautiful large dining room table + 4 wooden chairs in great condition

*Visit Athens Habitat ReStore to check on availability, ask questions, or purchase an item. Mention this posting to receive 10$ off!

Athens Habitat ReStore
532 Barber Street (across the tracks)
Athens, GA 30603

A View From The Builder: Tom's Blog

Demolition and remodleing efforts continued on the Habitat apartments at East Broad this week. Groups from Intuit, UGA and Gainesville State all jumped into the fray to gut 5 units while completing the framing and seeminglyunending tasks on our model unit. These guys and gals have gotten demo down to a science! Each unit is now only taking a day to deconstruct and clean. Lunch was graciously provided by Domino's Pizza on Baxter. Keep 'em coming (workers and pizza)!

--Tom

Move To Improve Block Party announcement:

Maybe I am the only one who gets really excited about dunking booths (although I suspect thats not the case!) - but I am thrilled to announce we have another "target."

Don Nelson (Associate Editor at the Athens Banner Herald) has signed up to be in the dunking booth at 5:00 pm.

Spencer Frye is also going in the booth at 5:45 pm.

Mark your calendars now! What could be more fun than dunking friends and community leaders?

Athens Area Habitat In The News:

Frye and McKillip: County housing goal makes sense

We'd like to applaud Athens-Clarke County's mayor and commission for the recent adoption of a set of community and affordable housing goals, which specifically include encouraging redevelopment of existing apartment complexes.

Each year, Athens-Clarke County receives federal grant money to provide affordable housing. By encouraging the redevelopment of existing apartment complexes, we can get the most out of these federal grants. Recently, ReNew Athens was able to acquire and begin renovation of a 16-unit complex at an average completed cost of $26,500. This finished cost is so low because ReNew Athens is able to use most of the standing structure. Thus, by using the existing apartment stock, ReNew Athens can provide a renovated home for one-third to one-fifth the traditional affordable-housing new construction cost of $67,000 to $120,000.
Further, the adaptive reuse of existing apartments is more environmentally friendly. ReNew Athens' units are brought up to present-day efficiency standards, reducing this community's carbon footprint and water and energy consumption. ReNew Athens believes in and supports the adaptive reuse of existing apartment complexes in Athens, and believes this initiative demonstrates the new sustainability that Athens needs.

Spencer Frye
Doug McKillip

• Spencer Frye and Doug McKillip are the founding partners of ReNew Athens. Frye, executive director of Athens Area Habitat for Humanity, is a candidate for mayor of Athens-Clarke County. McKillip, an Athens attorney, represents part of Athens-Clarke County in the Georgia House of Representatives.

(via Athens Banner-Herald Published Tuesday, May 11, 2010)

A group of hard workers from the Athens Banner Herald came out this past Saturday to work at 1645 East Broad Street. This ReNew Athens project is well underway- cleaning and renovating the run down apartment complex to become affordable rentals.

A special thanks to Subway (120 Alps Road) for sponsoring lunch. Our dedicated volunteers appreciate your support!

ReStore Hot Item of the Week:

Beautifuly detailed boxes (sold as a set) for $100.These treasures are in great condition with map printing on the top and a felt lining on the inside.

*Mention this posting and receive 10% off. All items must be purchased in person and picked up at the ReStore ( located at 532 Barber Street, Athens, GA 30601)