ReStore Hot Item of the Week:

This cushioned bench was recently refurbished by our resident craftsman, Mr. Green. Beautiful cherry wood covered with a comfortable beige cushion makes for the perfect seating area for your home! This bench also includes shelving under the seat for convenient storage or another space for creative decorating. Perfect for seating alongside a breakfast table or as a window seat complete with your favorite books and magazines or along a hallway for decoration and storage. Also, could be used in a sitting room or porch to provide the extra seating you need for company without taking up the extra room! This piece can be found at 532 Barber Street. All purchases must be made in person!

*Mention this post and receive 10% off!

Don't Dump it, Donate It!

I know I promised you a blog from Tom this week, but I got my dates confused and he was actually still out of town for this past Saturday's build. I apologize for the mistake, but the good news is that he is back and will be back to writing after the break this weekend.

It is unbelievable that July is already almost here, and that means one thing: anyone who signed a year long lease last August is about to have to start moving out. I want to remind everyone who is miserable trying to clean up, empty, and move out of there homes that the ReStore offers free pickups for furniture and donated items. So please, rather than getting frustrated with the moving process and throwing away anything you might not want, call the ReStore and let us deal with any of your unwanted items. Call 706-354-0936 to schedule your free pickup today!

No Build This Saturday

Due to the fact that we will be celebrating our independence as a country this weekend, there will be no build on Saturday. While the USA may be out of the World Cup, that is no excuse not to celebrate everything great that America stands for this weekend. When times are tough, and people are getting down, it very important to stand together as one and support each other. So take the weekend off, go fishing, host a barbeque, play a game of Wiffle Ball (or football whichever you prefer), go to a fireworks show, and just enjoy all of the great things America has to offer. Click here to watch just about the most American thing you will ever see.

New ReStore Commercial!

We are sitting down today to start coming up with some ideas for a new ReStore commercial. Not that we don't love the old one, but we think its about time for something fresh. We are currently open to ideas for the new commercial, so if you have any suggestions please email them to pr@athenshabitat.com.

Speaking of the ReStore, if you find yourself looking for something to do today come on down and check out the slew of unbelievable items we currently have. It may be a little hot, but when it comes to finding the coffee table, t-shirt, couch, rocking chair, or toy (I could go on for years) you have always wanted it will be worth it.

Don't forget the ReStore offers free pickups for donations so call 706-354-0936 today and reserve your pickup. Have a safe and happy weekend!

John Isner, Team USA, and Athfest

Things are going great in Athens this week as we gear up this years Athfest. Not only do we get to celebrate a heroic last minute win from our boys over in South Africa and an outstanding performance from UGA's very own John Isner at Wimbledon, but we also get over 150 bands performing around town all weekend. Athfest kicks off tonight at the 40 Watt at 10:00pm with a party hosted by New West Records, Team Clermont, and Aquarium Drunkard. Its only $2 at the door so come out and celebrate the end of a monumental week for the United States and UGA's John Isner, and the beginning of an amazing weekend in Athens. Click here for a full schedule for this years Athfest.

ReStore Hot Item of the Week:

Beautiful Antique Organ for $150.

Athens Habitat has a wonderful antique organ in good condition. This beautiful vintage instrument has tons of intriguing features. Come by the ReStore to check them out! We are located at 532 Barber Street in Athens. Items must be purchased in person.

*Mention this post and receive 10% off!

No Blog From Tom Today

Unfortunately we do not get to hear from Tom today because he has been on vacation for the past couple of days. Not to worry though, he will be back in time for next weeks installment of A View From The Builder.

As many of you know, this year Athens Area Habitat held its 3rd Annual "Move to Improve" Block Party at 1645 East Broad Street, the future site of Habitat's ReNew Athens Apartments. Along with the help of our many volunteers, our Construction Managers Tom and Beau were able to complete one of the units before the party. I must say the unit looked amazing, an enormous improvement from the condition it was in before Habitat got there. Special thanks to Tom, Beau, and all of our volunteers. Keep up the great work!

Happy Summer!

Although we have been dealing with scorching summer heat for the past couple of weeks, today officially marks the first day of summer. I guess upper 90's temperature just decided to show up to the party a little bit early this year. 7:28 a.m. this morning marked the beginning of the summer solstice, making today the longest day of the year. Personally, I think the sun has been working a little too hard over the past couple of weeks and should probably take a break (maybe down to the mid 70's). I wouldn't get too hopeful about that though. For more information on why today is the longest day of the year and what makes today the start of the summer solstice click here.

On a different note, last weeks 3rd Annual Move to Improve Block Party was a major success! A special thanks goes out to everyone who battled the heat to come out and enjoy the day with us, and all of our volunteers who helped make the event so successful. To view pictures of the festivities click here.

The Move to Improve Block Party is TODAY!

We are in the final stages of setting up for the Move to Improve Block Party this afternoon from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m at 1645 East Broad Street. This morning has been full of shopping and errands as we get all the last minute details ready. After a trip to Sam's, we have tons of free food for everyone and can't wait to start the grilling! While some of us find fun face painting designs, others are gathering the tie dye materials and checking to make sure we have plenty of sidewalk chalk and games. Jonathan Casey, our project manager, is headed off to pick up the dunk tank to take to the site. With banners, signs, and an enormous, looming moonwalk, you can't miss it! But if for some reason you do, just roll down your windows and follow the music from the band. Free food, music, games, a dunk tank, and moonwalk, what more could you ask for on a beautiful Friday afternoon? See you there!

The 3rd Annual "Move to Improve" Block Party is tomorrow!

Tomorrow at 4pm we are kicking of our "Move to Improve" Block Party in celebration of National Homeownership Month. Bring family, bring friends, and be sure to bring sunscreen as we celebrate with Free Food, Live Music, a Moonwalk, a Dunking Booth, and other kids games.

Be sure to be there by 5:00pm, when Associate Editor of the Athens Banner Herald Don Nelson steps into the dunk tank. Afterwards at 5:15pm, we will be holding the ReNew Athens groundbreaking with Mayor Heidi Davison, Commissioner Harry Sims, and Athens Area Habitat's Executive Director Spencer Frye. Following the groundbreaking Spencer Frye will be getting in the dunk tank so be sure to get your throwing arms ready.

The block party is located at 1645 East Broad Street. Parking is limited inside the complex so be sure to park on the street.

Restore Hot Item of the Week:

The Athens Habitat ReStore has a great wooden antique desk in excellent condition available for just $150! This gorgeous piece was refurbished by our fine craftsman Mr. Green at the ReStore and would be a great addition to your home office. So, come check it out! We are located at 532 Barber Street in Athens. All items must be purchased in person.

We are locate at 532 Barber Street, Athens Ga. All Items must be purchased in person.

*Mention this posting and receive 10% off!

Laura’s Farewell Blog:

I started at Athens Area Habitat a little over three years ago as a bright eyed PR intern. That summer I built a pirate ship out of a shopping cart (that’s right, you can thank my team for that infamous pirate commercial), worked on rebranding the ReStore, and fell in love with this organization. I sort of stuck around as an intern and I am still thankful that they let me stay.

Thinking back, it's hard to pick out highlights of my time here to reminisce with you. This organization has truly bloomed so much in the last several years. I've had the opportunity to be involved in countless events, programs, and initiatives that serve the needs of the community in a unique way.

I will never forget the heart that drives each person here at Athens Area Habitat. Anyone who’s been to the ReStore or build site can attest to the quality of characters we have around here. Every day is a new adventure and I am honored to have had the opportunity to learn from such wonderful people.

I am leaving to start an exciting new adventure, but the memories will stay with me and drive me forward. I will never forget the many volunteers, donors, homeowners, and community organizations who inspire me every day.

It was a pleasure working with you. Thank you for your support, advice, and good times.

In partnership,
Laura Dempsey

At this time, you can direct all work related inquiries to my temporary replacement Cartter Fontaine.

Only one more week until the Move to Improve Block Party!

Next Friday, June 18th, marks Athens Area Habitat's 3rd annual "Move to Improve" Block Party. Each year, in celebration of National Homeownership Month this Block Party brings together individuals, non-profit organizations, schools, religious organizations, and local government to celebrate the positive works done in the area, engage in discussing solutions to local issues, provide information to the low income community, and create valuable connections. This year the celebration will take place on Friday June 18th from 4pm – 6pm at 1645 East Broad Street Athens, GA.

Activities include Free Food, Live Music, Dunk Tank, Moonwalk, face painting, tie dyeing, informational fair, and the Renew Athens groundbreaking with Mayor Heidi Davison, Commissioner Harry Simms, and Habitat Executive Director Spencer Frye.

Note: The ReStore will be closing at 3pm on 6/18 so that our staff can enjoy the community celebration.

As Athens continues to be hit by daily summer showers, I would like to remind all those who volunteer for Habitat builds to be sure and check the Athens Area Habitat website for any updates that may occur (cancellations, changes in site location, etc.). If, under unfortunate circumstances, the build has to be cancelled or postponed due to weather, it will be posted front and center on this blog as early as possible. So before you head out on the morning of a build, don't forget to check the website for any last minute changes that Mother Nature may cause. Click here for a 10 day weather forecast for Athens Clarke County.

ReStore Hot Item of the Week:

We have a beautiful double-column mirrored oak fireplace mantle located at the Athens Area Habitat ReStore. Priced at only $699, this mantle is an unbelievable deal, so don’t miss out! We are located at 532 Barber Street, Athens, GA. Items must be purchased in person.

*Mention this posting and receive 10% off.

A View From The Builder: Tom's Blog

The flurry of activity continued this weekend on the apartments at East Broad as Beau lead a group while demolishing the last few units. Now we get to put them back together again...

I had the pleasure working with a hard charging group of regulars while framing out another Handicap ramp in Lexington for a well-deserving family(who are now able to leave their house). Thanks to all the volunteers who sweated it out digging through what felt like granite to lay up the posts! We would have finished it too if the heat wasn't quite as stifling. Not to worry though since there are 3 more waiting to be constructed.

Lunch and the ensuing nap time was graciusly provided by the fine folks at RuChDa Wings who delivered once again all the way from Atlanta. Mmmmmmm.....zzzzzzz.

--Tom

Happy Birthday Mr. Green!

Today is a special day at Athens Area Habitat and the ReStore as we celebrate the birthday of admired employee Mr. Green. Mr. Green works from 9am to 1pm Monday through Friday to refurbish broken and scratched furniture that is brought into the ReStore. This allows for the ReStore to be able to accept a larger range of items, as well as improve these items in order to increase their chance of sale. Through Mr. Green's work, the ReStore is able to stay "green" by keeping usable items out of the landfill. Thanks for all the hard work Mr. Green, we look forward to having you here for many more birthdays to come. For an amazing volunteer experience, if you would like the opportunity to work with Mr. Green please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at: volunteer@athenshabitat.com

For More Information On Mr. Green click here.

Today marks a very special day for sugar lovers across the country. National Donut Day, held on the first Friday in June, was first started in 1938 by the Salvation Army in order to honor the hard working women who served donuts to our troops during the First World War. So be sure to stop by your favorite donut shop and pick up one of the delicious pastries for yourself, friends, coworkers, family members, and any one else who may need a little sugar to get them through the rest of their Friday afternoon. For more information on National Donut Day check out its Wikipedia page at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Donut_Day.

New Volunteer Opportunity: Move To Improve Block Party (Friday, June 18th 3pm - 7pm)

In celebration of National Homeownership Month, Athens Area Habitat for Humanity will be hosting the third annual “Move To Improve” Block Party! This year the celebration will take place on Friday June 18th from 4pm – 6pm at 1645 East Broad Street Athens, GA.

We are currently recruiting volunteers to support this event. Volunteer activities will include set up, helping with activities (moonwalk, food, children's activities, etc) and break down. If you are interested in volunteering, please email volunteer@athenshabitat.com

ReStore Hot Item of the Week:



We recently received a beautiful piano at the ReStore. This item is in amazing condition and needs only minor tuning. Perfect for someone looking for a functional instrument for a decent price.

Item must be purchased in person at the ReStore. We are located at 532 Barber Street, Athens GA. Mention this ad and receive 10% off!

June is National Homeownership Month!

In celebration of National Homeownership Month, Athens Area Habitat for Humanity will be hosting the third annual “Move To Improve” Block Party! This year the celebration will take place on Friday June 18th from 4pm – 6pm at 1645 East Broad Street Athens, GA.

Each year, this “Move To Improve” Block Party brings together individuals, non-profit organizations, schools, religious organizations, and local government to celebrate the positive works done in the area, engage in discussing solutions to local issues, provide information to the low income community, and create valuable connections.

Activities include FREE FOOD, live music, DUNK TANK, moonwalk, INFORMATIONAL FAIR, kid's games, RENEW ATHENS GROUNDBREAKING & more..

We invite you to be part of this community celebration.